New Dendy screenings for families living with autism

Posted on 26 June, 2019

 While many films are billed as ‘for the whole family’ we sometimes overlook the fact that the cinema isn’t for some families.

For family members with special needs, the cinema can be a difficult outing. Loud sounds, dark spaces and strict behaviour standards can mean that a family day at the movies is simply untenable.

But Dendy Canberra, in partnership with Marymead’s Autism Centre, has come up with a solution that they hope makes the cinema more accessible for all Canberrans.

Kicking off this Saturday 29 June with Toy Story 4, Dendy’s Sensory Friendly Screenings will be G and PG-rated family films screened so as to meet the needs of families living with autism.

The monthly screenings will be a ‘safe and accepting’ environment, with dimmed lights, reduced sound levels and no pressure for kids to stay in their seats.

Tracey Hall, Director of Client Services at Marymead, says that the sessions grew from the Autism Centre’s regular ‘access days’, which bring awareness of the needs of families living with autism to mainstream organisations, for which they received a commendation for the Chief Minster Inclusion Award in 2018.

“It’s part of Canberra trying to become more inclusive. Some of these families haven’t been able to go to the movies before, and the goal is for them to go to the movies without being worried.”

As Tracey explains, some activities can’t help but be overstimulating for children on the autism spectrum, but with a few tweaks, Dendy and Marymead are hoping a family day at the cinema won’t be one of them.

Gabby Morris, General Manager at Dendy Canberra, says the sessions are an important part of Dendy recognising the needs of the Canberra community as a whole.

“[Sensory Screenings] is an important initiative for Dendy as we want to ensure that we can cater for families with special needs and create a comfortable and non-judgemental cinema environment where everyone can enjoy a trip to the movies.”

This isn’t the first Dendy program tailored to suit audience needs, either. Their Reel Bubs sessions, held every Thursday, have the same dimmed lights and reduced sound levels and are aimed at new parents with babies and children under five.

Gabby says that much like Reel Bubs, “the [Sensory Screenings] will provide a safe and sensory-friendly cinema environment and guests will be free to get up, dance and even sing. We’re really looking forward to welcoming this program into our cinema.”

The Sensory Screenings won’t just be any kids’ films either, with a line-up of blockbusters like Toy Story 4, The Secret Life of Pets 2, Lion King and Frozen 2 showing across the year.

Tracey adds that the ‘end goal’ is for sensory-sensitive children to become comfortable enough in the cinema environment that one day they might be able to attend a regular session with the families.

But that doesn’t mean the sessions are exclusively for families with children with special needs. Anyone is welcome to attend.

the essentials

What: Dendy Canberra Sensory Screenings
When: First session Saturday 29 June at 10 am, with monthly sessions thereafter. Click here for future dates.
Where: Dendy Canberra, inside Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, Civic.
Cost: $10 per person
More information: dendy.com.au/events/sensory-friendly-screening

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