Concrete Playground

Fancy a free trip to the cinema? The Access All Areas Film Festival is taking Australian film on tour this month as part of the state’s Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign, which culminates in the celebration of the International Day of People with a Disability.

Think about it, a trip to the cinema is a common pastime for most, but not so for the visually or hearing impaired, for whom most cinemas don’t cater. So in touring around the state, bringing cinema to local deaf and blind schools, this festival not only champions Australian film, but also demonstrates the cultural possibilities available to the disabled.


Now in it’s second year, the festival will screen Scott Hick’s compassionate portrait of fatherhood, The Boys Are Back as well as Sarah Watt’s wry look at family life My Year Without Sex. Also part of the program are a series of short films for kids to enjoy, including the IF nominated animation Tin Can Heart. 

All screenings will be captioned for the hearing impaired, audio-described for the visually impaired and be wheelchair accessible. The festival will also round out with a panel discussion “Willing and Able – Making Cinema Accessible,” at the Dendy Opera Quays. So for cinephiles of all abilities, this is your chance to access all areas.