The Entire MDAG Main Competition with Audio Description
The Millennium Docs Against Gravity festival is a space open to everyone. Each year, the organisers make every effort to ensure that MDAG is as accessible as possible. This year, thanks to the support of Visa, one of the world's leaders in digital payments, all films in the Main Competition will be available with audio description via the Kino Dostępne 2.0 app. This marks a significant step toward greater inclusivity at film events and sets an important benchmark for other cinema festivals in Poland and across Europe.
The 23rd Millennium Docs Against Gravity will take place from May 8–17 in cinemas in seven cities (Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdynia, Poznań, Katowice, Łódź, and Bydgoszcz), and from May 19 to June 1 online at mdag.pl. MDAG is the largest film festival in Poland and the second-largest event dedicated to documentary cinema in Europe, attracting over 181,000 audience members in 2025.
One of the most important values that guides us in organising the festival is creating a sense of community. And for this to be truly achieved, everyone should feel welcome in cinemas during Millennium Docs Against Gravity.
Audiences with disabilities have been marginalised for a very long time when it comes to culture, as they have been in many other areas of social life. We aim to address this in every way we can while also contributing to broader change in the industry.
Thanks to the support of Visa, we will be able to offer an unprecedented number of accessible screenings this year, including the entire Main Competition. On top of that, we have undertaken numerous other initiatives – ranging from creating an accessible exhibition to organising industry-wide activities – so that we can celebrate films together, says Karol Piekarczyk, Artistic Director of MDAG.
Photo: Marek Kita
[Full cinema room with red seats]
The MDAG Main Competition Fully Accessible with Audio Description (AD) and Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH)!
As one of the first film festivals, we provide audio description (AD) for all films in the Main Competition, along with at least one screening with subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH). In addition, 14 films in the programme will be available with a Polish voice-over, and after screenings, we invite audience members to events interpreted into Polish Sign Language (PJM).
MDAG offers assistance in reaching the screening venue, including support from public transport stops or parking areas. People with disabilities can also take advantage of ticket reservations and an early boarding service, allowing them to enter screening rooms in advance and take their seats comfortably.
Photo: Marcin Oliva Soto
[Full cinema room. A pink light falls on people's faces]
Where to Find Accessibility Information
A new feature this year is the publication of trigger warnings and detailed accessibility guides for festival venues. These guides provide practical information, including architectural accessibility and directions to cinemas, helping audiences prepare for their visit.
Volunteers and cinema coordinators have undergone anti-discrimination and accessibility training provided by Wellbee. During the festival, a free Wellbee support helpline will also be available at +48 22 307 32 24, daily from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Noise-cancelling headphones will also be available at festival centres.
Accessibility is also reflected in communication; MDAG prepared an invitation to the festival in Polish Sign Language, available on mdag.pl and across social media platforms. Additionally, before each screening, a short spot will present the festival’s accessibility initiatives.
More information can be found at: mdag.pl
[Graphic with logos of the accesisbility partners of MDAG]
Accessibility partners: Visa brand, City of Warsaw, PISF, Culture Without Barriers Foundation, Kino Dostępne Foundation and Wellbee. More information can be found in the Accessibility tab on the festival website.
For any matters related to festival accessibility, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator: SMS / tel.: +48 579 754 101, e-mail: julia@againstgravity.pl
The 23rd Millennium Docs Against Gravity will take place from May 8–17 in cinemas in Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdynia, Poznań, Katowice, Łódź, and Bydgoszcz, and from May 19 to June 1 online at mdag.pl. The title sponsor of the event is Bank Millennium (https://www.bankmillennium.pl/).
