SQIFF 2026 Programme with information on all events and access measures for each of them.
Below is a list of access measures we are providing during SQIFF 2026. Contact [email protected] if you have any questions at all. We have team members who can get back to you directly to discuss your access requirements.
Pay What You Can Sliding Scale Tickets – In order to make SQIFF more accessible to those on a low income, we use a sliding scale ticket price for our events. You can choose what you pay based on your circumstances – you won’t be asked for any proof/ID. We just ask that you are honest! Please read the ‘What Should I Pay?’ guidance.
Wheelchair Access Including Accessible Bathrooms – All of the venues for SQIFF 2026 (GFT, The Art School) are wheelchair-accessible or have step-free access. This includes wheelchair accessible toilet facilities, level access at the front entrance, and lift access to all public areas. Find more details on the The Art Schools’ Accessibility Guide, GFT’s Accessibility Guide.
Certification – Films not certified by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) are marked N/C and accompanied by an age recommendation, e.g. N/C 15+ (suitable for ages 15 and over – no-one under 15 will be admitted). Events may also have a specified age limit, e.g. ages 18+, due to overall content.
English Language Descriptive Subtitles – All films will be presented with on-screen English language descriptive subtitles.
BSL-English Interpretation – All of our introductions, post-screening activities, and industry events will have BSL-English interpretation. We will also have BSL-English interpreters at the reception before events and for socialising after events. If you require to sit near the front to access the interpreters, please let a SQIFF team member know.
Live Captioning (speech-to-text) – All of our introductions, post-screening activities, and industry events will have live captioning. If you require to sit near the front to access the interpreters, please let a SQIFF team member know.
Induction Loops – An induction loop is available at the GFT Box Office. Enhanced Audio (EA) is available in their screening rooms via headset.
Audio Description – Audio description is available for selected titles within our programme. AD headsets can be collected from the entrance of the event or please ask a member of staff. Film screenings with audio description are marked in the brochure and on our website. Our events with AD this year are: Opening Night: Scottish Shorts, Adam’s Apple, and Hunky Jesus.
Comfortable seating – Please find details of GFT’s seating dimensions on their website. Please note that we will be unable to provide bean bags due to health and safety. We welcome audiences who wish to bring cushions.
Lights for Screenings – The lights will be slightly up during all screenings and people are welcome to come and go during events as they need to. Disposable ear-plugs will be available. These can be collected from the Quiet Room and Access Table or please ask a member of staff.
Support Animals – Support animals such as guide dogs are welcome at all venues.
Quiet Room – There will be a designated Quiet Room available at the GFT every day of the festival. Opening times are specified in the schedule at the back of this brochure.
Face Masks – There will be a supply of FFP2 masks available throughout the venues for anyone who needs one. Please don’t attend the screening if you have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have been in recent contact with a confirmed case.
Content Notes – Content notes for films are available to download from www.sqiff.org, mentioned in each event page where applicable, and will be presented at the start of events. Content notes can be viewed on our brochure, with a printed version available during the festival.
Access Notes (notes on loud music, sudden sound effects, fast editing, or flashing lights) – Access notes for films are available on our brochure, mentioned in each event page where applicable, and will be presented at the start of events. Access notes can be viewed on our brochure, with a printed version available during the festival.
Audience Access Fund – We have an Audience Access Fund that can support any audience member with costs within Scotland to be able to attend our events (ie. travel or childcare costs). Please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or speak to our team at the festival if you require this. You do not need to give a reason for accessing the fund.
Access & Support Team – Our Access & Support Team will be available to answer any questions you have about films, live events, and access measures. You can contact them by emailing [email protected] or in person at the GFT during the Festival.
Brochure Large Print – A large print version of this brochure is available at the venues at our Access Table.
Brochure Text Only Version – A text-only version of the brochure is available.
Brochure Audio Version – An audio version of the brochure is available.