Schedule
TUESDAY
APRIL 16, 2024
Join us for an extraordinary day at the SignLight International Film Festival, featuring a VIP Welcome Reception with celebrity guests, followed by the powerful film "Being Michelle" and a dessert reception. Don't miss this inspiring event celebrating resilience and empowerment in the Deaf community.
Red Carpet
and
VIP Reception
5:00 pm Filmmakers VIP Welcome Reception
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Red Carpet Photos &
Press Interviews
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Celebrity Guest Attending
Rosie O'Donnell
CJ Jones,
Ryan Lane
Marlee Matlin
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*VIP Ticket required​
Opening Night Film
6:30 pm being michelle
Directed by Atin Mehra
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followed by a Q & A
Moderator: Rosie O'Donnell​
​
BEING MICHELLE follows the astonishing journey of a deaf and disabled woman who survived incarceration and abuse under unimaginable circumstances by a system that refused to accommodate her needs as a deaf person with autism. Michelle’s trajectory changed when she met Kim Law, a blind volunteer life coach who teaches classes to people in prison. Today, outside of prison, Kim and Michelle are doing the difficult work of unraveling Michelle’s history, of telling the story of Michelle’s traumatic childhood and her adverse experiences in the criminal justice system. With the support of Kim, Michelle realizes her own voice and strength. Throughout the film Michelle’s artwork provides her own depiction of the trauma she survived as well as a means to her recovery.
Dessert Reception
9:00 pm Dessert Reception
following the end of the film and Q &A
​
WEDNESDAY
APRIL 17, 2024
Embark on an enlightening journey at the SignLight International Film Festival's second day, featuring discussions on Deaf-owned Doves Media and a sneak peek of "Salt and Pepper," along with insights into music and sound design in filmmaking. Join us for engaging conversations, refreshments, and an evening of socializing at the no host bar.
Silver Screen
Theater
9:15 am Morning Mixer
10:00 am Meet and Greet Fellow Filmmakers
11:00 am DØVES Media
Norway's 40-year Success Story
12:00 pm The 4th Dimension:
The Elements of Music and
Sound Design
1:30 pm Short Documentary Films & Q&A
3:00 pm Alfredo Corrado & Q&A
5:00 pm Pas le choix & Q&A
6:00 pm Evening Mixer
7:30 pm Not Another Deaf Story & Q&A
Breaking
Nina
My Life in Two Luggages
Silence Elevated
Showcase
Screening Room
2:15 pm Screening 1
Charlie and the Hun
Flirting (With Possibilities)
My Glow
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3:30 pm Screening 2
19:24
Expressions
Love Beyond Boarders,
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4:45 pm Screening 3
The Koda-Chrome (W)rapper
The Singer
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6:00 pm Screening 4
Memories of the Warsaw Ghetto
(Director's Cut)
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7:15 pm Screening 5
A Sonic Pulse
Hamburger Airplane
Raising CODAs
Your Hands
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8:30 pm Screening 6
One Last Time
Translation
Who The Hell is Nigel?
The Gallery
11:00 am- 7:00 pm Vendor Booths
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The Gym
12:00 pm-1:30 pm Catered Lunch*
6:00 pm-7:30 pm Catered Dinner *
*Must be Pre-Purchased
​
DØVES Media:
Norway's 40-year Success Story
Michel Laubacher
Con Mehlum
​
Producer Michel Laubacher and Director-Screenwriter Con Mehlum discuss the creation and sustainability of Deaf-owned and operated Doves Media and show a sneak peek at their new full-length feature film, Salt and Pepper.
The 4TH Dimension:
The Elements of Music and Sound Design
Moderator: Cassandra Jones
Dawn Soler
Karol Urban
Trevor Gates
TL Forsberg
​
Join Academy-nominated Music Supervisor Dawn Soler, alongside brilliant sound mixers and editors Karol Urban and Trevor Gates, as they unveil the to elevate your films with extraordinary sound. Explore the art of selecting perfect melodies and crafting seamless soundscapes, adding an immersive dimension to every scene. Discover best practices and affordable techniques for achieving stellar sound mixing.
Mixers
Open to All
Daily in the Silver Screen Lobby.
Join us for engaging conversations and networking opportunities with filmmakers, panelists, and fellow attendees in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Refreshments available for purchase.
In the evening, there will be a no host bar available for those looking to unwind and socialize after a day of screenings and discussions.
​
We look forward to seeing you there!
Craft Programing
Welcome to Day 3 of the SignLight International Film Festival! Discover insights into Deaf talent promotion with BSL Zone, learn about television show development from industry experts like Vanessa Taylor Sands, and explore animation production with Janie Kahan. Plus, enjoy more amazing films today!
THURSDAY
APRIL 18, 2024
Silver Screen
Theater
9:15 am Morning Mixer
​
10:00 am Model of Success:
The U.K. Way w/BSL Zone
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12:00 pm Speak in a Whisper
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12:45 pm Silent Rhythm
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2:15 pm Masterclass: Demystifying Development
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4:00 pm Lacrimosa & Q&A
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6:00 pm The Tuba Thieves & Q&A
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6:30 pm Evening Mixer
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8:00 pm What? & Q&A
Showcase
Screening Room
12:15 pm Screening 1
Bent: His Vengence
Benny
The Participant
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1:30 pm Screening 2
FEARLESS devised
The Device That Turned Me Into a Cyborg
Was Born the Same Year Was
You Are Noted
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2:45 pm Screening 3
Another Influencer
Night Stop
Passanger
The Imprint
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4:00 pm Masterclass: Lights, Camera, Animation
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6:00 pm Screening 4
Blooming
The Last Words
The Photo
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7:15 pm Screening 5
Inspired
Kryptonite
New Narratives:The Language of Care
Silent World
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8:30 pm Screening 6
Deaf Identity Ep 1
The Gallery
11:00 am- 7:00 pm
Vendor Booths
The Gym
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
SIFF VIP Invited Lunch*
*Not open to the public
5:30 pm-7:00 pm
Catered Dinner
*Must be Pre-Purchased
​
​
​
Our
Story
Models of Success:
The U.K. Way w/BSL Zone
Moderator - Camilla Arnold
Chief Executive/Interim Head of Commissioning,
British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust
Charlie Swinbourne
Executive Producer for Drama,
British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust
​
For 15 years, BSL Zone has been the world-leader in training, hiring, and promoting Deaf talent in every facet of development, production, and distribution, providing the U.K. Deaf Community with thousands of hours entertainment programming in British Sign Language (BSL). Learn BSL Zone's best practices and gain insights from the unique public-private funding entity, the British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust (BSLBT), that made all this possible. Does it provide a way forward for the U.S. and other countries?
Masterclass:
Demystifying Development with Vanessa Taylor Sands
Vanessa Taylor Sands
VP Development, DreamWorks Animation Television
​
Join us for this illuminating session offering invaluable insights into how captivating television shows are conceived and brought to life. Whether you're an aspiring creator, industry professional, or simply curious about the magic behind your favorite TV series, this event is not to be missed.
Masterclass:
The Animation Pipeline
Janie Kahan
Coordinator, Animation Production
​
Dive deep into the world of animation and its unique production pipeline with ASL-fluent Animation Production Coordinator Janie Kahan (DreamWorks, Netflix, Nickelodeon).
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Mixers
Open to all
Daily in the Silver Screen Lobby.
Join us for engaging conversations and networking opportunities with filmmakers, panelists, and fellow attendees in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Refreshments available for purchase.
In the evening, there will be a no host bar available for those looking to unwind and socialize after a day of screenings and discussions.
​
We look forward to seeing you there!
Craft Programing
Welcome to the fourth day of the SignLight International Film Festival! Delve into pathways to full inclusion in film festivals, uncover career-building opportunities in documentary filmmaking, and glean insights from rising stars and industry experts. Be sure not to miss the thrilling stage version of the new ASL game show with guest stars and interactive fun - you might even get chosen to play along! Join us for another day filled with inspiration and entertainment at the festival.
