The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has taken a significant step toward making cinema more accessible and inclusive with the introduction of CineDubs, a multilingual audio-support app that allows audiences to enjoy films in their preferred language.
CineDubs enables viewers to download their preferred audio track on a mobile device, which then automatically synchronises with the film through patented audio-sync technology.
“By breaking linguistic boundaries, CineDubs allows audiences from different regions and language backgrounds to come together and celebrate cinema in a truly inclusive atmosphere,” the organisers said in an official statement.
IFFI has also expanded its assistive screenings to support audiences with visual and hearing impairments.
Audio Description (AD) provides narrated explanations of visual elements for the visually impaired, while Closed Captions (CC) offer on-screen text of dialogues, sound cues, and other essential audio details for those who are hearing-impaired.
Organisers said these features ensure that sensory limitations do not prevent anyone from fully participating in the cinematic experience.
Founded in 1952 and jointly organised by the National Film Development Corporation and the Entertainment Society of Goa, IFFI remains South Asia’s oldest and largest film festival.
Running through November 28, this year’s edition showcases global filmmaking, industry conversations, and creative collaborations under the theme “Convergence of Creativity and Technology.”