March 21, 2009
Dear Filmgoers,
Welcome to our 2nd Annual D.C. ASL Film Festival, hosted by the District of Columbia Association of the Deaf (DCAD). On May 1 - 3, 2009, the Film Festival will be held at Gallaudet University's Andrew Foster Auditorium presenting some of the most exciting and provocative explorations of the sign language and deaf experience from many outstanding filmmakers.
Last year, the 1st D.C. ASL Film Festival (formerly known as the DCAD ASL Film Festival) was held on April 11 - 12, 2008. It marked the beginning of a new era in Washington, D.C. because before the founding of this Film Festival, Washington, D.C. did not have an ongoing deaf-related film festival that it could call its own while other places like Rochester (New York), Orem (Utah) and other cities around the world have their own permanent film festivals.
This year, the 2nd Annual D.C. ASL Film Festival has returned, doubling the size of last year's film festival programming with new features, shorts, documentaries, student films, art films and others from across the nation and around the world. While our three-day film programming showcases a mixture of powerful, compelling, entertaining, and best deaf-related films from the talented deaf and hearing filmmakers, our Film Festival reflects our dedication to and celebration of the local talented D.C.-based deaf filmmakers' work.
DCAD is very excited about this Film Festival because there are many firsts occurring during the event. The firsts include the VIP Filmmaker Reception, general public reception, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, introduction of our official film festival poster, and among other things.
Come immerse yourself in films that celebrate and use sign language and deaf culture/experience, and enjoy it. Help us to spread the word about what you see and tell them to visit our website at www.ASLFilmFestival.com to learn more about our Film Festival and to buy tickets that will no doubt be some of the most sought after as more people learn more about our exciting film festival programming.
Looking forward to seeing you at the Film Festival.
Sincerely,
