BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — For the first time, Filipino cinema will become fully accessible to people with visual impairments with the forthcoming screening of the 2023 award-winning film “Firefly” by Zig Dulay with audio description (AD).
The film with AD, a feature that narrates visual elements, including physical actions, facial expressions, costumes, settings, and scene changes, is scheduled to screen on April 26, 2025 at SM Baguio Cinema 3.
This is under Project ADAM (Audio Description Awareness Movement) which aims to promote accessibility, inclusivity and introduction to inclusive media.
Project ADAM is a coalition of 14 blind organizations advocating inclusive media through audio description for individuals with visual impairments in the Philippines.
The screening in Baguio City is a collaborative effort among the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), University of the Philippines Baguio’s Social Innovation Laboratory and Business Inclusion (UP-SILBI), GMA Production, SM Cares, HIRAYA led by Dr. Eva Wong, and other visually impaired organizations.
“We’ll be showing this with audio description. This is a historical event kasi first time po na mapapanood natin sa mga cinema na meron po audio description kung saan malalaman niyo po kahit nakapikit po kayo, malalaman niyo po ‘yung nangyayari dun sa movie,” Dr. Easter Joy Sajo of UP Baguio SILBI explained during the Usapang PIA radio program.
The event is open to everyone with post-screening discussions to further promote inclusivity.
“Puwede rin po siya, like for us, right? So, sa mga non-visually impaired, it would be very beneficial for awareness and to really be aware na, yung nga, maging inclusive tayo in terms of the movie industry as well,” Sajo said.
The screening aims to raise awareness about the importance of audio description in films and advocate for its integration into mainstream cinema.
“ Sa U.S., it’s been a law, it’s been already passed and it is implemented in the movies kahit sa mga streaming agency. So, they have audio description. So hopefully sa Philippines po, mai-push natin po itong audio description na law and may implement po dito sa Pilipinas para mas maging inclusive po tayo as well,” Sajo said.
PDAO Head Samuel Aquino is encouraging PWDs to participate in this film screening, emphasizing the opportunity to experience the world of those with visual impairments.
“We are really inviting everybody to participate and engage so that you will know the world of the person with visual disability. In the world of darkness. And there will be a light,” he said.
Aquino expects that through the initiative, a legislation on AD will be crafted. He emphasized that this is not just intended for the present generation but an intergenerational innovation. (JDP/DEG/Ariann Mangayabas-PIA CAR- BSU Intern)
