Today, we’re combining the timeless art of cinema with cutting-edge technology, giving it a good stir, and topping it off with a generous splash of live music! The result is a fantastic event in Scotland. More specifically, in Bo’ness! If you can free up March 21st, you’ll have the chance to experience the first silent film screening with Braille support. All further details can be found in the following announcement, taken from braillists.org events.
After much user testing and discussions, the first ever silently described silent film screening will be taking place on Friday 21st March in the beautiful Scottish town of Bo’Ness (an easy 30 minute journey from Edinburgh or Glasgow). The newly restored 1917 feature film, ‘The Pride of the Clan’, stars Hollywood royalty, Mary Pickford as Marget MacTavish and encompasses clan politics, daring sea rescues, quaint island customs, a thwarted romance and a rag-to-riches storyline, along with, of course, some highland dancing.
The live music accompanying this film will be provided by the extraordinary duo of musicians and silent film accompanists Stephen Horne and Elizabeth-Jane Baldry who, between them (and often in the same performance) play harp, flute, piano and accordion.
Patrons can bring their own wifi-compatible refreshable braille device, or opt to request a headset to receive good old fashioned audio description (itself a rarity for silent film, and itself a unique experience combined with live music), which will also be available through the HippFest at Home online offering for 48 hours after the event.
Tickets (for both in-person and online) are on sale through the HippFest website at:
HippFest website
Polly Goodwin says: “I would be so very grateful if you could share this invitation with anyone you think might be interested. My hope is that we get an audience excited to try out this new experience, and even more excited to give me frank and full feedback afterwards to further develop the process of opening up a unique part of cinema to people who are blind or have low vision.”
If you are interested in attending please contact Polly Goodwin at:
Polly Goodwin
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