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With a uniquely Deaf aesthetic, Fable Deaf is a magical realist film featuring lush visual effects and an all-Deaf cast. Fable Deaf unfolds in a world of visual rather than spoken language, where the past is preserved in a glass library, and emotions can bring storms and monsoons.

Elderly Deaf archivist Hugo finds his rigid system of artifacts and tradition jeopardized by the sudden and unwelcome arrival of Jaul, a young Deaf traveler with an ancient map. Devi attempts to intervene in the escalating animosity, but her efforts only fuel the uncoiling of a calamity that threatens to end the world and plunge the Deaf child, Jasper, into a desolate and isolated future.

Fable Deaf stars four Saskatchewan actors between the ages of 12 and 74, all of whom identify as culturally Deaf and communicate using American Sign Language, and who have contributed to the film’s narrative.

Written and Produced by Deaf Crows Collective
Directed by Chrystene Ells

Starring (in alphabetical order):
Mustafa Alabssi as Jaul
Oscar Grodecki as Jasper
Fatima Nafisa as Devi
Allard Thomas as Hugo

Cinematographer: Berny Hi
Production Design: Geoffrey Lee Park
Costume Design: Candace Cardoso
Line Producer: Michelle Grodecki
Deaf Cultural Consultant: Dr. Joanne Weber
Editor: Berny Hi
Special Effects:
 Jack Hilkewich, Jason Maher
Colourist: Jason Rister
Musical Score: Jason Cullimore
Sound Design: Roman Empire Studios

Shot on location at the John Hopkins Regina Stage, Regina, SK

Screenings & Awards

Yorkton Film Festival 2023 – Ruth Shaw Award – Best of Saskatchewan
Deaf Film Festival 2023 – Best Film & Official Selection
Saskatchewan Independent Film Awards 2023 – Best Short Film
SignLight International Film Festival 2023 – Official Selection
Unify Deaf Film Festival 2023 – Official Selection
Canada Shorts Film Festival 2023 – Award of Distinction & Official Selection
1904 Deaf Film Festival – Official Selection
RIFFA – Regina International Film Festival and Awards 2024 – Official Selection

Fable Deaf is possible thanks to the generous support of: