31 May 2007
Australian films set to break new ground
A decision by the Film Finance Corporation (FFC) to require captions on all FFC-financed feature films from 1 July this year has been applauded by Human Rights Commissioner and Commissioner responsible for Disability Discrimination, Graeme Innes AM.
Mr Innes said from 1 July producers seeking funding from the FFC would have access to funds to ensure their films were captioned for both cinema release and later DVD release.
"This is a very important and welcomed development from the FFC," Commissioner Innes said.
"For the very first time in Australia, Deaf people and people with a hearing impairment will have access to major Australian produced and financed feature films."
Commissioner Innes said feature film producers are also required by the FFC to use their best endeavours to ensure that all Australian distribution agreements include access for the hearing impaired via captioned theatrical screenings and DVDs.
"There are a number of cinemas throughout Australia that have the capacity to project captions onto the screen, but up to now Deaf customers have been restricted to seeing films produced and captioned overseas," Mr Innes said.
"Captions are created on a CD and projected onto the screen at the cinema allowing Deaf people and people with a hearing impairment to follow the action along with their families and friends.
"A number of individuals and community groups, including myself, have been pushing for captions on our uniquely Australian feature films for some time, so I am delighted that the FFC has responded in this way," he said.
In 2005 there were more than three million people who were Deaf or hearing-impaired living in Australia. This is expected to increase to four million by 2010 and nearly five million by 2020.
Media contact: Louise McDermott (02) 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597
