Dorset deaf 'missing out' on cinema subtitles (From Bournemouth Echo)

Dorset deaf 'missing out' on cinema subtitles

7:00pm Friday 13th November 2009 in

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DEAF people are missing out on the latest Hollywood blockbusters because the major cinemas in Bournemouth and Poole are not showing films with subtitles, it is claimed.

Members of Bournemouth Deaf Club say they want regular weekly subtitled screenings of major films to make them accessible to the deaf.

But they say that Bournemouth Odeon cinema has failed to show any subtitled films for several months and the Empire Cinema at Tower Park Poole is currently not showing subtitled films.

Club secretary Adam Snook said: “If no subtitled screenings are available at our local cinemas in Bournemouth and Poole deaf people will miss out on the latest films.

“With the provision of subtitles it would create fair access to cinemas for all deaf people.”

Rikki Ellett, 40, said she does not go to the cinema with her 12-year-old son Cade because of the lack of subtitles.

And Heather Owen, who is deaf, said: “Why should we put up with this treatment as rock bottom citizens?

“Why should the deaf travel extra miles to Southampton, Yeovil or Weymouth to watch subtitled movies?”

Susi Teall, general manager at Empire Cinemas, Poole, said that subtitling equipment was installed at the beginning of summer but had “teething problems”.

Once it is working smoothly the Empire will contact the club to arrange the best times and days to show subtitled films, she said.

She added: “We are hoping to be running more tests sometime next week and once we have done that we will be approaching the groups.”

An Odeon Bournemouth spokesperson apologised for the inconvenience but said that a fault had developed earlier in the year in crucial equipment.

She added: “Unfortunately repairs are still ongoing which has forced a halt to subtitled performances while this essential maintenance continues.

“For 26 of the 32 weeks prior to the technical fault, Odeon Bournemouth held subtitled screenings of 22 different films and performances took place several times a week, including weekends.”