BFI funds accessible workshops for deafblind filmmakers

Sense, the national deafblind charity, has been awarded £31,000 by the BFI (British Film Institute), to enable deafblind people to take part in a series of accessible filmmaking workshops.

The Accessible Filmmaking Project, delivered in collaboration with Kate Dangerfield from the University of Roehampton, will see ten weekly workshops take place across the country, each focusing on exploration and experimentation of film as a form of communication and expression.

The project will provide creative opportunities for people with sensory impairments to experiment with filmmaking techniques, test equipment for accessibility and improve access to low-budget film production and audio-visual media.

A reportage ‘documentary’ will explain the process involved and will follow the journey of workshop participants. Participants will use the new skills developed in the workshops to work alongside as part of the filmmaking crew and advise on media and digital accessibility throughout the process.

Kara Jarrold, Head of Arts & Wellbeing at Sense, said:

“Film is such a powerful medium for expression and is a new area of development for Sense participants with sensory impairments. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for us to explore new ways of communicating using new technologies and creative skills. We are really excited to experience the end result – a series of short films which will provide new first-hand insights into the experiences of those we work with.  We are grateful to the BFI for recognising the value of this work and enabling us to deliver a series of innovative accessible workshops for people with sensory impairments to engage in the arts. “