SHANGHAI, Apr 21 -- A RETIRED worker is helping blind people "watch" movies across Shanghai by providing additional narration to help them understand what is happening on screen.

Wang Shijie attends screenings with small groups of blind people after writing "scripts" to explain images on screen not supported by dialogue.

He volunteers his time and is the first in the city to perform such a service.

On Wednesday, about 20 blind people and some reporters were invited for a screening of "Still Life," which won the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival last year, at the Jing'an District Disabled Association. "The film lasts 110 minutes, but I spent 10 days writing a script of more than 20,000 words," said the 62-year-old in a deep voice.

The film is set against the backdrop of the massive Three Gorges Dam Project.

Wang used every bit of time to explain the social background and the magnificent scenery along the river. He also explained the scenes of how buildings were demolished, factories removed and people relocated.

In one scene, an actress, who came to the remote city to find her missing husband, quietly drops tea leaves into a glass of water. Wang said: "She put some tea into a cup of water and slowly tastes it. Which is more bitter, the tea or life?"

"I really liked this part," said a blind woman identifying herself as Li. "Mr Wang's additional script was so well done that I could feel her sadness at that time. Even if I were able to see, I would not have enjoyed a film as much as I did today."

Li said she insisted on attending the screening even though she was only released from hospital the day before. "Listening to a film turned out to be so exciting," she said.

Shao Encheng, a blind man, said he was glad he could "watch" a film. "Mr Wang's work is really fantastic," Shao said.

"I listen to broadcasts during my leisure time, but listening to this movie was much more amazing." Wang said he was scheduled to narrate the film again in Minhang District on Thursday and Friday.

"I am very pleased that more people including university students and retired professional narrators are joining me to serve disabled people," said the former director of Fengxian District Museum.

"We will rehearse some new films and make it a regular event for local blind people."