Communication Access

This page details communication access services available at MIFF venues and in MIFF sessions.

Open Captions

Select sessions at MIFF will screen with Open Captions. Open Captioned screenings display captions that dictate any spoken dialogue, music or sound effect in the film and are shown on the screen for the duration of the film.

The following sessions will screen with Open Captions:

To book a ticket to an Open Caption session, please see How to Book Your Ticket to ensure MIFF can provide the best service.

Audio Description

Select sessions at MIFF will screen with an Audio Description (AD) track. This service provides additional narration and commentary that aims to describe body language, expressions, movements, key action and the visual content of the film, thereby offering additional information about the film through sound. Narration occurs during the natural pauses in the audio, and sometimes during dialogue if deemed necessary.

Audio description units are available for collection from the MIFF Box Office at the venue. Please see a MIFF FOH Staff member when you arrive for assistance.

The following sessions will screen with Audio Description:

To book a ticket to an Audio Described session, please see How to Book Your Ticket to ensure MIFF can provide the best service.

Assistive Listening

At select MIFF venues this year, Assistive Listening will be provided in the form of an Assistive Listening device that patrons can borrow and use for the duration of the session. Patrons can use the device provided by the venue complete with headphones to hear an amplified version of the film sound through the headphones.

For Assistive Listening at MIFF venues and sessions this year, please see Venue Information.

To enquire about Assistive Listening at MIFF sessions this year, please see How to Book Your Ticket to ensure MIFF can provide the best service. Please note: Assistive Listening may not be available for specific sessions screening with Audio Description.

Hearing Induction Loops and Hearing Neck Loops

At select MIFF venues this year, a Hearing Induction Loop or Hearing Neck Loop will be provided. Patrons can tune in using their own hearing-aid device for amplified film sound directly into the ear.

For more information about which MIFF venues have a Hearing Loop, please see Venue Information.

If you require the use of a Hearing Induction Loop or Hearing Neck Loop, please see How to Book Your Ticket to ensure MIFF can provide the best service.

Auslan-Interpreted Events

To engage a wider audience for MIFF’s program of films and events, Auslan interpreters will be present at a selection of Talks, introductions, Q&As and special events throughout the festival.

The following sessions and events will be Auslan-interpreted:

To book a ticket to an Auslan-interpreted event, please see How to Book Your Ticket to ensure MIFF can provide the best service.

100% Subtitled

Many films screening at MIFF are subtitled and without any spoken English language, including some films that are silent or that have no dialogue.

Click here to see the full list of sessions that will screen as 100% Subtitled.

Please see How to Book Your Ticket to ensure MIFF can provide the best service.