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India's First Multi-Inclusive Film Redefines Cinema
25 Mar
Summary
- Film Rabb Di Awaaz achieved multi-inclusive status in India.
- Director Sharma prioritized moral responsibility over mandates.
- The film's accessibility inspired policy discussions and UN commendation.
Filmmaker Ojaswwee Sharma has pioneered multi-inclusive cinema in India with his 2023 film, "Rabb Di Awaaz." This national award-winning director obtained censor certification in standard, audio-described, and sign language formats, preceding a March 2024 government mandate. Sharma emphasized his actions stemmed from a moral responsibility to ensure no discrimination against audiences with disabilities.
The film has undergone over 275 free screenings nationwide and at international festivals, sparking policy-level discussions. Sharma was subsequently invited by the CBFC to guide other filmmakers on accessibility. The film has also received recognition from the UN in India and UNESCO.
Sharma noted that while the new policy mandates accessibility, true inclusion involves having lead actors with disabilities, as seen in "Rabb Di Awaaz." He acknowledges the challenges ahead for distributors, including infrastructure readiness and marketing costs, predicting AI's role in compliance efforts.
