Justin Joins Oscar Nominated Swindon Actor For Screening Of Film Raising Awareness Of The Challenges Of Being Deaf

Justin Tomlinson MP joined an excited audience on Monday evening to watch an exclusive screening of The Silent Child, a short film which raises awareness of the difficulties that deaf children can face.

The film stars Swindon’s very own Maisie Sly who attends Red Oaks school. Maisie plays the character of Libby, a deaf child born to hearing parents who struggle to communicate with their daughter. Libby becomes distant and isolated until a social worker, played by Rachel Shenton, comes to visit.

The film has been nominated for an Oscar at this year’s Academy Awards and is up for the Best Live Action Short Film.

Following the screening Justin joined Robert Buckland MP, Maisie, Maisie’s mum, and representatives from the National Deaf Children’s Society for a live Q&A with the audience. There was high praise for Maisie’s performance as well as a discussion on what more can be done to ensure early support for young deaf and hard of hearing children.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “Maisie was an absolute star and her incredible performance will do a lot to raise awareness of the struggles that deaf children can face, particularly in the education system. The film does a good job of emphasising the importance of early support for families, as well as what can happen when that support isn’t in place. It was an exceptionally moving performance and I think everybody in Swindon is very proud that Maisie and her family are heading out to the Oscars.”