The Forum without Barriers is the first event in Poland dedicated to accessibility in the audiovisual sector, aimed at professionals in the film industry, especially in the areas of production, distribution, and cinema management. From February 27 to 29, the ZAMEK Culture Center in Poznań invites professionals to lectures, panel discussions, and workshops on the distribution, production, and organization of accessible film screenings.
The Forum program includes discussions on the challenges and barriers faced by the audiovisual sector in terms of accessibility in Poland. Is accessibility worthwhile, where to get funds for it, and how can new technologies help in this regard? The Forum will provide answers to these questions and showcase good examples from Poland and abroad.
Tabitha Kenlon from the Audio Description Project, using famous titles as examples, will explain how accessibility in film is implemented in the USA and James Connor from the UK Cinema Association will present the situation in the United Kingdom. Among the invited participants in the Forum without Barriers are representatives of the distribution industry, cinemas, and producers such as Marek Bień, Marlena Gabryszewska, Cezary Kruszewski, Klaudia Śmieja-Rostworowska, Marcin Adamczak, Anna Pachnicka, Justyna Mańkowska, Anna Żórawska, and other experts.
During the Forum without Barriers workshops, under the watchful eye of self-advocates, participants will learn about the actions needed to create cinemas accessible to people with various needs. Special events will also take place, including screenings of classic Polish movies: "Wilczyca" and "Trzeba zabić tę miłość" with original audio descriptions created by Dorota Masłowska and Agnieszka Wolny-Hamkało.
Forum without Barriers will also present the results of the Film Sector Accessibility and Inclusivity Survey conducted by Dr. Bartek Lis and Dr. Bogna.
The detailed program and accreditation form are available on the website.
Come to the Forum without Barriers, gain knowledge, share experiences, and work together with others for accessible cinema!
See you in February in Poznań!