ID: A blue starry background, with text on right: “FAQ” and a pink & orange tentacles on left with several popcorns floating around.
FAQ
What is Seattle Deaf Film Festival?
Seattle Deaf Film Festival (SDFF) is a biennial program under Deaf Spotlight for the 7th time. SDFF will feature short and feature films about and by Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled and Hard of Hearing filmmakers. We will feature 44 films from 11 countries in sign language with English subtitles.
In person: April 10-12, 2026
Virtual: April 13-26, 2026
Can we buy tickets / passes now?
Will the festival be virtual, in-person, or hybrid format?
SDFF will be in a hybrid format. In person will occur from April 10-12, 2026 at the Northwest Film Forum. After in person experience concludes, the festival will be streamed from April 13-26 for 2 weeks.
Where is Northwest Film Forum?
1515 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Where can we park?
We highly encourage you to take public transportation. We are near public bus lines and Lightrail Station: Capitol Hill.
Carpooling is highly encouraged! Paid street parking is available in 2 hours/ 4 hours format and will be free after 6 PM in some areas. Sunday is free.
Parking lots are available nearby at Seattle Central College on Harvard, Diamond Parking Services, and private lots. Park at your own risk.
What are Content Warnings?
Content warnings are notices of potentially triggering or sensitive content for audiences. As many of our films have not been rated by a ratings board, we have identified what we believe to be the most common triggers for sensitive viewers. However, we understand that triggers are often personal and can vary widely. While our content warnings can serve as a guide, please use discretion when choosing films to watch from our festival program.
Will SDFF give awards to the best films?
Yes! We will give awards to the best films based on these formats: short narrative, feature narrative, short documentary and feature documentary, based on your votes. You will have an opportunity to vote right after each film program ends. You will need to use your smart phone to scan a QR code to a specific program link to vote.
We will announce the winners after both physical and virtual formats conclude.
What if I have an access need? Who can I reach out to?
Please request your access needs at least two weeks before April 5th to access@deafspotlight.org. We will try our best to accommodate.
What if I want to buy SDFF swag?
You can go to our online shop to browse and purchase! Thank you for your support in advance!
GENERAL
Can I help support SDFF?
Yes, you can!
Promote the festival with your family and friends
Volunteer with us! Email volunteer@deafspotlight.org.
Consider a donation to Deaf Spotlight.
What if I have an access need? Who can I reach out to?
Please request your access needs at least two weeks before April 10th to sdff@deafspotlight.org. We will try our best to accommodate.
What if I have a question that is not covered in this FAQ?
Email sdff@deafspotlight.org and we will get back to you.
I would like to share my feedback, who should I contact?
Please do share your thoughts with us by emailing sdff@deafspotlight.org.