Deaf immerses you in the world of those who can’t hear – literally. Incredible performances and an inventive soundscape make this Berlinale Panorama Audience Award winner a refreshingly honest look at motherhood and a compassionate drama about railing against invisibility and finding acceptance.
Deaf ceramist Ángela (Miriam Garlo) and her hearing partner Héctor (Álvaro Cervantes) are deeply in love. But with the arrival of their first child, they encounter unexpected roadblocks in their relationship. Overwhelmed by doctors’ appointments, childbirth and advice, Ángela feels isolated by a society that patronises and excludes her. She begins to worry whether she and her child, if hearing, will ever truly understand one another.
Eva Libertad’s emotionally charged feature stars her sister, Miriam Garlo, who is deaf in real life. A multiple award-winner at Malaga Film Festival and Berlin Film Festival, including winning the Audience Award at both, Deaf delivers a refreshingly honest look at motherhood and relationships, and the frustrations involved in moving through a world that, for the most part, hasn’t been designed to accommodate you. Bolstered by moving performances and an inventive soundscape attuned to Ángela’s perspective, this is a drama of tremendous compassion, about a woman fighting against invisibility.
Getting Here and Getting In:
Parking at UWA is free after 5pm. We recommend car parks 1 and 5: check this map.
Allow time for parking: UWA hosts many events and sometimes it takes a little longer to find a space.
Doors open at 6pm. In 2026 the box office will be cashless.
Food and Drink
The pay-bar offers wines, beers, soft and hot drinks, along with chips, chocolate and, importantly, ice creams!
The Somerville Auditorium is also a BYO venue: bring your own picnic and favourite tipple.
We have many picnic tables and grassed areas.
Pre-ordering your gourmet pizza is crucial: order here.
Enjoying your film
The film starts at 8pm until 1 March 2026. From 2 March 2026 the film starts at 7.30pm.
Cushions courtesy of Lotterywest are available.
Seats are not assigned: on your arrival you can reserve a seat with a rug or cushion. Please don't leave single seat gaps.
We have plenty of seating, please do not bring your own.
There are four locations suitable for wheelchair users - please speak to a staff member on your arrival.
Nights can soemtimes be cool, so please rug up.
We treat the Auditorium for mosquitoes, but still bring your preferred mozzie spray.
Lost Property
If you've lost something during your night out, you can report it here.
Visit Perth Festival's website for more information.