Clin d'œil Festival

Clin d'œil Festival is an international arts festival focused on sign languages, held every two years in July in Reims, France. Over four days, it brings together artists and audiences for theater, dance, cinema, and visual arts, highlighting Deaf culture from around the world.

• Held every two years in Reims, France
• Features theater, dance, cinema, and visual arts in sign language
• Attracts thousands of visitors and hundreds of artists
• Each edition honors a guest country outside the EU
• Founded in 2003 by CinéSourds association

What it is

Clin d'œil Festival is a vibrant gathering that showcases the creativity and expression of artists working in sign languages. Founded to support and promote Deaf culture, the festival brings together performers and audiences from across the globe. Theater, dance, film, and visual arts all find a place here, with every performance accessible in sign language. The event is a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Deaf culture and the diversity of artistic forms it inspires.

Where it comes from

The festival began in 2003, created by the CinéSourds association to champion artistic creation in sign language. Its first edition was a modest experimental event, inviting artists from Sweden, Norway, and Italy, and drawing around 400 attendees. By 2005, it had grown into a full-fledged festival. Over the years, Clin d'œil has expanded its reach and reputation, attracting thousands of visitors and hundreds of artists, and becoming a key event in the international Deaf community.

How it is celebrated

During the four days of Clin d'œil, Reims comes alive with performances and exhibitions across multiple venues. The program includes one-man shows, plays, dance performances, street theater, and a short film competition, all presented in sign language. Artistic and professional exhibitions offer further opportunities to explore Deaf culture and creativity. Each edition also honors a guest country outside the European Union, bringing new perspectives and traditions to the festival. The atmosphere is welcoming and lively, with audiences and artists sharing in a celebration of expression beyond spoken words.

Joining in

Visitors to Clin d'œil can expect a warm, inclusive environment in the city of Reims. The main events are held at various cultural venues, with performances, exhibitions, and social gatherings open to all. Whether you are fluent in sign language or new to Deaf culture, the festival offers a chance to connect, learn, and enjoy a rich program of international arts. Plan to explore the city and immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience shaped by the global Deaf community.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Clin d'œil, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Clin d'œil on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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