Leisure

Audio description in cinema

Summary: Information about cinemas across the UK equipped with audio description.

• Junior Film Critic Awards 2008
• Audio description in your area
• Cinema ticket scheme

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Have you ever sat in the cinema feeling frustrated because you couldn’t follow what was happening on the screen?

Many cinemas across the UK are now equipped with a system that delivers audio description through a headset, which is provided when you collect your ticket. The audio description runs each time the film is shown and is undetectable to anyone not wearing a headset. This means you can attend any screening of films with audio description, and sit anywhere in the auditorium.

Junior Film Critic Awards 2008

Young people with a visual or hearing impairment have a chance to win a Home Cinema System for themselves and an interactive white board their schools, as well as the title of Young Film Critic of the Year.

For a chance to win write, type or record your own film review of 250 words, maximum, of any of this year's cinema releases.

There are three age categories:

• 7 to 11 years
• 11 to 14 years
• 15 to 19 years

Nominees in each age category will be invited to an Awards Ceremony in London in October.

Deadline for entries is Thursday 31st July 2008.

Further information can be downloaded from Young film critic competition or send your review with your details, age and your school details direct to:

Film Education
21-22 Poland Street
London
W1F 8QQ

One of the 2006 winners Abygale wrote a review in braille of the musical Annie. She has seen the film over forty times and it is definitely her favourite. Abygale received her award from Tessa Jowell, Secretary for State for Culture Media and Sport. We asked her how her day in London at the awards ceremony had been, she said: “It was good. No, it was fantastic!”

Audio description in your area

To find out which cinemas provide audio description in your area, please visit the Your Local Cinema website or telephone them on 0845 056 9824. The call centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Let them know which town you are in and they'll tell you if there are any audio described films being screened in your area. Alternatively, you can email ad@yourlocalcinema.com

For regular film synopses join our cinema information email distribution list. To join or for more information about audio description in the cinema, please email broadcasting@rnib.org.uk or telephone 020 7391 2398.

Cinema ticket scheme

You can apply for a Cinema Exhibitor’s Association (CEA) card which entitles you to two-for-the-price-of-one tickets in all participating cinemas if you either:

• claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• or are registered blind.

For more information telephone 0845 123 1292.

Back to audio description home page.

Content author: audiodescription@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 21/07/2008 15:50