FRIDAY
APRIL 19, 2024
Silver Screen
Theater
9:15 am Morning Mixer
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11:00 am Innovations: Unleashing Creativity
12:00 pm TV Episodic & Q&A
Four Deaf Yorkshiremen Contest
Four Deaf Yorkshiremen and a Wedding
Here/Not Here
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2:00 pm Inside Story:
"Creed III"
"The Last of Us"
"The Company You Keep"
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3:00 pm Changer: A Handtelling
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4:45 pm SignTasTic! : Live Performance
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6:00 pm You Shall Hear & Q&A
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6:30 pm Evening Mixer
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8:00 pm Short Films & Q&A
Diagnonsense
Father Tongue
Fractal
Veneer
Showcase
Screening Room
12:00 pm Career Builders: Getting into Film Festivals
12:45 pm New Horizons:
Opportunities in Documentary Filmmaking
​
2:30 pm Screening 1 Episodic TV
Reverberations
Reverberations: The Return
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3:45 pm Screening 2
I'll Sleep When You're Dead
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5:45 pm Screening 3
Pinky VRS Documentary
Sir Valence Presents:Watching U Save our Souls
So It Goes
The Hands
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7:00 pm Screening 4
A Citizenship Signed Bébian
Deafening Silence
They
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8:15 pm Screening 5
Deaf Fable
Let the Chips Fall
The 5%
The Rad Scientist
The Gallery
11:00 am- 7:00 pm
Vendor Booths
The Gym
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Catered Lunch
5:30 pm-7:00 pm
Catered Dinner
*Must be Pre-Purchased
Deadline to purchase meals Wed April 10th.
Innovations: Unleashing Creativity
Melissa Mahlkun
Motion Light Lab
John Tartaglia
​
Get inspired as you learn about the latest and greatest media projects of Motion Light Lab, the award-winning research and development lab at Gallaudet University. Among the exciting developments, Director Melissa Malzkuhn will show demos of their creation of advanced 3D avatars with sign language created with motion capture technology. And your creative juices will be flowing as acclaimed Creator, Producer, Writer, Director, and Puppeteer, John Tartaglia, currently Creative Supervisor and television development team member at The Jim Henson Company, presents the first public introduction to Henson's proprietary digital puppetry-to-animation technology that paves the way for cost-effective sign language performance in animation!
Inside Story: Creed III, The Last of Us
The Company You Keep
CJ Jones
DASL The Last of Us, The Company You Keep
Mila Davis-Kent
Creed III
Keivonn Woodard
Emmy Nominee: The Last of Us
Shaylee Mansfield
Actor: The Company You Keep
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Being a child on set can be a daunting experience. Being a Deaf child on set presents more challenges, or does it? Three rising young stars, Mila Davis-Kent, Keivonn Woodard, Shaylee Mansfield, and their coach and Director of Artistic Sign Language (DASL), CJ Jones share the secrets of their success working on two hit shows and mega movie.
Craft Programing
Career Builders:
Getting Into Film Festivals
Moderator: Barbara Twist
ED Film Festival Alliance
Angela Lee
Film Independent
Bryne Jones
Easterseals
Whit Spurgeon
Co-Founder & Programming Director,
We Make Movies International Film Festival
Michael Kaufer
​
For too long, film festivals have been unwelcoming to Deaf filmmakers and Deaf audiences alike. Happily, the "welcome mat" is being put in place at many festivals, and more are to come! Join the movement for full inclusion at film festivals and find out which festivals to submit to now!
New Horizons: Opportunities in Documentary Filmmaking
Ranell Shubert, Moderator
Nonfiction Access Initiative Funds Program Manager,
International Documentary Association
Maria Santos
Funds Program Officer,
International Documentary Association
Mae Thornton Mehra
Producer, being michelle
​
A career in documentary filmmaking has long been perceived as a struggle. But the immense popularity of streaming, YouTube, and film festivals offers new opportuities to establish a strong reputation and build a multi-faceted career. Find out how!
Live Game Show
SignTastic!
Experience the traveling stage version of the new ASL game show soon to be seen on VSYN+!
You may be chosen to play along with the guest stars!
Created by and starring Dan Cook, co-starring Heather Gray; Founders & Co-Producers of Silent Visual Media.
Saturday
APRIL 20, 2024
Welcome to day five of the SignLight International Film Festival! Join us for a day packed with entertainment suitable for the whole family! Dive into the enchanting world of a Disney animation legend, be the first to learn from the creatives behind a sign language-centered gaming adventure, enjoy live performances, and engage in enlightening conversations about crafting family-friendly programs using Sign Language.
