This page contains all Fest accessibility information and, when the schedule is announced, we will list all 2022 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 and closed captioning for an increasing number of films.
The festival footprint is relatively compact. The two fest 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).
ASL Interpretation
We offer sign language interpretation at select festival Q&As and events; those screenings and events are designated as such in the schedule, both in our program book and online.
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.
Assisted Listening Devices/Audio Description
Jesse Auditorium, Missouri Theatre, and Ragtag Cinema provide a limited number of assistive listening devices for audio amplification and audio description. Any film screening at Jesse, Missouri, and Ragtag can be viewed with audio amplification. 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. We anticipate 1-3 films having audio description available.
Captioning + Subtitles
Films with open (on screen) captions will have one screening dedicated to open captioning when possible. These are noted both in our program and online. Noted by the icon to the right.
Jesse Auditorium, Missouri Theatre, and Ragtag Cinema offer CaptiView, a personal closed-captioning device. Personal closed-captioning devices are equipped with high-contrast displays and easy-to-read screens that attach to your seat. These films are noted both in our program and online. Noted by icon to the left. Please note that not all films will have closed captioning. See a Venue Captain for assistance to obtain and set up a device. Devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Because of the large number of foreign-language films that we program each year, nearly half of the festival films are subtitled. Please note that these films are subtitled, not captioned. These are also designated as such on the schedule, both in our program book and online. Noted by icon to the right.
QUESTIONS? For more information about festival accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact Operations Director Carly Love 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. An updated version of this map will be available here in February, as well as in our program booklet, for easy access during the festival weekend.
