Special Program - Deaf Queer Films are Hot!
Have you ever seen a whole movie in sign language?
How about one about love between women? Or from a bi viewpoint?
When there's so few movies that feature deaf protagonists, you have to take matters into your own hands and create the films you want to see! This is the message of the energetic Mika Imai, director of "Until Rainbow Dawn".
It's only natural that deaf people have varied sexual identities, and each person's relationship with their family, visibility, and gender expression is unique to them. In the documentary "11 sai no kimi e/11歳の君へ", deaf director Ayako Imamura gives us a glimpse into the lives of five queer deaf people who have paved their own way.
In addition to these two Japanese works, we will also be screening a selection of deaf queer films from overseas, and holding a mini sign language lesson with the help of Japan's Deaf LGBTQ Center.
It doesn't matter whether you're deaf or hearing, we want you to come and experience the the energy and culture of Japan's deaf queer community!
Film list - Click images for details
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Until Rainbow Dawn
Hana and Ayumi start dating after meeting at a sign language club. But when Hana tells her parents about her relationship with Ayumi, they cannot accept it. A pure love story that has been featured at the Japanese National Deaf LQBT Conference and Rainbow Reel Tokyo!
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11 sai no kimi e/11歳の君へ
An encouraging call to young people who have just started to be confronted by their own and society's feelings about sexuality and gender, from adults who have lived a little longer. The first part of the film interviews five deaf and hard of hearing queer people from all over Japan.
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Austin Unbound: A Deaf Journey of Transgender Heroism
Supported by his mother, his best friend, and his girlfriend, Austin makes his decision to finally undergo top surgery. Unbound at last, Austin is eager to get on with life. An inspiring FTM documentary returning from KQFF 2016!
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SIGN
Hit a wall? Jump right over it! An irresistible romance!
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Silent Laughs
A deaf comedian's belief in laughter
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Amar: Deaf is an Identity
Gay, queer, deaf - all words that represent Indian-Canadian Amar.
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Queer Disability Language
Whos "culture" is the "culture" that we usually experience?
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Mini Sign Language Class
（Provided by the Deaf LGBTQ Center）Let's talk in sign language!
After the 9/23 screening of Until Rainbow Dawn, the audience will be divided into groups for a mini Japanese Sign Language class. Please join us!
(9/23 @ 15:15, Osaka venue)
