This page contains all Fest accessibility information and, when the schedule is announced, we will list the film screenings with ASL interpretation and accessibility features below. Each and every year we strive to make the Fest more accessible and are excited to continue offering accessibility features including audio description, closed captioning, open captioning, and ASL interpretation for an increasing number of films.
The festival footprint is relatively compact. The two film venues that are furthest apart are less than three-quarters of a mile away from each other, and most fest venues are even closer; just a few blocks apart.
Accessible Parking
The City of Columbia will waive the hourly limit for accessible metered parking during the festival to accommodate those who want to grab a bite and catch a show (note that ADA hang tags will continue to be enforced, and normal parking meter fees apply).
Venue Accessibility
All film and public special event venues have wheelchair accessible entries, exits, restrooms, and access to Fest-provided drinking water stations. Festival staff are happy to provide needed assistance, and venue management (Venue Captains and Assistant Venue Captains) are specifically trained to provide exceptional assistance for persons with disabilities. For assistance, please check in with venue staff when you arrive at the venue. Persons with disabilities may arrive at a venue and/or enter a venue early if needed, either to be seated (if you have a ticket) or to wait in a seat in the lobby if you are using the Q.
Wheelchair Seating
All venues have wheelchair seating available. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Check in with the Venue Captain when you arrive at the venue. Limited accessible seating is available at Rhynsburger Theater, Missouri Theatre, and Ragtag Cinema, while other venues have more movable seating options. Companion seating is available at all theaters; all companions must have a ticket or use the Q.
Assisted Listening Devices/Audio Description
All film venues provide a limited number of assistive listening devices for audio amplification and audio description. Devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To access listening devices, check in with venue staff when you arrive. If you anticipate using an assisted listening device, we recommend reaching out to us before the Fest so we can reserve a device for you. Due to the nature of independent filmmaking, most films shown at the Fest are not formatted for audio description.
ASL Interpretation
We offer sign language interpretation at select festival Q&As and events; those screenings and events are listed below.
Captioning + Subtitles
Films with open (on screen) captions will have one screening dedicated to open captioning when possible. The 2024 films with available open and closed captioning will be listed below as soon as they are available.
All film venues offer personal closed-captioning devices. These devices are equipped with high-contrast displays and easy-to-read handheld screens and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. These films are noted below. Please note that not all films will have closed captioning. See a Venue Captain to obtain and set up a device.
Because of the large number of foreign-language films that we program each year, more than half of the festival films are subtitled. Please note that these films are subtitled, not captioned. These films are also listed below.
QUESTIONS? For more information about festival accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact Operations and Accessibility Coordinator Melissa Bindi at [email protected], or call us at: 573.442.8783
Included here is a recent map that highlights the venues with assisted listening devices, indicate where the main entrance is for each venue, and in those cases where the main entrance is not accessible, we will note where the accessible entrance is located. Click here for a downloadable PDF. This map will be also available in our program booklet, for easy access during the festival weekend.
Films
FILMS WITH SUBTITLES:
Abo Zaabal 89
Deaf President Now!
Family Album
How Deep Is Your Love?
Kouté Vwa
Light Memories
Make it Look Real
May the Soil Be Everywhere
Requiem for a Tribe
Resurrection
The Dating Game
The Silence of My Hands
The Wolves Always Come at Night
Valentina and the MUOsters
Wishing on A Star
Writing Hawa
OPEN CAPTION SCREENINGS:
TO BE ANNOUNCED
FILMS WITH AUDIO DESCRIPTION:
TO BE ANNOUNCED
SCREENINGS/EVENTS WITH ASL INTERPRETATION FOR INTROS & Q&AS:
THURSDAY, FEB 27
Valentina and the MUOSters // Rhynsburger // 4 pm
The Dating Game // Missouri Theatre // 6:45 pm
FRIDAY FEB 28
Resurrection // Rhynsburger // 1 pm
The Silence of My Hands // Willy Wilson // 1 pm
Deaf President Now! // Blue Note // 3:45 pm
SATURDAY, MARCH 1
Make it Look Real // Rhynsburger // 9:15 am
Deaf President Now! // Missouri Theatre // 6:45pm
The Silence of my Hands // Big Ragtag // 5:45 pm
SUNDAY, MARCH 2
Deaf President Now! // Blue Note // 9:15 am
May the Soil Be Everywhere // Willy Wilson // 9:15 am
Writing Hawa // Rhynsburger // 12:15 pm
The Silence of my Hands // Big Ragtag // 6:00 pm