Silver Screen
Theater
9:15 am Morning Mixer
10:00 am Animated Films
Dimensions,
Ice Cubes,
Greta's Storm
​
11:15 am SignTasTic! Live Performance
​
12:00 pm Meet and Greet "Young Stars"
Mila Davs Kent
Shaylee Mansfield
Keivonn Woodard
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12:15 pm Andreas Deja "30 Years at Disney"
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2:00 pm Nominated Student Films
Danceable,
Deaf Giant,
Interpretation
DOSH
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5:00 pm Red Carpet and VIP Reception *
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7:00 pm Closing Night Award Ceremony*
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9:00 pm Desert Reception*
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*VIP Ticket required​
Showcase
Screening Room
10:00 am The Need, Benefits, and Market for Children's Programming in
Sign Language
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11:15 am Opportunities in Gaming:
The Odd Gentlemen &
The Making of Harmonium:
The Musical
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12:45 pm Screening 1
Cat's Got Your Tongue
Finger Brew
His Hands His Art
Ladylike
Leak
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2:00 pm Screening 2
CODA
Millstone,
To My Father
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The Gym
2:00 pm ASL Hip Hop Workshop
with Matt Maxey
2:30 pm Learn Na'vi Sign Language
with CJ Jones
3:30 pm ASL Hip Hop Workshop
with Matt Maxey
The Gallery
9:15am- 3:00pm
Vendor Booths
The Gym
12:00 pm - 1:30pm Catered Lunch
*Must Pre-Purchased
The Need, Benefits, and Market for
Children's Programming
in Sign Language
Moderator: John Tartaglia
The JimHenson Company
Kathy Robinson
Founder & CEO, Signs for Success
Keivonn Woodard
Actor
Shaylee Mansfield
Actor
Mila Davis-Kent
Actor
Cheri Dowling
Executive Director
American Society for Deaf Children
Yiesel
American Society for Deaf Children
Halle Stanford
President Henson Company
Justine Guadarrama
Parent
Rene Visco
Parent
Melissa Anderson
Parent
​
Shockingly, there's never been a television show for children in ASL in the U.S. NOW is the time to make that happen! Our panel of experts provide the data, insights, and pitch tips needed to attract creators, producers, and writers of children's programming.
Opportunities in Gaming: The Odd Gentlemen
& The Making of Harmonium:
The ASL Musical
Matt Daigle
Co-Creator
Kay Oldfather-Daigle
Co-Creator
Matt Korba
President, The Odd Gentleman, Creative Director
David Stanton
Vice-President, The Odd Gentleman, Composer
​
Get the inside story on the creation of this video game sensation, directly from the co-creators Matt and Kay Daigle! A collaboration between Deaf writers, designers, artists, and animators and the award-winning narrative game studio, The Odd Gentlemen, this interactive beautifully animated sign language musical engages players of all ages in the adventures of the young Deaf heroine as she enters a magical land and conjures up a new type of music that can be felt, seen, and is accessible to her friends.
ASL Hip Hop Workshop w/DEAFinitely Dope
Matt Maxey
Energize your body and uplift your spirits as ASL Hip-Hop artist Matt Maxey, aka DEAFinitely Dope, takes you through the steps and signs he's performed in concerts around the country w/Chance the Rapper and other artists!
Learn Na'vi Sign Language
with CJ Jones
CJ Jones
Ready to learn another sign language? CJ Jones created Na'vi Sign Language (NSL) for Avatar 2 and is expanding NSL for Avatar 3! Sign like a Na'vi and spread the word... uh, signs!
Special Guest Presentation:
30 Years at Disney w/Andreas Deja
Andreas Deja
Disney Animator
​
A rare oppportunity to learn about the amazing career of the world-renown animator who brought to life some of your favorite characters from The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Enchanted, and more! Plus, a special screening of Andreas' most recent animated short, Mushka. Following his presentation, Andreas will meet with the audience in the lobby and hand out autographed art from The Lion King.
Craft Programing
Closing Night Award Gala
Red Carpet
and
VIP Reception
5:00 pm VIP Closing Night Reception
Red Carpet Photos
and
Press Interviews
​
Celebrity Guest Attending
Deanne Bray
CJ Jones
Troy Kotsur
Ryan Lane
John Maucere
Antony Natale
Amber Zion
...and more.
