#IFFIWood, 22 November 2024

 

The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has made significant strides in ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all. At a press conference on "Accessibility at IFFI”, Shri Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary Broadcasting, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Managing Director, NFDC, Shri Taha I. Haaziq, Secretary, State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Goa and Ms. Vandana Boolchand, Head of Svayam, highlighted the transformative steps taken to make the festival a model of inclusivity. 55^th IFFI, under the theme Sabka Manoranjan, introduces inclusivity initiatives such as sign language interpretation, accessible film screenings, barrier-free venues, sensitivity-trained staff, and digital tools like the Movie buff app, ensuring a welcoming cinematic experience for all.

Shri Prithul Kumar expressed confidence in the festival's inclusive initiatives. “The level of accessibility at IFFI has been stepped up this year. From trained volunteers and sensitized officers to a dedicated section of six films for persons with disabilities and 11 other accessible films, we have embedded accessibility at the core,” he said. Shri Kumar also highlighted the Ministry's commitment to inclusivity, citing accessible guidelines released for the entertainment industry to make cinema more inclusive. He lauded the efforts of the Goa Government and Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) for hosting the event with such inclusivity. 

Shri Taha I. Haaziq emphasized Goa's pioneering role in accessibility initiatives. “IFFI has truly embodied the spirit of Sabka Manoranjan. From ramps and live sign language interpretation to the screening of accessible films like ‘12th Fail’, we are ensuring that the festival is for everyone,” he noted. Shri Haaziq noted that the production houses and OTT platforms are also progressively moving forward in adoption of accessibility features. He also commended the accessible infrastructure, availability of accessible e-rickshaws, and wheelchairs for specially-abled and well-trained volunteers and accessible websites during IFFI 2024. He affirmed Goa's commitment to becoming a model state for accessibility. 

Ms. Vandana Boolchand highlighted Svayam’s role in conducting accessibility audits and training. As the Accessibility Partner of the 55th IFFI, Svayam worked on multiple aspects to make the festival inclusive. The initiatives by Svayam included training of the Media Team of NFDC to make the social media posts, website and other communication material friendly for those with reduced vision, she said.  Svayam also trained the volunteers and officials so as to ensure sensitive handling of differently-abled persons attending the festival.

Ms. Boolchand invited the attendees to experience the Tech Pavilion's Simulation Zone. For the first time at IFFI, Svayam's Simulation Zone in the Tech Pavilion lets attendees experience the challenges faced by people with disabilities, promoting a deeper understanding of accessibility, inspiring more inclusive and empathetic designs in public spaces and interactions.

IFFI 2024 stands as a testament to the collective effort of stakeholders in creating an inclusive cinematic experience for all.

 

Read more: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2074789

 

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