Skip to main content

Sign of the Times

Sign of the Times: The Story of New Zealand's Visual Language 2006

60mins

"Sign of the Times" is the first feature length documentary about New Zealand's deaf community, their language and culture. It is an inspiring, emotional, and very moving story told straight from the very heart of the Deaf community. In April 2006 New Zealand Parliament declared New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) to be an official language - the culmination of a 20-year battle by the Deaf community, and a true hallmark in the recognition of their native language. Sign of the Times is about the deaf New Zealander's who fought to have their language recognised as a real language and as a viable means of communication.

The film documents the community's celebration of the official recognition of their language and looks at the community's ongoing hopes and aspirations for their language and culture. This is your invitation to take a journey into the deaf world.