BFI FAN: EDI in Focus – Accessible Cinema for Blind Audiences

Join this interactive session on welcoming blind and partially sighted audiences, with BFI’s Inclusion Partner Clare Baines.

Over two million people in the UK live with some form of sight loss. Using case studies and examples of best practice, Charlie Little (BFI FAN’s EDI Champion) and Clare Baines (BFI Inclusion Partner) will share their experiences as partially sighted film lovers, and examine how exhibitors can meaningfully engage blind and partially sighted audiences.

Their interactive presentation will focus on anti-ableist actions and how advocacy-based behaviour and organisational awareness of disability is crucial to create inclusive spaces for those with access needs.

Topics will also include:

• audio description
• venue access
• accessible communications
• approaches to programming

Attendees will be invited to contribute and collaboratively challenge misconceptions about the interaction between sight and visual art.

Sign up here

About the Speakers

Clare Baines – Writer and Activist 

Clare Baines (she/her), a writer, activist & professional yapper is the founder of Crip Club, an accessible podcast that features British Sign Language (BSL) translations and exposing the ableism that persists on and off screen, whilst centring disabled joy.

As the writer and director of Blind Date, a Roundhouse-funded short film, Baines pushed the boundaries of accessibility through innovative creative audio description, setting a new standard for inclusive storytelling in film.

In their role as Inclusion Partner at the BFI, Clare spearheaded Busting the Bias, an intersectional celebration spotlighting disabled filmmakers and their contributions to the industry. As a seasoned presenter and host, they’ve taken the stage at prestigious festivals, including Sheffield DocFest, Raindance, Locarno, and the London Film Festival, where they bring unique insights into inclusion, accessibility, and the power of authentic representation in media.

Charlie Little – Access Consultant, Matchbox Cine

Charlie Little (she/they) is Matchbox Cine’s in-house Access Consultant, working with a wide range of exhibitors and organisations across the UK on access and inclusion for Deaf and disabled audiences. Charlie brings their lived experience of disability to their work, focusing on holistic practices within the film exhibition sector.