In a first-of-its-kind initiative, International Film Festival of India (IFFI), has tied up with Saksham, a non-governmental organisation, to bring the magic of movies to the visually challenged.

The idea is to make movies accessible to all, and, in the process, reach out to wider audiences. Initiated in collaboration with UNESCO, the move, aimed at empowering persons belonging to marginalised sections of society, will see the visually challenged enjoy films screened at IFFI like common audiences.

Undertaken under Audio Described Movies for Blind People project by Saksham, these films have been provided with specially done audio description which provides visually impaired persons, a true sense of what is happening on the screen.

Normally visually impaired people or those with low-vision, watch movies following sounds and perceive what the filmmaker has offered to spectators. Since lots of crucial information is provided through facial expressions, costumes, ambience, environment and body language, such information does not reach persons with blindness and are perceived based on audio clues.

To overcome this, a practice has been started of creating audio descriptions for crucial visual information, common in European and American countries, making viewing of movies by visually impaired persons a very fulfilling and wholesome experience.

Besides description of scenery, costumes, facial expressions and body language of the cast involved, they provide a flavour of what is happenings between natural pauses in the dialogue. The audio-described films are distributed free, and have received tremendous response from audiences, following screenings at the International Film Festival, in Hyderabad, October last.

The 22 films are Black, Munna Bhai MBBS, Hanuman, Kat Kat Kad Kaddu, Karamati Coat, Kabhi Pass Kabhi Fail, Taare Zameen Par, Stanley ka Dabba, Chakkad Bakkad Bombe Bo, Heda Hoda, Hello, Little Terrorist, Burfi, 3 Idiots, Peepli Live, Dhobi Ghat, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, PK, Gandhi, Tamil films Haridas, Devat Tremangai, Telugu film Amulyam and children’s films.

Incidentally, UNESCO has been working to improve access to culture for people with disabilities through initiatives like accessible museums and heritage sites, accessible content, art education, and dance curriculum for visually impaired.

Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/579094/iffi-brings-magic-movies-visually.html