IFFI 2024 Champions Inclusivity, Accessibility
By Alba Silveira
The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has set a new benchmark for accessibility and inclusivity in cinema. Under the theme Sabka Manoranjan, the festival reaffirmed its commitment to making entertainment a shared experience for all, ensuring that cinema reaches audiences of all abilities.
At a press conference focused on 'Accessibility at IFFI,' key stakeholders shared their transformative efforts. Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary Broadcasting, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Managing Director of NFDC, along with Taha I. Haaziq, Secretary, State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, and Vandana Boolchand, Head of Svayam, unveiled initiatives that have made IFFI 2024 a model of inclusivity.
The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has set a new benchmark for accessibility and inclusivity in cinema. Under the theme Sabka Manoranjan, the festival reaffirmed its commitment to making entertainment a shared experience for all, ensuring that cinema reaches audiences of all abilities.
At a press conference focused on 'Accessibility at IFFI,' key stakeholders shared their transformative efforts. Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary Broadcasting, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Managing Director of NFDC, along with Taha I. Haaziq, Secretary, State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, and Vandana Boolchand, Head of Svayam, unveiled initiatives that have made IFFI 2024 a model of inclusivity.
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| The 55th IFFI has set a new benchmark for accessibility in cinema |
This year’s IFFI has gone beyond symbolic gestures, embedding accessibility into its very foundation. With barrier-free venues, trained volunteers, sensitivity-driven programs, and digital tools like the Movie Buff App, the festival offers a truly welcoming cinematic experience.
Prithul Kumar highlighted the government’s commitment to inclusivity, noting, “Accessibility has been prioritised at IFFI this year. From sensitised officers to accessible screenings, we have made considerable progress.”
Prithul Kumar highlighted the government’s commitment to inclusivity, noting, “Accessibility has been prioritised at IFFI this year. From sensitised officers to accessible screenings, we have made considerable progress.”
The festival featured a dedicated section of six films for persons with disabilities and 11 others with accessibility features, showcasing the entertainment industry’s gradual shift towards inclusivity. Kumar also appreciated the collaborative efforts of the Goa government and the Entertainment Society of Goa, saying, “It is encouraging to see a shared commitment to making IFFI a model for inclusivity.”
Goa’s Role in Leading Accessibility
Taha I. Haaziq underscored Goa’s leadership in accessibility initiatives. “IFFI 2024 truly reflects the spirit of Sabka Manoranjan,” he said, adding that ramps, live sign language interpretation, accessible e-rickshaws, and well-trained volunteers have transformed the festival into an inclusive experience.
Films like 12th Fail, which catered to differently-abled audiences, were a highlight of the festival’s accessible programming. Haaziq also noted the increasing adoption of accessibility features by production houses and OTT platforms, showing how the entertainment industry is evolving towards inclusivity.
Goa’s Role in Leading Accessibility
Taha I. Haaziq underscored Goa’s leadership in accessibility initiatives. “IFFI 2024 truly reflects the spirit of Sabka Manoranjan,” he said, adding that ramps, live sign language interpretation, accessible e-rickshaws, and well-trained volunteers have transformed the festival into an inclusive experience.
Films like 12th Fail, which catered to differently-abled audiences, were a highlight of the festival’s accessible programming. Haaziq also noted the increasing adoption of accessibility features by production houses and OTT platforms, showing how the entertainment industry is evolving towards inclusivity.
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| The festival features a dedicated section of films for persons with disabilities |
Goa, known as India’s cultural hub, is emerging as a model state for accessibility, with IFFI 2024 standing as a testament to its progressive vision.
As the official Accessibility Partner of IFFI, Svayam played a key role in reshaping the festival. From conducting accessibility audits to training volunteers and media teams, Svayam ensured that the event addressed the needs of differently-abled attendees at every level.
“We focused on making communication materials, social media posts, and the festival website accessible to those with reduced vision,” explained Vandana Boolchand. Svayam’s efforts also included training officials and volunteers to handle differently-abled attendees with sensitivity and care.
As the official Accessibility Partner of IFFI, Svayam played a key role in reshaping the festival. From conducting accessibility audits to training volunteers and media teams, Svayam ensured that the event addressed the needs of differently-abled attendees at every level.
“We focused on making communication materials, social media posts, and the festival website accessible to those with reduced vision,” explained Vandana Boolchand. Svayam’s efforts also included training officials and volunteers to handle differently-abled attendees with sensitivity and care.
A New Standard for Inclusivity
A standout feature of the festival was the Simulation Zone at the Tech Pavilion, where visitors could experience the challenges faced by people with disabilities. This interactive space not only deepened understanding but also inspired the creation of more empathetic and inclusive public spaces.
IFFI 2024 is more than just a film festival; it is a movement towards inclusivity. By prioritising accessibility, the event has set a precedent for how festivals can cater to audiences of all abilities. From accessible infrastructure to sensitised staff, IFFI has shown that cinema can truly transcend barriers.
Through the efforts of NFDC, Svayam, and the Goa government, IFFI 2024 has demonstrated that inclusivity is not just an obligation but a celebration of diversity. In its pursuit of Sabka Manoranjan, IFFI has proven that the joy of storytelling can unite audiences, making cinema a shared experience for all.
A standout feature of the festival was the Simulation Zone at the Tech Pavilion, where visitors could experience the challenges faced by people with disabilities. This interactive space not only deepened understanding but also inspired the creation of more empathetic and inclusive public spaces.
IFFI 2024 is more than just a film festival; it is a movement towards inclusivity. By prioritising accessibility, the event has set a precedent for how festivals can cater to audiences of all abilities. From accessible infrastructure to sensitised staff, IFFI has shown that cinema can truly transcend barriers.
Through the efforts of NFDC, Svayam, and the Goa government, IFFI 2024 has demonstrated that inclusivity is not just an obligation but a celebration of diversity. In its pursuit of Sabka Manoranjan, IFFI has proven that the joy of storytelling can unite audiences, making cinema a shared experience for all.
