Why audio description matters

Audio description is a narrated soundtrack that fills the gaps between dialogue, describing actions, expressions, settings. Pioneered in the US by Joel Snyder and AMC, it has become standard at major film festivals worldwide. For blind viewers, it transforms a film from a soundtrack into a story.

What the festival offers

  • 30+ films with professional audio description (Twiavox, Audiovision).
  • Headphones provided at every accessible screening.
  • Sign-language interpreted Q&A with directors.
  • Tactile maps of the festival venues.
  • Trained volunteers to guide attendees from the entrance to their seats.

How Lumyeye Pro helps

Posters, programs and venue boards are not described. Lumyeye Pro reads them aloud — useful when picking a movie or finding the right hall. Tap or double-tap on the iPhone, point at the poster, and Lumyeye reads the title, director, year, and short description in seconds.

Similar US festivals

The American Council of the Blind maintains a calendar of audio-described film screenings. Sundance, Tribeca, and TIFF now offer at least one accessible screening per program. The Telluride Film Festival has piloted live audio description for premieres.

At home

Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, and Max include hundreds of audio-described titles. Look for the "AD" badge in episode metadata or use the audio-track switcher. Apple TV+ offers AD for nearly its entire catalogue. Amazon Prime is catching up but lags behind.

Headphones & equipment tips

  • AirPods Pro 2 — the spatial audio is excellent for AD; turn on Conversation Boost if AD is too soft.
  • Shokz bone-conduction — keep ears open for the room and family.
  • Sony Pulse Explore — neutral profile for music-heavy films.

Resources