Office Bearers

The office bearers of the International Deaf Film Association (IDFA) are:

Vivek MehtaCo-Founder and Chairman

Vivek Mehta is a Co-Founder and the Chairman of the International Deaf Film Association (IDFA). He helped establish the association in collaboration with its other founders.

As Chairman, he provides leadership and strategic guidance, presides over board meetings, helps shape the association’s policies, and oversees its principal objectives. His work supports IDFA’s mission to promote Deaf cinema, culture, and the arts while advancing equality between Deaf and hearing people worldwide.

Bikramjit Mahala Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Bikramjit Mahala serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Deaf Film Association (IDFA). He manages the association’s daily operations and activities, implements its plans, coordinates with its office bearers, and supervises projects and programmes in support of IDFA’s mission and objectives.

As CEO, he helps coordinate Deaf film festivals and awards while promoting Deaf cinema, culture, the arts, and equality between Deaf and hearing people worldwide. He supports Deaf filmmakers, artists, actors, directors, and other creative professionals and advocates for accessible communication through sign languages, subtitles, and captions.

About International Deaf Film Association

The International Deaf Film Association (IDFA), based in Palo Alto, California, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to discovering, preserving, and restoring Deaf film heritage in the United States. Founded by Vivek Mehta in 2023, IDFA elevates Deaf stories, protects historically significant films, and expands opportunities for Deaf creative professionals.

Bikramjit Mahala created the acclaimed The First Time Deaf of Hollywood (Dollywood). Turner Classic Movies has screened films restored by IDFA and presented them at events including the San Francisco Deaf Film Festival and Awards, the International Deaf Film Awards, the O-Deaf Awards, and the International Deaf Carnival and Film/Short Film Festival Awards.

Sign Language Advocacy

IDFA recognizes sign language as a fundamental expression of Deaf culture, identity, and community. Through its programs and initiatives, the organization promotes the recognition, preservation, and celebration of sign languages worldwide. IDFA affirms the essential role of sign language in communication, artistic expression, education, and cultural exchange.

Communication Accessibility

Communication accessibility is central to IDFA’s mission. The organization advocates for accessible film, television, and digital media through sign language interpretation, accurate captioning, and thoughtfully produced subtitles. These efforts help ensure Deaf and hard-of-hearing people can fully participate in cinematic and cultural experiences.

Subtitles and Inclusive Storytelling

IDFA promotes high-quality subtitles as essential to inclusive storytelling. By working with filmmakers and industry partners, the organization encourages effective subtitle practices that preserve meaning, emotion, timing, and cultural context. Accessible subtitles allow Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing audiences across languages and cultures to experience stories on equal terms.

Empowering Deaf Filmmakers

IDFA supports Deaf filmmakers, actors, directors, writers, dancers, artists, and other creative professionals by providing opportunities to present and celebrate their work. Through festivals, workshops, educational programs, and professional networking, IDFA helps Deaf creators develop their talents, build lasting connections, and share their perspectives with audiences worldwide.

Global Impact

With an international outlook and a commitment to cultural diversity, IDFA advocates for greater accessibility, representation, and opportunity throughout the film industry. Its partnerships, educational initiatives, preservation work, and public programs contribute to a more inclusive and equitable cinematic landscape.

The International Deaf Film Association is helping preserve Deaf film history while building a more accessible future for cinema. By championing Deaf culture, sign language, communication access, subtitles, and creative expression, IDFA promotes greater understanding and ensures that Deaf stories and talent receive recognition on the global stage.

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