IFFI 50: Accessible Films’ Section at IFFI 2019

Three films were part of this special section that includes additional narration of visuals, non-dialogue portions. In a bid to create an all-inclusive festival, the 50th IFFI edition screened three films for those with special needs, under the ‘Accessible India-Accessible Films’ section.

This is a joint collaboration between IFFI, Saksham (capable) Bharat and UNESCO. The aim is to promote the creation of inclusive spaces for the differently abled through Audio description of the on-screen proceedings.

The section opened with Munna Bhai MBBS, directed by Rajkumar Hirani. It was launched by Festival Director Chaitanya Prasad, Vice-Chairman of ESG Subash Phaldesai, CEO, ESG Amit Satija and actress Taapsee Pannu. Students from Lokvishwas Prathisthan Visually Impaired School, Ponda, and the National Association for the Blind, attended the section.

First timer at the festival, Hindi film actress Taapsee Pannu said that she was surprised to know such films were made. “I’ve not seen films that use audio to explain the scenes; so I wanted to surely see how it’s done,” she said. “I don’t like to use the term ‘visually impaired’, in fact, ‘your other senses are stronger than ours. I’m happy such movies can reach out to you,” Taapsee added. In future, she hoped that her films are converted into audio films as well.

The movies that will be screened are mainstream Hindi films, Lage Raho Munnabhai and M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, and the Konkani film Questao De Confusao, with additional narration on the soundtrack, for the visually impaired.