Feature films* to provide at least one accessibility feature each for the hearing-impaired and visually impaired
The “Accessibility Standards” module in E-Cinepramaan has been successfully deployed as per the scheduled timeline i.e. 15th September 2024. The applicants may now apply/submit their films with the required accessibility features for the hearing and visually impaired, as specified in the guidelines. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had set 15th September 2024, as the effective date for implementation of these guidelines.
New guidelines & enhanced accessibility standards
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken a significant step towards making cinema viewing more inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities. Through an Office Memorandum dated March 15, 2024, the Ministry had issued new guidelines aimed at enhancing accessibility standards for the public exhibition of feature films in cinema theatres for persons with hearing and visual impairment.
These guidelines apply to those feature films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for public exhibition in cinema halls/movie theaters for commercial purposes. All feature films* that are to be certified in more than one language would be required to provide at least one accessibility feature each for the hearing impaired and visually impaired, i.e. Closed Captioning/Open Captioning and Audio Description.
