Reflections Through a DeafLens

Greetings,

Not too long ago Kennedy Center's Opening Stages, an on-line newsletter by artists with disabilities asked if I would guest edit one of their issues. I thought long and hard and decided to give it a try. The newsletter was posted last week. In case the link doesn't work, you can Google "Opening Stages" and then go to issue No. 28. I am sincerely grateful to all of the artists that have graciously allowed me to interview them. There was simply not enough room to include all of the interviews I completed.  Each artist provided an unique point of view and I believe you will be moved and inspired by their courage and vision as they pursue their passion for their craft. Give your support to all artists, they have the ability, courage and passion to express what many of us feel but do not articulate. There's a lesson to be learned from each one of them. They all had dreams and they had the courage to pursue and achieve those dreams. 

Stay tuned,

Jane

Greetings,

Wolverhampton, England will be hosting it's tenth Deaf film festival, Deaffest during November 28-30, 2008. Do you think it's possible that England may have the longest continuously run Deaf film festival in the world? Do you have information that would confirm this? My friends and I were wondering when the concept of Deaf film festivals began? Did it start at Deaf clubs? I remember when I was in Reims for the Clin d'oeil (2005), I met an elderly Deaf man who told me about how he and his Deaf friends during 1940's watched films by Deaf filmmakers at clubs for the Deaf. Can anyone elaborate on this?

Meanwhile, I'm going to try to go to Wolverhampton. Will I see you there? Sure hope so!

Stay tuned,

Jane