Article

Access All Areas Accessible Films

Access All Areas with Accessible Films at ShAFF 2023
 
A montage of images from this year's films with a mountain backdrop

About

ACCESS ALL AREAS - ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURE FILM AT SHAFF 2023

Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF) will screen selected sessions in accessible formats for d/Deaf and blind/partially sighted audiences. Coldhouse Collective and Danielle Sellwood, supported by Berghaus are collaborating with ShAFF to host a series of events to tackle the lack of accessibility for d/Deaf and blind/partially sighted audiences in adventure films and festivals.

Danielle Sellwood first crossed paths with ShAFF way back in 2015 when she sat on a panel discussing how to better represent women in adventure films. She then attended last year's festival at another industry event passing her knowledge on to up and coming young filmmakers. This year Danielle is returning once more, along with Peak District based adventure media producers Coldhouse Collective and blind disability activist, Poppy Levison, to work with the ShAFF team to host a series of events to tackle the lack of accessibility for d/Deaf and blind/partially sighted audiences in adventure films and festivals.

Taking place during the weekend-long festival, events include accessible screenings, a workshop for filmmakers, and a panel discussion looking at what we need to do to ensure that adventure films are made accessible to a wider audience. These initiatives are part of a long-term project that aims to evolve to a place where all films of this genre are accessible.

THE PROGRAMME

Best of ShAFF - Access All Areas A 90 minute selection of the best films from ShAFF 2023. Screening 21:00 Fri 3 March & 20:30 Sat 4 March.

Adventure Bites An hour long loop playing continuously throughout the festival, arrive and leave at any time. Fri 3-Sun 5 March. Our best value session at just £3.

Access All Areas Panel Event A screening of a short film followed by a discussion looking at what we need to do to ensure that adventure films are made accessible to a wider audience. Sat 4 March 10:30, Workstation Mezzanine. Free to attend.

Film Focus The event is a mix of discussion with visiting filmmakers who will share their tips and advice, as well as informal industry networking. It is open to anyone working in, or aspiring to work in the outdoor media world. Free to attend.

This project is supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network.