Issues related to deaf culture were the main focus of a recent film festival co-sponsored by the School of Creative Media and the Department of Applied Social Studies at City University of Hong Kong (CityU).

Altogether 45 films under the broad theme of “Let the Deaf’s Dreams Blossom with Films” were screened at the 2nd Hong Kong International Deaf Film Festival held at the agnès b. Cinema at the Hong Kong Arts Centre from 24 to 26 February.

The films fell into six categories: Asian Spectacles; Panorama of Deafhood; Resisting Discrimination; Animated Visions; Signs of Romance; and DeafBlind and Deaf Athletics.

“This international film festival allows us to witness the artistic talents of the deaf community and see how their ‘dreams blossom with films’,” said Professor Way Kuo, CityU President, officiating at the opening ceremony.

“Film is an excellent means for gaining insight into other people’s lives and experiencing the world around us,” he added.

CityU supported the festival, which was organised by the Hong Kong Association of the Deaf and co-sponsored by the Hong Kong Art Centre and the Asian People’s Theatre Festival Society, with a special screening recently of five deaf films at the Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre.

The University is proud of its work with the local deaf community in Hong Kong. The Wei Hing Theatre on campus was used for the launch of the 1st Hong Kong Deaf Festival Variety Show in 2009, and the following year for the UK Deaf Films Preview.

In addition, the School of Creative Media trained deaf people in film production and editing in 2010. The University encourages staff and students to participate in programmes and initiatives that articulate concerns for people and society.