LumoTV launches documentary division with Everest film among first titles

Everest: In the Deaf Zone

LumoTV, the UK-based streaming service focused on deaf-centred storytelling and deaf characters, has revealed a slate of feature docs, series and shorts as part of a newly launched documentary division.

Leading the slate is Everest: In the Deaf Zone, a feature doc following mountaineer Michael Wood’s attempt to become the first deaf European to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Currently in post-production, the film follows Wood as he tackles the mountain during one of its deadliest and most crowded climbing seasons.

The slate also includes Unmasking, produced by Mutt & Jeff Pictures (Coffee Morning Club, 4 Deaf Yorkshiremen), which explores the experience of becoming deafblind through the story of 25-year-old Lara Scott, who has Wolfram syndrome. The documentary, filmed partly at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in partnership with Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is already available on LumoTV.

Two-part investigative series Open Your Eyes, meanwhile, examines systemic failures in UK healthcare and education through the experiences of deaf people. Produced by deaf-led indie Flashing Lights Media alongside Rare TV, the BSL-led series is fronted by journalist Erika Jones, whose credits include Newsnight and Countryfile. It is also available to stream on LumoTV.

Other projects include The Wolves 6 and The Cure, two short documentaries developed with Rogan Productions and announced at Sheffield DocFest earlier this year. Directed by Jones, The Wolves 6 examines the history of British deaf activists who faced imprisonment for resisting the suppression of British Sign Language (BSL).

The Cure, directed by Samuel Ash, explores the development of gene therapies and the debate around efforts to treat deafness, drawing on perspectives from the UK and Japan. The film features voiceover from actor David Shield (The Crown, Black Mirror).

The slate also includes Am I Deaf Enough?, a coproduction with Drummer Television following media professional Jamie Harrison as he explores his own deaf identity.

LumoTV said the division will cover investigative, political and historical subjects, alongside personal stories, with a focus on championing deaf talent both in front of and behind the camera.

The launch follows the platform’s recent ‘91% Mandate’ campaign, which calls on production companies, broadcasters and commissioners to work more closely with the deaf community and increase the volume of programming created directly in sign language by deaf talent.

Last month, LumoTV also struck a content deal with ITVX to bring more than 60 hours of sign-presented programming to the streaming service. The agreement is part of a broader push to expand the distribution of its content and establish further relationships with UK and international broadcasters and buyers.

Julian Peedle-Calloo, LumoTV’s factual commissioner, said the new division would serve deaf and hearing audiences with investigative and issue-led programming, while showcasing stories from across the deaf community.

He added that the company was working with production partners including Rogan Productions, Flashing Lights Media, Rare TV and Drummer Television on documentaries exploring deaf history and experiences.