Notes on Blindness

Directed by Pete Middleton & James Spinney

Based on the audio diaries of writer and academic John Hull, who – after decades of steady deterioration – became totally blind in 1983. To help him make sense of the upheaval in his life, he began keeping a diary on audio-cassette. Over three years he recorded in excess of sixteen hours of material – a unique testimony of loss, rebirth and renewal, which excavates the interior world of blindness. Neurologist Oliver Sacks described John’s account as ‘the most extraordinary, precise, deep and beautiful account of blindness I have ever read. It is to my mind a masterpiece.’ An elegant and profoundly affecting work, this is one of the most startling British films you’ll see this year.

Please note: We have 3 screenings of Notes on Blindness with enhanced audio. This uses more original narration from John and Marilyn to tell the story, along with extra sound design and music. It’s a version that evokes the action, rather providing a literal description. This is for all audiences but mainly aimed at blind or partially sighted audiences. The enhanced audio screenings are on the following dates and times:
Sun 10 July, 18:30, Tue 12 July, 13:20 & Wed 13 July, 20:25

The filmmakers have worked in conjunction with MovieReading to create a mobile phone app in which synchronised subtitles and audio description track for Notes on Blindness can be streamed. The app can be downloaded through iTunes and Google Play and you can read more about it here.

Want to find out more about Notes on Blindness? It’s reviewed in this month’s film podcast (starts 30 seconds in)…

Duration:
90 minutes

Languages:
English

Country of origin:
Great Britain

Year of production:
2016