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From Superman to Captain Jack Sparrow
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This weeks feature
Subtitled screenings – at a cinema near you.
Do you enjoy watching television with subtitles? Then why not take a trip to the cinema? Deaf and hard of hearing people can once again enjoy an outing to the cinema, now that over 200 cinemas across the UK offer subtitled screenings of the latest blockbuster films. |
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Pirates of the Caribbean's Jack Sparrow |
Every month, there are 1,000 subtitled screenings of newly released films. The increase in subtitled screenings marks a revolution for millions of would-be cinemagoers across the country, particularly people that have stopped going because their hearing has deteriorated as they have got older.
Research by RNID, the national charity representing the UK’s 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people, shows that 5 million people across the UK use subtitles regularly to enjoy television, many of whom will now be able to enjoy subtitled screenings of the latest cinema releases. RNID, is urging older people, who have ceased visiting cinemas because they struggle to follow the films, to give them another try and see the difference the most up-to-date digital subtitling equipment has made. |
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Mark Morris, Head of RNID’s Access to the Arts campaign, says: “It’s great news for deaf and hard of hearing people that an increasing number of cinemas now show subtitled screenings. Previously only Arthouse and foreign films were subtitled. RNID believes cinemas can be inclusive for all and I urge those of you that are reluctant to go to treat yourself to a trip to the cinema. Why not experience it with your grandchildren during the school holidays?”
Mark Morris adds: “If your local cinema doesn’t show subtitled screenings then put pressure on them to do so. If cinemas see there is local demand for subtitled screenings then they will have to sit up and take action.”
Peter Buckingham, Head of the UK Film Council’s Distribution and Exhibition Fund said: “We want to help everyone in the community to enjoy films at the cinema. In the past, too many people with impaired sight and hearing have been cut off from films on the big screen. With more cinemas now providing soft-subtitling and audio-description facilities, this will enable many more people to enjoy films at the cinema, as well as the discussions afterwards with their friends and family.” |
A dedicated website www.yourlocalcinema.com, was established five years ago to provide comprehensive listing information on subtitled screenings across the country. Find the most convenient screening for you by visiting www.yourlocalcinema.com, or call 0845 056 9824 (telephone) 08001 056 9824(textphone), or email subtitles@yourlocalcinema.com
Mark Morris continues: “With an ever increasing range of accessible movies, including the latest blockbusters as well as a more diverse range of films, there is bound to be a film that suits individual tastes. So, whether you fancy taking the grandchildren to see a classic family film during the school holidays, or you would prefer to avoid a cinema full of youngsters, why not see what subtitled screenings are on offer in your local area?” |
See what's on offer in your area... |
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Cinema operators have a legal duty under the Disability Discrimination Act to make their venues accessible for deaf and hard of hearing people. RNID welcomes the increasing number of cinemas offering subtitled screenings, and urges more to follow their lead.
If you think you might have some level of hearing loss RNID recommends you take it’s five minute
telephone hearing check on 0845 600 5555.
For further information please contact Anna Hollis, Senior Media Relations Officer at RNID on
telephone/textphone: 020 7296 8229 or email anna.hollis@rnid.org.uk |
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