In a significant move, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has notified guidelines for the public exhibition of feature films in cinema theatres.  The initiative aims to ensure that persons with hearing and visual impairments can fully enjoy the cinematic experience, as per the official statement. 

“Today special attention is being given to opportunity and accessibility for Divyangjan. It is our endeavour to ensure that every individual in the country is empowered, an inclusive society is created, spirit of equality and cooperation enhances harmony in the society and everybody progresses together as one,” the official release quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Under the newly issued guidelines, all feature films exhibited for commercial purposes must comply with accessibility standards within specified timelines. These standards mandate at least one accessibility feature each for the hearing impaired (Closed Captioning) and visually impaired (Audio Description).

These guidelines, developed through extensive consultations with disability rights groups, cinema exhibitors, scholars and producers, represent a significant stride towards inclusivity. They provide a framework for the development of accessible feature films, addressing barriers and ensuring equal access for all, underlined the statement.

Key features of accessibility standards:

Closed Captioning and Audio Description to enhance the cinematic experience for the hearing and visually impaired

Indian sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired

Films must comply within specified timelines, ensuring accessibility for all moviegoers

Furthermore, the cinema theatres can deploy accessibility features using custom equipment, mobile apps or other available technologies during regular screenings. Theatre owners are required to develop self-regulatory plans for accessibility within two years.

Moreover, a dedicated committee, comprising representatives from the disability community and the film industry, will oversee the implementation of accessibility standards. Moviegoers can file complaints if accessibility features are unavailable, ensuring prompt resolution of grievances, as mentioned in the statement. 

This initiative aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 that aims to promote universal access and inclusion in all spheres, including the area of entertainment.

Objective of guidelines

According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the objective of these guidelines is to provide an enabling framework to support the development of a “culture and practice of accessibility of feature films for persons with hearing and visual impairment” by adopting the following measures:

Also Read
  • Defining the general principles for accessibility of feature films;
  • Identifying barriers to fully accessible feature films by determining relevant rules, requirements, standards and funding mechanisms to address such barriers;
  • Putting in place measures to ensure that persons with hearing and visual impairment have access, on an equal basis with others, to the public exhibition of feature films in cinema halls/movie theatres screened for commercial purposes;
  • Defining an institutional framework to ensure transparent oversight and impartial dispute resolution mechanism.