TEMECULA—The Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival (TVIFF) has partnered with Deaf West to extend their reach from hearing, to deaf and hard of hearing audiences. According to the event’s website, the event is meant to “[showcase] a remarkable diversity of local, national and international films, music and personalities to the delight of enthusiastic audiences.” The event will begin on September 17 and end on September 21.

In a press release from Deaf West Theatre, Jo Mouton, Founder and Festival Director of TVIFF, indicated that the organization was “thrilled to be back celebrating our 18th presentation with a festival that brings a premier world class signature event to the City of Temecula along with our new partner, Deaf West Theatre Inc., which strengthens our combined abilities to promote the features and benefits of the Temecula brand throughout the world.”

“As the only deaf – run Arts organization west of the Mississippi, Deaf West Theatre (DWT) has been filling the void and directly enhancing the cultural lives of millions of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) individuals in California and around the USA…TVIFF is grateful to be a partner with DWT to help level the playing field and make a bold statement about inclusion, diversity and accessibility,” the Deaf West Theatre release stated. “DWT and TVIFF will work together to reach new deaf, hard of hearing and hearing audiences to enjoy enhanced cinematic and music experiences with simultaneous interpretation in American Sign Language (ASL).”

According to the TVIFF website, the festival is competitive. They accept entries from the US, as well as foreign films from five categories that include: narrative features, documentaries, shorts, animation and student films.

The festival is also open to those performing as a solo, duo, trio, quartet and ensembles. The deadline to submit an entry to the festival is June 30 for both the film and music applicants. Submitting an application by the deadline requires an application fee of $25 for general applicants and $10 for children. If an applicant misses the deadline, they can still apply for the extended deadline on July 15with a fee of $35 or $15 for students.

After the deadline, 12 music artist applicants will be selected to perform in the TVIFF’s 18th annual compilation CD. Artists selected to have their work featured in the CD will be notified by August 10. A further slimming of the musical artist will be made, only allowing 3 to perform at the Awards Gala on September 21.

Those submitting music are required to create a tape, video or CD with at least 2 tracks for the judges to listen to, a labeled photo of the artist or band (that will not be returned,) artist/band bio, press kit/media information and a check of money order of $25 made payable to: Temecula Valley Int’l Film Festival. Submission can also be made online at:http://www.tviff.com/music-call-for-entries/.