The Silent Child: Everything you need to know about the Oscar-winning short film with Rachel Shenton

The film took the Academy Awards by storm
Hollywood hit: The Silent Child is airing over Easter weekend
The Silent Child

For cinema fans who heard about The Silent Child, the short film that took Hollywood by storm, but wondered when and how they’d be able to see it, wonder no more.

The movie is set to be shown on BBC One this Easter weekend. Here’s everything you need to know.

What’s it about?

The Silent Child follows a four year old girl named Libby (Maisie Sly) who is profoundly deaf. Until her social worker (Rachel Shenton) teaches her to use sign language, she is unable to communicate with anyone.

The film is inspired by real life events and documents how the ability to speak transforms one child’s existence.

Where do I recognise Rachel Shenton from?

Shenton, who not only stars in the film, but wrote it, previously appeared in Hollyoaks as Mitzee Minniver from 2010-2013.

Her fiancé Chris Overton, who directed the film, also starred in Hollyoaks as Liam McAllister, with the pair meeting on set.

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What award did it win?

Earlier this year the couple defied the odds and their crowdfunded film won an Osscar for Best Live Action Short Film.

Upon accepting the award, Shenton delivered the entirety of her speech in sign language in order to fulfil a promise she made to Sly.

When’s it on?

The Silent Child airs Friday, March 30 at 7:40pm on BBC One.

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