The COC American Sign Language (ASL) department is partnering with KMB Entertainment for the second year in a row to promote an event that encourages teamwork between deaf and hearing filmmakers.

Created from the main concept of “The Strength Within You” film series, the festival provides an opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their work to their peers, while also cultivating an improved spirit of collaboration between deaf and hearing crew and cast.

Event organizers have stated that they hope the unique experience can foster more awareness between new filmmakers and the deaf community, according to a COC news release.

The films that are set to be shown at the festival include: “Oh Sugar!,” “Eye of the Beholder,” “Telltale Signs,” “White Noise,” “Tempo,” “Awkward Silence,” “Greta My Love,” “Relationsh*t” and “Hedy and Heidi: The Lost Sister.”

The festival is set to open with a conversation with the filmmakers at 2 p.m., followed by two 90-minute showcase screenings of shorts and feature films selected by the festival’s directors.

The evening is set to conclude with a selection of award-winning films, including: “This is Ed!,” “Sign – A Silent Film,” “Wild Prairie Rose ” and “Deafening Darkness.”

KMB Entertainment is set to premiere their new short, “Talk to the Hands – A Prologue,” which highlights the differences between deaf and hearing cultures, according to event organizers.

In addition to the ASL department providing their own interpreters and signers throughout the event, those in attendance will also be able to see the entire festival be video-hosted by actor, director and ASL performer Tyrone Oraguzie, who recently toured with singers Prince Charlez and Ayanis.

A “Conversation with the Filmmakers” is expected to feature:

– Katia Belas – Brazilian filmmaker and creator of “The Strength Within You” film series
– Deborah LaVine – Award-winning director and producer of “Wild Prairie Rose”
– Troy Kotsur – Actor in “Wild Prairie Rose”
– Lisa Stoll – Award-winning cinematographer of “The Strength Within You: DUI”
– Victoria Soo Lum – Lead actress in “Deafening Darkness”
– Phillip Brown II – Director of “Eye of the Beholder”
– Justin Callaway – Cinematographer of “Eye of the Beholder”
– Manuel Montanez – Director of “Awkward Silence”

The film festival is scheduled to take place on Nov. 3 from 2 to 10 p.m. in COC’s Hasley Hall Theater Room 101.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

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