accessible cinema
ACCESSIBILITY 
IN Film

Accessible cinemas are still far from common. In many places, barriers remain—from a lack of wheelchair spaces to the absence of audio description. look&roll addresses these challenges directly, continuously expanding what cultural participation can look like.

For many years, look&roll has been committed to making cinema more accessible by offering the festival in an accessible format. All films are shown with audio description, descriptive subtitles, an induction loop system, and accessible infrastructure. All festival events are translated into Swiss German Sign Language (DSGS).

As part ofthe festival, we also offer a pick-up service and personal assistance. A sensory room is available, along with tools and resources to support visitors experiencing sensory overload. All films include clear content warnings, and visitors are welcome to leave the screening room at any time.

Accessibility in film

look&roll presents outstanding films in both form and content that celebrate lived experiences and individuals who are often marginalised or portrayed through tropes in film. The carefully curated selection stands out not only for its storytelling quality, but also for its thoughtful approach to filmmaking—one that considers accessibility and diversity throughout the creative process.

Many of the films explore social barriers and mechanisms of exclusion, while others portray people with disabilities or chronic illnesses in everyday roles—beyond reduction, inspiration tropes, or dramatization. In doing so, look&roll sends a powerful message for a more inclusive film culture while also making structural barriers within the film industry visible.

Information in Easy Language

What is look&roll?

llook&roll is a short film festival.

The festival is international.

It takes place every two years in Basel.Worum geht es beim Festival?

We're showing short films.
 The films are about living with:

  • Disabilities
  • chronic diseases
  • Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity means that some people’s brains work differently than those of many others.
It is not a disease. It is a natural part of human diversity.
For example, it includes people with:

  • ADHD
  • Autism
  • Dyslexia

Is the festival accessible?

Yes. All film screenings are accessible.

  • Audio description is available.
 Audio description means that a voice describes what is happening in the film.
  • There are subtitles that describe sounds.
  • There is an inductive hearing system for people who wear hearing aids.
  • Sign language interpretation is provided during speeches.
  • The movie theater is wheelchair accessible.
  • There are wheelchair-accessible seats.
  • There is an elevator.
  • There are places to lie down.
  • There is a quiet room.

What is the purpose of the festival?

We want to share stories about disabilities that are rarely told.

We want to experience films together.

We want people with and without disabilities to come together.

What is look&roll on the go?

After the festival, we also screen our films at other venues.
This allows us to reach people who are unable to attend the festival.

We organize a variety of events:

  • Talks
  • Workshops
  • Short Film Nights

How can I contact look&roll?

Feel free to contact us by email.
Our email address is: info@lookandroll.ch

Join us

look&roll welcomes anyone who would like to get involved.

You can contact look&roll if you:

  • would like to contribute
  • have ideas
  • or if you'd like to support our work.

What is particularly important to us is:

Menschen mit Behinderungen und Menschen mit chronischen Krankheiten sollen mitarbeiten können.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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