Open Captions in Movie Theaters

Movie theaters in New York City must provide open captions in some of their movie showings, pursuant to NYC Administrative Code section 20-699.7. This requirement starts May 15, 2022.

Open captioning is a service for moviegoers who are D/deaf and hard of hearing. In addition to moviegoers who are D/deaf and hard of hearing, captions benefit almost everyone, especially people watching movies in their non-native language, and children and adults learning to read.

If a movie theater is not providing the required open-captioned showings, you can call 311 and say, "open captions."

For more information, read the plain language guide to Open Caption Requirements in Movie Theaters.

Watch the Public Service Announcement about the Open Captions Law:

Watch the Public Service Announcement about the Open Captions Law (with audio descriptions):

Special thanks to Next Millennium Productions, NYC Media, Valerie Mark and Will Duggan (movie talent), Tony Wooden (American Sign Language narration), and Jennifer Woodward (voiceovers).