Apple is supposed to make history with the theatrical release of its original Apple TV + CODA movie. In all UK and US cinemas, the film will be shown with “open” captions accessible to all, ie burned into the video without the need for special equipment to view them.
Typically, members of the deaf community who wish to watch movies in theaters should attend screenings that support wearing special glasses in order to see the subtitle tracks above the video. Unfortunately, this equipment is often broken.
CODA will simply include the subtitles in the main film reel. As reported by Reuters, it would be a first in cinema history for a theatrical release. This will apply at least in the UK and US markets; Apple does not necessarily control the theatrical distribution of the film in other regions.
CODA is presented as an example of how to make fair representation of minorities in Hollywood movies. CODA director Sian Heder – now under an exclusive production contract with Apple – ensured that deaf actors were chosen for all roles. About a third of the dialogue in the film is through the actor speaking in American Sign Language.
In his interview with Reuters, Heder hopes CODA will set an example to make future theatrical releases more accessible.
Heder recalled the emotional reaction of a deaf man at a recent screening with open captions in Gloucester, Massachusetts, where the film was shot.
“He was, like, ‘I’m not going to the movies. I can’t wear these glasses. They make me nauseous. Half the time they don’t work, so I stopped going to the theater. He hadn’t seen a movie in the cinema for 10 years and he was very moved and excited.
Of course, when the film hits Apple TV + this Friday, it will be shown worldwide with subtitle options in 36 languages.
Apple acquired CODA in a record $ 25 million deal at Sundance this year. CODA, short for Children of Deaf Adults, follows Ruby (Emilia Jones) ‘s story as the only hearing member of her family as she seeks to part ways with the family fishing business in order to pursue her passion for the song. The film is an English remake of a French language film ‘La Famille Bélier’.
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