About this Short Film
Deaf Date, directed by David Levy (Canada, 2026), follows a young man who is deaf as he navigates an awkward double date where humour and microaggressions collide. Through sharp, conversational dialogue—anchored in moments about hearing aids, lipreading and a nut allergy—the short examines how assumptions and awkward well-meaning friends shape social and romantic possibility. The film's tone blends cringe and warmth to reveal the small pressures of young adult dating and the everyday work of inclusion, offering audiences an accessible, often funny perspective that prompts reflection rather than pity. Deaf Date is well suited to viewers interested in contemporary portrayals of disability and relationships and makes a thoughtful contribution to the Focus on Ability programme.
Film Details
Film Transcript
And there's one thing I forgot to tell you. He doesn't really date deaf guys. So you can't wear your hearing aid. Why would you bring your one deaf friend on a date with a girl that doesn't date guys? Listen, don't get me wrong, that's [ __ ]. She's down bad for other disabilities: ALS, Crohn's, the blind, cerebral pausy, Lou Garrickson's disease. She just doesn't like deaf guys. It gives her the ick.
I can't hear without my hearing aid. You can just read her lips, right? I can try. I, I don't know if it's enough. Play your cards right and you'll be reading her lips all night long. I don't— I'm nervous about this, man. Need I remind you she's a total babe. Damn. Let's go get him, Tiger. I'm in. PowerPoint.
So, David, what do you do for work? Um, like arms or chest? Leg. I think she means like job, job. I work in marketing. David, you're so quiet. He's just shy. He doesn't like to talk much. It's so refreshing. You really know how to just listen.
I just did see your hands. He's a jumpy guy. Really? You seem so grounded. Hey. Oh, how's everyone doing tonight? Hello. Yes, please. You know what? How about we just get the veggie fritters for the table? Sounds great. I really like how you didn't answer any of his questions. That shows confidence. You going to beat me? Mhm. Really good. I think he does nuts.
Okay. I can't breathe. It's so nice to meet someone who actually listened. My last boyfriend just did it. Yeah, same. Are you allergic to nuts? E, what are you like 12? You want a baby? Don't come more quiet. Did you say quiet? I said quiet.
Are you okay, sir? Sir, are you okay? Complete and full sentences, sir. Please. Oh, is he dying? Listen, what? Please. Clear. Oh, it's so—what's wrong? I'm actually deaf all night. I haven't been able to hear a thing. How deaf? I can't hear without my cocular implant. So, you're not like death? No, I'm—I'm like deaf and light. Okay. Okay. Yeah, that's good enough. You'll be with me? Yeah.
Hey, girl, you turned up the volume on a world I couldn't hear. Now every beat is louder whenever you are near. I just can't believe the doctor said Michael's never going to walk again. Well, yeah. That's 'cause he died. Yeah. It's so hard to get the last bit out.
Filmmaker
David Levy is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from David Levy.
