Durban Workshop Opens Film Doors for Deaf and Blind Creatives

Thirty Deaf and Blind participants took part in a special filmmaking workshop in Durban on September 17, aiming to give them hands-on experience in creating films. The event was organised by the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society and held at their Durban Central offices during Deaf Awareness Month.

The workshop partnered with the Durban 48 Hour Film Project, a local film competition, and was led by Cinatemba Mthati, a Deaf filmmaker known for her work with Scara Green Films. Participants used mobile phones to write, direct, and act in short films. Two groups successfully created their own stories, moving from viewers to storytellers.

Aside from filming, the day also introduced participants to the wider film industry. Nerusha Maharaj Sadapal, City Producer for the Durban 48 Hour Film Project, spoke about roles in producing and other areas beyond acting. The workshop doubled as an audition for an upcoming inclusive short film called The Night Watcher, which is seeking a Deaf actress for its lead role.

The National Film and Video Foundation has allocated funding to The Night Watcher, showing support for projects that include Deaf and Blind creatives. This Durban workshop is part of broader efforts to build opportunities and representation for Deaf and Blind people in film.

The KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society, founded in 1936, provides services including education, training, and advocacy for people with sensory disabilities. Its president, Veetha Sewkuran, notes that skills development and job placement remain urgent needs for many Deaf and Blind young people who face high unemployment.

This workshop highlights how accessible technology like mobile phones can help Deaf and Blind creators tell their own stories, breaking down barriers in the film industry. While it is not yet clear if this will lead to ongoing training programs, the event marks a meaningful step towards inclusion.