Activity: Touch Compass with JPF Films and Ingot Films will run a disability-led programme that engages and teaches d/Deaf and Disabled aspirant producers/filmmakers the skills required to tell their own stories and build careers. The programme will be executed as a one-week intensive and immersive experience and a five-week post-production experience for up to 12 selected d/Deaf and Disabled students. Participants will learn a range of technical and creative skills across the week, including directing and assistant directing, production coordination, cinematography, sound, lighting, scriptwriting, art department, working and communicating with Deaf, disabled and diverse actors and crew, and editing.

Outcome: The DDSPP had significant impact across three domains; individual, sectoral, and cultural.

1. Individual empowerment: All rangatahi reported increased confidence in their creative voice and technical capability. Several are now working on developing independent short films and pursuing internships in screen production.

2. Sectoral change: The programme demonstrated a replicable model for accessible, co-led screen training—shifting industry norms from “inclusion” as accommodation to co-creation as standard practice.

3. Cultural innovation: Integrating Te Ao Māori values (whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, wānanga) with Deaf and disability praxis created a uniquely Aotearoa approach to screen pedagogy.

"This grant enabled a rare, high-quality, industry-connected opportunity for disabled rangatahi. Typically excluded from screen pathways. Through this they built technical skill and cultural confidence. We commend Screenrights for funding work that centres both cultural identity and disability leadership." – Jon Tamihere-Kemeys