I’m delighted to share that my research thesis, A Forgotten Audience: Responses of d/Deaf Audiences to Films Depicting d/Deafness, has been officially accepted for presentation at the 5th South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) International Conference.
This prestigious event will take place on 4 & 5 November 2025 at the iconic Cape Town Stadium, bringing together cultural leaders, academics, artists, and innovators from across the globe.
My thesis explores more authentic and inclusive onscreen representation of the d/Deaf community, offering practical implications for screenwriters and filmmakers, as well as a ten-step guide to improve representation – covering everything from authentic casting and realistic lipreading to deeper portrayals of d/Deaf-hearing relationships.
Being selected to present my work on an international stage is a huge honour – and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a global conversation about accessibility, diversity, and storytelling in the screen industry.
Stay tuned for more updates as I prepare for this exciting conference!
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Read my full thesis HERE.