For the first time in its history, the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) will be fully accessible to attendees with special needs and reduced mobility, thanks to a new partnership with Svayam, a leading organization dedicated to promoting accessibility. Svayam will serve as the Accessibility Partner for the 18th edition of MIFF, scheduled to take place from June 15th to 21st.

MIFF 2024 will celebrate diverse voices and stories through cinema, and with Svayam's expertise, the festival aims to ensure an inclusive experience for all attendees. Svayam will conduct a comprehensive access audit of the festival venue and provide exclusive training sessions for staff, volunteers, and participants. These sessions will cover accessibility etiquette, terminology, and best practices to create a welcoming environment for everyone.

“We are happy to have Svayam on board as our accessibility partner for the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival," said Prithul Kumar, Festival Director and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. "This is the very first time in the history of MIFF that the festival venue will be made fully accessible for people with special needs. This partnership will ensure a more inclusive festival experience, allowing a larger number of participants to enjoy the screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions, and other events. Svayam's expertise in accessibility will open the doors for a wider audience to engage with the magic of cinema, and we at NFDC are committed to it.”

Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership. “Accessibility is a fundamental right, and we at Svayam are dedicated to ensuring spaces are welcoming to all. We are honored to be associated with MIFF 2024 and look forward to contributing to an international film festival experience that is not only culturally enriching and entertaining but also inclusive and accessible to everyone.”

MIFF 2024, in collaboration with Svayam, aims to redefine inclusivity in film festivals, ensuring a truly enriching and enjoyable experience for all attendees.