My Story

I am a 26 year old director and producer of videoproductions. Since writing my bachelor in TV-Producing I am on my way to specialise in the field of sign language related media and have been realising sign language and Deaf culture related video productions since then. I can't really tell, how I finally got in touch and so much into this, but somehow it just happened. And now, although I am hearing, I am fluent in German Sign Language (DGS).

I graduated with my thesis about signed kids TV shows in europe and had to find out, that Germany seems to be one of the few countries that still does not accept Deaf people for media educating programs, don't include Deaf kids into their kids shows and don't seem to fully accept sign language as a natural second language inside the country. This was something that encouraged me to learn hard, to make a change.

What I need

For this three month program I need financial support to rent the film equipment, pay the traveling expenses of our lecturing professionals (there aren't many in Hamburg, so most of them need to fly in) and also to pay the liscences of the editing programs and the rent of editing computer for the participants. We also plan to make a screeining event for the kids and their parents and friends to show their progress and also the TV Show at the end. This will cost money.

All together we would need 12.000 USD, but 5.000USD is the Minimum required to get this project going.

I received a grant that allows me to quit my job for 3 months to work voluntarily for a NGO of my choice for a project of my choice. I decided to help my local Deaf Youth Club and do, what I am good at: Film-Making. I have been lecturing "Film production" for the german Deaf Association in sign language and I would love to pass my knowledge further to Deaf kids. I also know some young professional media producer who actually are Deaf and work in the field of broadcasting. I came up with the idea of a three month educating program, which will give 12 Deaf kids the chance to gain deep knowledge of filmmaking and produce their own TV show in sign language - because in Germany (contrary to other european countries) there is no kids program accessible for Deaf Kids in Sign Language.

Normal ways of funding require applications very much ahead to the date of the project. As I received the grant for March to End of May 2012 I am bound to get the project running in that period.

How this will change my life

This project is a pilot, the first time that such a qualification for Deaf kids in Germany is offered. This program may change my life because of the experience I'll gain with teaching, organising and the work with kids. But mainly this program will change the life of the kids. 

If we get all the money to rent the required equipment, we will be able to make way for an experience, Deaf kids would never get. They will receive a qualification that neither their schools nor other educational programs would give and we will be able to produce a TV-Show that will be accessible to Deaf kids as well as hearing and by that hopefully reduce prejudices and build bridges between hearing kids and kids with hearing impairments.

And this may not only change the lifes of the participants, but hopefully inspire others.

Other ways you can help

If you know other organisations or if you are in touch with media professionals or Deaf or sign language related associations - we would be glad if you spread the word and direct them to this project.