The “Cinema without Barriers” project is an international initiative aimed at ensuring equal access to film culture for all, regardless of ability. Launched in Poznań, Poland in 2022, the project is now expanding to four countries in Central and Eastern Europe, thanks to financial support from the Creative Europe and Audience Development & Film Education programs. This year, cinemas from Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary have joined the ranks of partners and are implementing accessible film screenings in their establishments, while aiming to make culture more accessible in their countries.

Slovenia

So far in Slovenia, only film festivals have featured screenings with audiodescription and subtitles for the deaf. Thanks to funds from the project, Slovenian partner Kulturni dom Cerknica has purchased audiodescription kits and installed an induction loop in the cinema hall. The first accessible screening will take place on September 24 and will target young people.

Slovakia

In Slovakia, the first accessible screenings have already taken place - the historical film “Vlny” (“Waves”) by Jiří Mádel was presented, which was selected by the local visually and hearing impaired community during a consultation conducted by the Partner. 

Hungary

The Hungarian partner, TISZApART Mozi, is the first art cinema in the country to take on the challenge of organizing accessible film screenings. Until now, deaf-accessible film screenings have only taken place sporadically in the country's capital. At the TISZApART cinema located in Szolnok, the necessary equipment was installed, and the first screening will take place on September 14.

Romania

In Romania, accessible film screenings remain the exception. Cinema Elvire Popesco of Bucharest will become the first cinema in the country to introduce such screenings. Significantly, until now no film has been simultaneously accessible to people with various disabilities. In preparation for the project, Cinema Elvire Popesco organized a training for regional audio-visual professionals in creating audiodescription, installed an induction loop for the deaf and purchased headsets for audiodescription, and through September will present to the public the first full-length film fully adapted to the needs of people with sensory disabilities - this will be “Metronome,” awarded Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival.