History

VS1 (originally Vision Sign) was established as voluntary organisation by David Ellington, Samuel Dore and Mac Dunlop in 2003. It organised the first ever Deaf Film Festival in Bristol.

The aim of the festival was to encourage Deaf filmgoers and people interested in British Sign Language to enjoy films and animation created by and for deaf people. The festival was a huge success and highlighted both the bridges and walls between deaf and hearing cultures.

As the result of the success of the festival, VS1 was set up to encourage and stimulate more creative work from within the Deaf Community.

We hope to create more bridges in order to build better understanding between deaf and hearing viewers, to understand the range of Deaf language, Culture and Media.

VS1 has since established itself as a limited company and has undertaken short film making projects with both deaf children and deaf adults with additional needs.

VS1 has also created a number of it’s own short films and corporate projects and continues to promote film as an accessible media for deaf people.

Production Vision

To deliver high quality productions that challenge and fulfil young deaf film-makers.

To ensure youth and children work equally in a comfortable and safe environment.

To develop the skills and opportunities of deaf participants and to meet their educational goals and requirements.

To provide high quality film projects to the local and national communities.