The concept might sound unconventional at first: a movie night for an audience that sees little or nothing on the screen. Yet, Omamori Spa orchestrated a deeply moving experience for its blind therapists, a testament to their commitment to staff well-being. Imagine the scene: after a day of dedicated work, everyone gathered in a cozy, romantically lit space, ready to share a unique evening. By 9:30 pm, the spa’s guest room had transformed into an intimate family cinema, complete with candies, fruits, and even a bottle of Chilean wine laid out on the table. A palpable sense of anticipation filled the air.
The program began with an introduction to the chosen film: Lou Ye’s acclaimed “Blind Massage” from China, a significant winner at the 2014 Golden Horse Awards. The moment we had eagerly awaited arrived. As the MC concluded her introduction, the screen flickered to life, showing the initial image of a man in a hospital. And then, we – the visually impaired and blind audience – began to “see” the movie in an extraordinary way. Every shot, every gesture, every action, every line of dialogue, and even the subtle feelings and raw emotions of the characters were meticulously described by narrators with picturesque language and captivating voices. An intense focus settled over the room, myself included.
The stories unfolding on screen felt incredibly present, vivid and real, echoing the nuances of our own lives. Like the characters in the film, many of us are young individuals navigating the vibrant tapestry of life. Beyond our professional roles, our days are filled with a spectrum of experiences, the highs and lows creating a rich and colorful existence. We, too, have our narratives of love, friendship, and the yearning for a happy family in the future.
As the film concluded, a profound silence hung in the air for a moment, before erupting into heartfelt applause. A wave of surprise and deep gratitude washed over us for the Omamori Spa’s front office team, who had gifted us this unforgettable and novel experience. These dedicated individuals, responsible for marketing and customer care, are not only intelligent and charming but also possess a remarkable warmth, sincerity, and enthusiasm for supporting the blind community. The four young women who poured nearly a month into preparing this movie night deeply touched our hearts, reinforcing the belief that we are deserving of care, respect, and love from the sighted world. It is these acts of kindness that empower blind individuals like us with greater confidence and motivation to integrate fully into society.
Last night, a beautiful dream took hold. A dream where our story, the story of blind therapists at Omamori Spa, is captured on film, with us as the lead actors. Our movie would be released to enthusiastic audiences worldwide, fostering understanding and profound recognition for the skills and capabilities of blind therapists.
