Accessibility at VQFF

What accessibility supports has VQFF implemented?

We take steps each year to improve the accessibility of all of our programs, and we try to make this information available in our Festival Guide and on our website so that you can make informed decisions about your attendance.

We are in the midst of a multi-year plan to improve the accessibility of our programs, with each new support operationalized in the following year. Current supports are listed here:

  • Discounted tickets for students, seniors and low income patrons 
  • Physically accessible washrooms and gender-destabilizing signs on washroom doors at all venues 
  • Accessibility volunteers 
  • Community ticketing - complimentary tickets provided to community groups for those who face financial/other barriers to attending the Festival
  • Free companion seating
  • Scent sensitive policy 
  • Venue accessibility information for all festival venues
  • Website accessibility plug-in

Alternative Seating

  • At all of our venues, we have a limited number of chairs without arms available for folks who require alternative seating options. You can email boxoffice@outonscreen.com to request a chair in advance. Once you arrive at a venue for a screening (please arrive early if possible), ask a volunteer or staff member to speak to the venue manager and we will happily show you the seating options available.

ASL & Captioning

  • All films shown online have closed captions.
  • All films at in person screenings have open captions. 
  • The quality of captions, e.g. whether audio is described in addition to spoken words or not, depends on what the filmmaker has provided. For non-English spoken films, we are relying on the translated subtitles provided by the filmmaker, which typically don’t include audio description.
  • Live captions at all artist Q&As and for preshow announcements
  • ASL interpreters will be present for Opening, Centrepiece, and Closing Presentation Q&As and for preshow announcements.
  • Other Pre-Film Content:
      • Sponsor ads before the film have open captions for spoken words.
      • Movie trailers may have some subtitles, but no captions.
      • The VQFF trailer will have open captions for spoken words.

If any support you need is missing, please contact us so we can make a plan to address this gap.

Relaxed Screenings

Relaxed Screenings are designed to make screening spaces more comfortable for those with various stimulation or sensory needs. They include the following accommodations:

  • Doors remain open to the lobby/foyer
  • House lights remain on but slightly dimmed
  • Film audio is slightly reduced
  • No trailers or ads play before the film
  • Reduced capacity to increase seating selection and distancing
  • Audience noise and movement is permitted during the show
  • Audience may enter and exit the theatre as needed
  • Sound reduction headphones provided upon request, dependent on availability
  • Complimentary ticket for a companion

If you would like to make an accessibility request or have questions about any of the above, please contact boxoffice@outonscreen.com.

What are we doing about COVID-19?

COVID-19 still greatly impacts folks in marginalized communities, many of which often cross over with queer communities. Please be mindful of others and engage in whatever way feels safest for you. Our online streaming platform is still available to provide more options for our patrons that are still highly impacted by COVID-19. Please reach out to boxoffice@outonscreen.com if you have any questions or concerns or if you need to exchange an in-person ticket for a virtual one.