What’s this Meet the Filmakers: Screenability discussion?

This is an in-depth discussion which will give audience members a chance to find out about opportunities available to and support provided for filmmakers from the Screenability program strand. Screenability is the Sydney Film Festival’s (SFF) platform for screen practitioners with disability leading their narratives.

This event is presented by the SFF in conjunction with the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and Accessible Arts.

When and where?

The discussion is happening at 4:15 pm on Saturday 16 June at  AFTRS. Proceedings will be Auslan interpreted.

Immediately before the discussion, there will be a screening of The Sign For Love beginning at 2:00 pm also on Saturday 16 June but at Hoyts Entertainment Quarter. To Know Him will also be screened.

Can I book now?

You don’t need to book for the discussion.

But, you need to book for the screenings right here. Please note: you only pay for The Sign For Love. There will be no charge for the second film (To Know Him).

What’s The Sign For Love all about?

In The Sign For Love, Deaf Israeli Elad Cohen has felt guilty about being deaf since childhood, when his mother told him “raising you is like raising three kids.” After his mother’s tragic death, the divide between Cohen and his family only widens. Craving the stability of a family of his own, he decides to have a baby with his Deaf best friend Yeali. But both are unprepared for the shock of being a new parents and living arrangements become complicated. It’s not until his son’s first birthday that Elad is able to reconnect with his father and sister. This deeply touching first-person documentary explores universal truths about familial misunderstandings, cultural bias against Deaf people, and the struggles of fatherhood.

Directors: Elad Cohen, Iris Ben Moshe
Screenwriter: Elad Cohen
Producer: Nati Adler
Israel | 2017 | 76 mins | In Hebrew and Israeli Sign Language with English subtitles | Australian Premiere

And what about To Know Him?

In this simple and powerful film, Deaf woman Sarah suddenly learns of her partner Rob’s death, and must battle with his father for ownership of his body to say her final goodbyes.

Director: Ted Evans
Screenwriter: Kellie Smith
Producers: Jennifer Monks, Michelle Eastwood
Cast: Ged McKenna, Jemma Joyce, Hermi Berhane
UK | 2018 | 28 mins | In English and UK Sign Language with English subtitles | International Premiere

What about access?

The discussion will be Auslan interpreted and is wheelchair accessible. Please check the Sydney Film Festival website for access information.

What’s Screenability?

This international program showcases the best of 2018, spanning drama and documentary from Australia, Israel, Austria and the UK, offering a unique world view on life. Screen practitioners with disability lead the films’ narratives.

Screenability is a SFF program produced in partnership with Create NSW and the Department of Family and Community Services.

How do I book?

You don’t need to book for the discussion.

But, you need to book for the screenings right here. Please note: you only pay for The Sign For Love. There will be no charge for the second film (To Know Him).

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For your complete guide to Screenability, visit here.

This page was first published on 5 June 2018.