Introducing Film Festival Alliance Accessibility Office Hours

Film Festival Accessibility Consulting: Free Member Consultations

About Accessibility Office Hours
This initiative aims to empower FFA members to plan and implement accessibility practices, making film festivals more inclusive and welcoming for all audiences. As festival organizers, we have a responsibility to create events that embrace inclusion, ensuring access for filmmakers and audiences alike. By prioritizing accessibility, we not only enrich our festivals with a broader range of perspectives but also expand our reach to serve a more diverse audience.

FFA is offering members the opportunity to book a free 1-hour consultation with our Accessibility Advisor to answer any questions you have about your organization’s accessibility practices.


What to expect from your FFA Accessibility Office Hours
You will be meeting with Mikaela McParlan, Accessibility Advisor for FFA. The meeting will be hosted on Google Meet, and last for approximately 1 hour. The cost of this initial meeting will be covered by your FFA Membership.
If you are an Organization Member, we encourage you to gather your staff’s questions in advance and bring multiple representatives to the meeting. If you would like to book additional meetings beyond the 1-hour, the Accessibility Advisor will provide their rates and schedule.

These meetings are your opportunity to ask questions about your organization’s accessibility practices, whether you are just starting out with accessibility or if you have been on this journey for some time.

Topics could include:
  • Open/Closed Captioning
  • Audio Description
  • Live captioning or ASL interpretation
  • Venue accessibility
  • Event Accessibility budgeting
  • Website accessibility
  • Sensory-friendly spaces
  • Filmmaker Education
  • …and more!

About our Accesibility Advisor, Mikaela McParlan: 
Originally from Duluth, Minnesota, Mikaela McParlan’s passion for film brought her to Columbia College Chicago, where she fell in love with the city and built her career. With over a decade of experience as a film director, producer, assistant director, and animator, she has also made her mark in the film festival world. As Operations Manager at the Chicago International Film Festival, Mikaela led initiatives to improve accessibility, including founding the festival’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. In 2024, she expanded her expertise at the LEAD Conference and contributed to accessibility efforts at major festivals like SXSW.

Mikaela’s schedule is: Tuesday 8AM-1PM Central, and Thursday 1PM-6PM Central. Slots are limited to 10 per month.

FFA Members: Log-In to our website to access the booking link for Accessibility Office Hours.