Since 2004, as part of its social contribution activities, Sumitomo Corporation has been promoting *barrier-free screenings of movies sponsored and produced by Sumitomo Corporation and its group company Asmik Ace Entertainment Inc.  So far, it has achieved barrier-free screenings of more than 10 Japanese movies around the same time they were opened to the public including "Our Mother" and "The Witch of the West is Dead". As part of this activity, it held the pre-release screening of a new movie titled "Gravity's Clowns" with audio description  and Japanese-language subtitles at Sendai Mediatheque on Sunday, March 29.

 

On the day of the screening, a visually-impaired woman listened to the audio description through earphones and commented, "Sounds alone helped me to visualize scenes and landscapes. They were black and white at first, but became more colorful as the film progressed.  I enjoyed imagining the city streets shown in the movie." Thanks to subtitles that explain dialogue and sound effects, people with hearing disabilities can comfortably enjoy watching movies alongside people without disabilities.

 

"Gravity's Clowns" is a movie adapted from a novel written by Kotaro Isaka. This tale of family love and brotherhood can be enjoyed by all generations. Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, the city depicted in the movie, has certified it as the first "Sendai Cinema", and has provided support in cooperation with local volunteers, local companies and municipalities. (For example, citizen volunteers of Sendai Mediatheque created the script for audio description.)

 

Sumitomo Corporation will offer further barrier-free screenings of high-quality movies such as these. Through these screening, we hope that everyone can share the emotions and excitement of these fine films.

 

What is a Barrier-Free Screening?

"Barrier-free screening" is a term that refers to the screening of movies that have audio description and Japanese-language subtitles so that visually- or hearing-impaired people can enjoy films at theaters alongside people without disabilities. Utilizing the integrated strength of its Group companies, Sumitomo Corporation is actively involved in the promotion of barrier-free screenings in cooperation with Asmik Ace Entertainment Inc., a movie production/distribution company, United Cinemas Co., Ltd., a cinema complex construction/management firm and other companies.

 

Following contents are to be posted below The movie Gravity's Clowns

On Saturday, April 25 Pre-release in Miyagi Prefecture
On Saturday, May 23 Release in theaters nationwide including Cinequanon Yurakucho and Shinjuku Wald 9
Distributor: Asmik Ace Entertainment Inc.
Official site: http://jyuryoku-p.com/ (Japanese Site Only)

 

 

Sumitomo Corporation's Social Contribution Activities / Examples / Vol.3 Creating a Barrier-Free Movie Experience 

http://www.sumitomocorp.co.jp/english/society/contribution/activity/act01.html