The Bedouin Village of El-Sayed has the largest percentage of Deaf people in the world. Through generations a unique sign language has evolved as the primary communication in a society that accepts deafness as natural as life itself. That is, until the village's tranquil coexistence between Deaf and hearing is disrupted by Salim's decision to dramatically change his Deaf son's fate through a Cochlear Implant operation.

At 2.45pm on Saturday 9th May 2009, the Watershed Cinema in Bristol will screen a one-off showing of Voices from El Sayed - A Snail in the Desert (subtitled), in collaboration with the Centre for Deaf Studies (CDS). The film will be followed by a discussion, at which BSL interpreters will be present. As the film is not due for general release, this will be the only screening of its kind anywhere in the UK, and as such presents an exciting opportunity to watch the film and engage in varied and stimulating discussion about the many issues it raises.

CDS wishes to stress that this screening has been set up so as to enable interested persons to watch the film, and to encourage balanced debate on this sensitive issue. Neither CDS nor the University of Bristol hold an official stance regarding the issue of cochlear implantation, as it is accepted that decisions of this kind are very personal to the individuals involved. CDS is, like many University departments across the UK, committed to encouraging widespread discussion on topics that its staff, students and the local and national Deaf community will find of interest. Such discussion forms a key part of the academic discipline of Deaf Studies, and it is through this process that we learn more about what Deaf Studies can contribute to the wider field of human knowledge. This principle forms a key part of the exciting new MSc in Deafhood Studies, which is the first university-level course of its kind anywhere in the world.
Information about this and all other courses that CDS runs will be available on the day.

Tickets will go on sale from 1st April, priced at £6.50 (£5.00 for concessions). These are available directly from the Watershed Cinema http://www.watershed.co.uk/. As the number of tickets available is limited, early booking is advised. (less info)