Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Deaf Rochester Film Festival?
We will be screening films that reflect the Deaf perspective, have workshops/panel discussions, talks with filmmakers, and there will be networking opportunities at receptions. We have Junior DRFF where deaf high and middle school students can submit their films.
DRFF’s mission is to promote and showcase films by deaf and hard of hearing filmmakers; screen films about the Deaf experience; encourage analysis and interpretations of Deaf Cinema and Deaf visual aesthetics; develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Deaf gaze in light of the diversity of genres, cultures, and styles of filmmaking; foster film as a medium for historical preservation of Deaf Culture; provide networking opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing filmmakers and others involved in the field; and inspire future generations of Deaf and Hard of Hearing filmmakers.
At what venues does the film festival take place?
Wednesday afternoon:
Rochester Recreational Club for the Deaf
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Thursday evening:
Rochester School for the Deaf
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Friday afternoon:
University of Rochester
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Friday evening:
Little Theatre
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Friday night:
Spot Café
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Saturday during the day:
Wallace Center
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Saturday evening:
Panara Theatre and Dyer Art Center, NTID
Can I volunteer at the Festival?
Yes! You can get involved by helping us prepare for the festival or by working at the event. Volunteers will be granted free admittance at the specific event where they are providing their volunteer services. Please contact our volunteer coordinator, DJ Monahan at
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DeafRocFilmFestvolunteers@gmail.com or
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go to our Volunteer page.
I saw some bright yellow postcards about the Deaf Rochester Film Festival.
Could I have some to distribute to my group?
Certainly! Contact Rick Postl to arrange pick up of the postcards.
When is the Festival?
March 22-25, 2017
How do I buy a ticket to the DRFF?
To get your tickets in person,
festival registration hours begin at:
9:00am Wednesday 3/22 at
Rochester Recreational Club for the Deaf
5:00pm Thursday 3/23 at
Rochester School for the Deaf
12:00pm Friday 3/24 at
Lander Auditorium, Hutchison Hall, University of Rochester
5:00pm Friday 3/24 at
Little Theatre
8:30am Saturday 3/25 at
RADSCC, Wallace Center, RIT
4:00pm Saturday at
Dyer Arts Center, NTID/RIT
6:00pm Saturday at
Panara Theatre, NTID/RIT
How do I purchase the film festival pass or tickets?
On the web, or in person at festival registration hours. (Link to web purchase page). Tickets will go on sale on
January 15, 2017.
How do I exchange my festival pass confirmation tickets for the actual pass?
Confirmation tickets must be exchanged for the actual passes -- the ones you wear on a lanyard around your neck. Festival passes will be available at each venue. Identification is required when picking up a Deaf Rochester Film Festival pass. Accepted forms of ID include: driver's License, student ID or a credit card.
Can I buy tickets to just one event?
Yes in our events tab there is a list of specific event where you can purchase a single event ticket.
Do you have a mailing list?
We have an email list. Please fill out our sign up list to be added to the list.
Are the films rated?
No. We tend to show films with adult themes Saturday evening no children please at that event. Child friendly films are shown on Thursday, March 23rd at the Junior DRFF event at the Rochester School for the Deaf.
How do I get the latest information?
Sign up for our email list or go to our social media,
For filmmakers/presenters
How do I submit my film or workshop presentation to the Deaf Rochester Film Festival?
To submit your film or workshops to the Deaf Rochester Film Festival please fill out the online submission form at http://www.deafrocfilmfest.com/submit-films. Please be sure to read the submission guidelines before submitting your film or workshop presentation.
How long is each workshop presentation?
All workshops will have a limit of 75 minutes, 60 minutes for the presentation itself and 15 minutes for Q & A session.
I’m a middle or high school student do I have to be present at the Junior Deaf Rochester Film Festival if my entry receives an award?
No. We do hope you can come though. We will have hospitality hosts if you need a place to stay.
I’m a filmmaker over the age of 18, and is there a place I can stay during the film festival?
We will have places that will be able to host a limited number of deaf and hard of hearing filmmakers. Simply ask by sending an inquiry at DeafRocFilmFest@gmail.com.
Can I submit more than one film?
You may submit more than one film as long as each film meets the eligibility requirements. For each submission you will have to fill out a separate entry form.
I’m 18 years old and have already graduated from high school should I submit my film to Jr. DRFF or DRFF?
We recommend that you submit your film under DRFF.
When will I find out if my film or workshop has been selected?
We will notify everyone by email whether their film or workshop has been accepted or rejected by
February 15, 2017.
What are the submission deadlines and fees for the 2017 Deaf Rochester Film Festival?
Submission Deadlines:
January 30, 2017: Deaf Rochester Film Festival
February 3, 2017: Workshops
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February 15, 2017: Junior DRFF
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It’s free to submit your film or workshop!
What are the submission deadlines and fees for the 2017 Deaf Rochester Film Festival?
Submission Deadlines:
January 30, 2017: Deaf Rochester Film Festival
February 3, 2017: Workshops
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February 15, 2017: Junior DRFF
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It’s free to submit your film or workshop!
What is your preferred format for submission?
We prefer all films to be submitted via a password protected streaming link. Our preference is Vimeo links; however, we can accept links to other streaming sites including your own site, or an unlisted private YouTube, etc.
How do you distinguish short films from feature films?
Short films are 30 minutes or under and feature films are 31 minutes or longer.
How recently does my film have to have been produced?
Your film needs to be produced between 2014 and 2017 to be accepted as a submission to the film festival.