Workshop on Accessibility Standards for Cinema Theatres for Persons with Hearing and Visually Impaired

This workshop reflects the government's commitment to enhancing accessibility in cinema and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to enjoy films.

On August 9, 2024, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) conducted a workshop at the CBFC Headquarters in Mumbai to discuss the recently issued Guidelines of Accessibility Standards for the Public Exhibition of Feature Films in Cinema Theatres for Persons with Hearing and Visual Impairment. This initiative aims to enhance the cinematic experience for individuals with disabilities.

Key Highlights of the Workshop:

Guidelines Overview: The guidelines, effective from March 15, 2024, mandate accessibility features such as Closed Captioning (CC) / Open Captioning (OC) and Audio Description (AD) for films to accommodate persons with hearing and visual impairments.

Implementation Schedule:

From September 15, 2024: Feature films certified in multiple languages must include at least one accessibility feature for both hearing and visually impaired audiences.

From January 1, 2025: Films submitted for the National Film Awards, Indian Panorama Section of the International Film Festival of India, and other Ministry-organized festivals must include both CC and AD.

From March 15, 2026: All other feature films, including teasers and trailers meant for theatrical release, must provide accessibility features for CC/OC and AD.

Workshop Details: The workshop was attended by prominent figures including Shri Prasoon Joshi, Chairperson of the CBFC; Ms. Vrunda Manohar Desai, Joint Secretary (Films); and Shri Rajendra Singh, CEO of CBFC, among other stakeholders. The discussions emphasized the significance of implementing these guidelines to ensure inclusivity in cinema.

Dedicated Committee: A dedicated committee, consisting of individuals with hearing and visual disabilities as well as film industry representatives, has been established to oversee the implementation of these accessibility standards and offer guidance.

Alignment with RPwD Act: The initiative aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act), which promotes universal access and inclusion in information and communication, including film access.

This workshop reflects the government's commitment to enhancing accessibility in cinema and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to enjoy films.