Entrepreneur who helps the blind, the deaf enjoy cinema

By Kim Se-jeong

Kim Soo-jeong

Kim Soo-jeong, 48, the head of Korea Barrier Free Films (KOBAFF), makes special subtitled and dubbed films so that the blind and the deaf can enjoy movies.

“This is about human rights. Now, people make elevators and escalators to assist people who can’t walk. People who can’t listen and see have the right to enjoy movies and their rights should be respected,” Kim said during an interview at her office, Thursday.

Barrier-free films cater to the hearing and visually impaired.

Since its foundation in 2012, KOBAFF has made between six and seven barrier-free films a year. KOBAFF works with people who write captions for sound effects, as well as voice actors and actresses, and engineers to make the captions visible on the screen.

For Korean films, the process takes a month-and-a-half, while for imported movies; it takes up to three months. Finance is always a big challenge. She won funding from private companies, as well as the city and district governments and individual donors.

The movie selection is also tough, Kim said.

“There are only so many movies we can make barrier free. That means we are extremely selective,” Kim said. “A big question is if the movie can draw people to the theater. When it comes to topics, we tend to choose ones that can appeal to viewers with disabilities.”

“The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” (2006), a Japanese animated film was one of their choices, in addition to “Blind” (2011). Upcoming projects are “Your Name” (2017), another Japanese animated film, and “Billy Elliott” (2001).

Her work is well recognized. She was one of five successful social entrepreneurs chosen by the Seoul Metropolitan Government late last year ― the recognition comes with financial support. She was also recognized by conglomerate SK for her public service.

The entrepreneur was an aspiring chemistry student at college with a passion for cinema. When selecting a post-graduate program, she changed the course to study film.

Her footing in the barrier-free film industry came by chance. “My two friends and I were invited to a barrier-free film festival in Saga Prefecture, Japan in 2010,” she said. “I was surprised by the turnout. It was a crowded event and the audience wasn’t just the disabled.”

Arriving home, “we said we had to do something for the disabled.”

The three contributed money to make the first barrier-free movie, which was “Wandering Home” (2010), a Japanese film.

“In developed countries, barrier-free films are the norm. You can find them easily. But in Korea, it’s still a luxury. There’s so much to do in Korea.”

She said barrier-free films also appeal to ordinary viewers. “I am almost 50. My vision has deteriorated and these films are so useful. I feel so comfortable,” she said. “And it’s also useful to those who are learning Korean. I highly recommend it. People can check what they hear in the captions.”