Entertainment

The Regional Office of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Kolkata has issued reminder to filmmakers, producers, and industry stakeholders of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Andaman & Nicobar Islands regarding the mandatory inclusion of Audio Description (AD) and Closed Captioning (CC) norms for all feature films submitted for certification. These accessibility standards make cinema inclusive for persons with hearing and visual impairments and become compulsory during the examination process effective from March 15, 2026, stated the CBFC authority.

 

The official Guidelines for Accessibility Standards in the Public Exhibition of Feature Films in Cinema Theatres for Persons with Hearing and Visual Impairment, issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on March 15, 2024, stated: "All other Feature Films being certified through CBFC including the teasers and trailers and meant for theatrical release (digital feature films}, would be required to mandatorily provide accessibility features for CC & AD, two years from the date of issue of these guidelines”. Producers are hence required to deliver films to CBFC as a digital cinema package with relevant files, including Audio Description (AD) and Closed Captioning (CC).

 

The guidelines define Audio Description as "The auditory narration of visual representations in a film for enhancing the film watching experience for visually impaired persons. During gaps in dialogue, it describes visual elements such as scenes, settings, actions and costumes" and Closed Captioning as "The means by which both the audio dialogue and sound representations of a film are made visible on demand by the user via on-screen text that is synchronized with the audio content." These features support the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, by promoting equal access to cultural and recreational activities, said the CBFC authority.

 

The authority also stated that the filmmakers have to mandatorily prepare via the E-Cinepramaan portal with accurate, synchronised and complete accessibility files to ensure timely certification.

 

The CBFC Regional Office, Kolkata commits to fostering an inclusive cinematic environment in the region with stakeholders participation and this reminder serves that end.