​
*VIP Ticket required​
7:00 pm Closing Night Award Ceremony
​
Award Ceremony
Host
Rosa Lee
​
Performances by
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Beautiful the Artist
Justin Perez
Keith Sho Roc Brown
Orel Barajas
TL Forsberg
Urban Jazz Dance Company
Dessert Reception
9:00 pm Dessert Reception
Following the end of the ceremony
Host
Rosa Lee
Rosa Lee is a dynamic leader and accomplished performance artist with a bachelor's degree in Social Work from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Western Oregon University. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing, video production, content development, and graphic design, she has founded a magazine, a Deaf music camp, and a long-running one-woman show. Currently, as Division President at CSD Social Venture Fund, Rosa is a prominent BIPOC Deaf woman leader, celebrated for her impactful work in American Sign Language music videos and her role as Creative Director on The Rosa Lee Show, inspiring others through her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Orel Barajas
"ORL B THA CODA"
ORL B THA CODA is a Father, a partner, a CODA, a musician, and a sneaker-head. He’s a Mexican-American California native. He has a passion for making and signing music with the goal of changing the industry to be more visual and accessible.
Keith Brown
"Sho Roc"
Keith "Sho’Roc" Brown, a hard of hearing (H.O.H) recording artist from Wilmington, Delaware, is known for his singing, rapping, dancing, and use of ASL in performances. Inspired during his time at Gallaudet University by meeting deaf rapper Prinz-D, Sho'Roc co-founded the pioneering deaf Hip-Hop group Helix Boyz and acted in "Hip-Hop Anansi" at Imagination Stage in 2006. Collaborating with artists like WaWa's World and DJ Nicar, Sho'Roc has performed across the US and in Osaka, Japan. His debut solo album "Triple Threat" (2021) features hit singles like "Go Higher," with his upcoming projects continuing to push boundaries in music and deaf culture.
TL Forsberg
TL Forsberg is an internationally renowned singer and performer in Deaf Culture, as well as a Diversity and Inclusion Advocate, keynote speaker, award-winning playwright, and trauma-informed coach. Known as "The Deaf Lady Gaga," she has been featured in the award-winning documentary "See What I'm Saying: The Deaf Entertainers Documentary" and has appeared on ABC's "Switched at Birth" and VH1's "SuperGroup." TL's critically acclaimed solo show, "The Book That Won't Close-Confessions of a Love Addict," has won numerous awards and celebrates diversity within the d/Deaf Culture. As a Diversity & Inclusion Advocate (DIA), TL works to promote fair and diverse practices in the theatre industry. Visit www.tlforsberg.com for more information on her Music & Artist Ministry.
Beautiful the Artist
Beautiful the Artist, born Briana Johnson in Atlanta, Georgia, is a Deaf recording artist and founder of Signdance. Inspired by her mother's unwavering support and encouragement, she overcame obstacles to pursue her passion for music and dance. Crowned Miss Black Deaf America, Beautiful advocates for Deaf culture and inclusivity through her music and dance company. She aims to bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities, promoting sign language education and fostering understanding and acceptance.
Urban Jazz Dance Company
The Urban Jazz Dance Company (Deaf Lead Business), founded in 2007 by pioneering deaf dancer/choreographer Antoine Hunter, is a dynamic ensemble comprising both professional deaf and hearing dancers. Dedicated to providing platforms for deaf and differently-abled artists, UJDC integrates urban jazz rhythms into performances that celebrate cultural connections across diverse backgrounds and abilities. Renowned for their captivating shows, UJD has graced prestigious venues and festivals such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Green Show. Through their art, they advocate for the recognition of deafness as a human experience rich in its own values, principles, and cultural norms, transcending mere disability.
Justin Perez
Justin Perez, a native of Houston, Texas, discovered his passion for American Sign Language (ASL) performance art and storytelling during his formative years at the Texas School for the Deaf. Through deep connections with friends who shared his love for ASL stories, Justin honed his storytelling techniques and sign language expressions. His innovative approach to ASL performance has garnered him recognition worldwide, leading to opportunities such as teaching Visual Vernacular (VV) at the Texas School for the Deaf and serving as an ASL model for TRUE+WAY ASL curriculum. Justin's recent victory in the national ASL Elements competition, with his popular Super Mario Kart story, underscores his dedication to pushing the boundaries of ASL performance and bringing his art to the global ASL community, with Visual Vernacular remaining his specialty and preferred style.
Mila Davis-Kent
"Creed III, Creed IV"
Shaylee Mansfield
"The Company You Keep"
Keivonn Woodard
"The Last of Us"