In the darkness, they learn to see things differently, going beyond ordinary senses. They use echoes to sense distances and listen intently to the sounds of life around them. They teach us that the world is not just a place for sight, but a place for experience, discovery, and love, and that true strength lies not in the eyes but in determination and will—these are the blind.
Under the slogan "Cinema for Everyone," the "Tiro for Arts" Association and Istanbul Theater inaugurated last Tuesday the "Blind Cinema Week" at the Lebanese National Theater in Tripoli, by screening a collection of short films with audio description that allow the blind to "watch" them.
In detail, the "Tiro for Arts" Association revealed to "Warda" that the films to be screened will help the blind and visually impaired to continuously enjoy cinema, targeting both children and adults. This is the first such initiative in Tripoli, with films being shown free of charge to the public.
The association indicated that it will present a series of short educational films aimed at conveying awareness and educational messages to the audience on specific issues (health, environmental, social...), in addition to animated films.
The association highlighted that "Blind Cinema Week" will include a theater workshop for the blind, as part of integrating them into society, developing their skills, and showcasing their talents.
For his part, Qassem Istanbul, the founder of the Lebanese National Theater, stressed that the continuation of film screenings, festivals, and free training workshops, despite all the surrounding crises, represents an important opportunity for gathering and for the audience to learn about diverse cultures from around the world, ensuring that art is always a right for everyone.
Omar Sharif, a blind individual who attended to watch the films, stated, "This is the first time I have been invited to such an event. This encouraged me to come and learn how a film with audio description is presented for blind individuals."
"The blind teach us that beauty is not in what we see with our eyes but in what we feel with our hearts and souls." - Hillary Clinton.
What is audio description?
Audio description is the process of describing sounds or audio events in words, for the blind or visually impaired. It consists of an external voice that speaks about parts other than the dialogues in the film or theater, describing the location, time, characters, and silent events, as well as their appearance and feelings.
Audio description allows the blind or visually impaired to access visual content and comprehend videos, movies, television programs, and other visual materials through the narration of these visual details in an audible voice.
