Accessibility Policy

Accessibility Policy of the Reykjavík International Film Festival 

The Accessibility Policy of the Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF) aims to ensure meaningful accessibility, inclusion, and appropriate adjustments for all festival guests. The policy is grounded in the fundamental principle that all individuals, regardless of disability or other circumstances, have an equal right to participate in cultural events.

The policy includes targeted measures to improve access to festival venues and events, ensure clear and accessible information, and promote the inclusion of a diverse range of participants. RIFF emphasises the importance of providing appropriate adjustments when needed, ensuring that festival services meet different needs on an equal basis.

In 2026, the festival places particular emphasis on improving accessibility for guests with mobility impairments and enhancing access to information through easy-to-read materials on the festival website and in the festival catalogue. RIFF remains committed to continuously developing and strengthening accessibility practices, guided by the objective that everyone who wishes to attend can enjoy the festival programme, regardless of disability or other barriers.

Improved Accessibility for Guests with Mobility Impairments

RIFF is committed to increasing and ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility impairments. Measures include:

• Ensuring that venues and the organisation of screenings and events accommodate guests with mobility impairments, and that appropriate adjustments are made where necessary.
• Appointing a RIFF Accessibility Officer who serves as a point of contact for accessibility-related matters and provides information and support.
• Providing complimentary admission for personal assistants accompanying disabled guests.
• Offering training for staff and volunteers on accessibility, inclusion, and appropriate communication practices.

Access to Information and Easy-to-Read Materials

To promote inclusion and equal access to information, RIFF will publish selected promotional materials in easy-to-read formats.

The festival website will include accessible information about the programme, special events, and the festival’s accessibility policy in an easy-to-read format. This ensures that as many individuals as possible can familiarise themselves with the festival’s offerings and make informed decisions about participation.

UngRIFF Participation

RIFF promotes validation and appropriate adaptation for disabled visitors to the UngRIFF children's film festival. The festival undertakes to discuss with experts and interest organizations of disabled people in the development work and implementation of UngRIFF.

Staff Training and Diversity

RIFF aims to offer training for staff and volunteers on the needs of different groups, provided by organizations such as Sjálfsbjörg and Þroskahjálp. An accessibility representative will be available to review the policy regularly. The festival aims to employ staff with diverse backgrounds and seek partnerships with organizations supporting employment for disabled individuals, exploring recruitment and innovation grants available through institutions like Vinnumálastofnun.

Future plans – RIFF for everyone

In the coming years, RIFF plans to accommodate individuals with various disabilities. This includes providing subtitles and special screenings for individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing issues. The festival aims to accommodate the needs of hearing-impaired attendees through sign language interpretation, live transcription, and other means. RIFF seeks collaboration with the government, municipalities, and specialty funds that support individuals with special needs to make our vision of “RIFF for all” a reality.

Awareness Team

RIFF is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where all guests feel respected and secure. From 2026 onwards, a dedicated Accessibility Team will be present at Háskólabíó during screenings.

The team’s role is to respond to incidents and provide support in situations relating to guest wellbeing, safety, or accessibility. The team can be contacted by phone, and representatives will be visibly present at the venue throughout the festival’s events.

Content Notes

To support accessibility and informed participation, films that may cause discomfort through sight or sound will be clearly identified.

RIFF will:

• Indicate films that include content warnings (trigger warnings).
• Indicate films that contain strobe effects or flashing lights that may affect sensitive viewers.

The objective is to promote transparency and respect, enabling guests to assess in advance which events are suitable for them.