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By
Hearing Loss Journey

Why I won’t be seeing the Black Panther movie

It’s funny how whenever I’d see titles like the one you just read, I’d roll my eyes and be like, “and so?” But look at me now. *Cries in turned tables*

So it’s not that I don’t want to see the Black Panther movie. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen all the trailers. I mean, look at sister Lupita and her perfect Bantu knots, plus the homage paid to different African cultures. It’s so aspirational.

I’m not even a movie fanatic like that but watching the Black Panther trailer makes me cry tears of joy on the inside. I know it’s just a film but it’s like, “Africa, this could have been you.”

So yeah, I said I won’t be going to see it because it’s still impossible to watch movies in cinemas without subtitles.

And when you’re hard of hearing like I am, seeing a movie without subtitles is pointless.

I see and hear the characters talking but can’t make out most of the words. Keeping up with whole conversations becomes so tedious that watching secondary things like their costumes, what hair they have on, and even their facial expressions become more entertaining than following the dialogue.

And I’m pretty sure many people feel the same way too—about 6.7% of Nigeria’s population, according to Guardian Nigeria.

So how come there aren’t subtitle options in cinemas? I hear that elsewhere, you can wear subtitle glasses. At least, I read SONY created one six years ago, but it hasn’t made its way here for some reason.

Anyway, I’m curious. If you’re a filmmaker or involved in the filmmaking industry, what makes embedding subtitles so hard?

Read more: All the emotions I feel when  I attend networking events 

Anita Patrick - a writer, lover of life, and creative badass!

6 Comments

  • Pearl -
    February 13, 2018
    Reply

    I love you babe!!! And I'm enjoying this read

  • Unwana -
    February 17, 2018
    Reply

    “ Africa this could have been you, but you’re dragging race with corruption” OmG! This is exactly what I thought wen I saw the trailers too!!! I hope the movie inspires African ppl and leaders to at least start moving towards a positive change. And about the subtitles in the cinemas I totally agree, they should provide subtitles for ppl who need them!! Don’t think it’s that hard, just don’t think they’re Aware. Is there some kind of way that we can raise awareness?

    • Anita -
      February 17, 2018
      Reply

      Hmm I wonder. The corruption is so deep that it's so hard to imagine things could ever change for the better. But I'd like to think it would if we all decided that change indeed begins with us. About the subs, I also believe awareness really is the issue and that's why I wrote this post. Nobody would do anything about it if they don't know plus it would feel like a waste of efforts if you don't know that people actually need them. I'm currently thinking up ways to spread more awareness that would hopefully bring about a solution. 🙏🏾

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