[Tuesday, October 13, 2009] Music maestro AR Rahman and actress Tabu inaugurate the Ability Fest 2009 –India International Disability Film Festival in the presence of Andrew Simkin US consul general in Chennai at Sathyam Cinemas yesterday.
"Events like `Ability Fest 2009' would make a huge difference in the way the public view disability. This reiterates the fact that films can make a positive change in society," music composer A R Rahman said on Monday. Speaking at the inauguration of `Ability Fest 2009,' a four-day India International Disability Film Festival in Chennai, he said it was a welcome thing that themes such as disability, environment and human rights are attracting the attention of the organizers. In her address, Tabu said filmmakers should be more sensitive while portraying disability as films were an effective tool to change the mindset of the people. Audio description technology, which enables audience with visual disabilities to understand the silent parts of a movie, was launched during the festival. The technology will be used in the closing film `Taare Zameen Par' on October 15. "They (visually challenged persons) would be given headphones and the silent parts of the movies will be described in detail for them," said festival vice-chairperson Revathy. US Consul-General, South India, Andrew T Simkin, festival director P K Nair and festival chairperson Jayshree Raveendran also spoke. The four-day festival will screen over 30 movies that have gained international recognition for their sensitive portrayal of disability. The films will be screened from 10 am at Sathyam Cinemas till October 15. The pictures for the coverage can be found in Indiaglitz.com http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/gallery/Events/19730.html
