Since September 2012, Village Cinemas has screened over 200 ‘sensory friendly’ movie sessions on the big screen, welcoming over 60,000 autistic people and their families to the cinema.
Screening every month, sensory friendly sessions allow families to enjoy their favourite film in a safe and accepting environment, with the cinema lights turned up and the sound turned down. Tickets are priced from $5 at the ticket box, ensuring the latest films are accessible to all members of the community. To celebrate World Autism Acceptance Day on April 2, Village Cinemas will screen The LEGO Movie 2 on Sunday March 31 at 15 locations.

Nic Robin, General Manager – Marketing at Village Entertainment, is immensely proud to be involved in the initiative once again.
“It’s really important for us to provide environments that are suitable for autistic people and families. Simple adaptions to the cinema experience make a world of difference to the autism community, in keeping them comfortable, safe and welcome.” Mr. Robin commented. Robin explained that the screening will be accompanied by the short film ‘Spectrospective: Stories of Autism 2019’. The film is produced by Amaze, the peak body for autistic people and their supporters in Victoria.

Spectrospective aims to build understanding about autism by sharing lived experiences. This year, the theme focuses on ‘work’. The film will showcase stories from autistic people about their experience, challenges and ambitions to break down misconceptions around autistic people and work, helping employers understand how to provide more opportunity for the autistic community.

Fiona Sharkie, Amaze CEO, says that providing the wider community with informative and entertaining material, not only encourages acceptance but more importantly, inclusion, particularly in the workforce.
“In the lead up to World Autism Acceptance Day, Amaze is proud to partner with Village Cinemas to present this special screening of Spectrospective. Sharing the stories of autistic people is vital to building understanding of autism in the wider community – this year, we hope employers and colleagues will watch Spectrospective and consider the simple but meaningful ways they can better support autistic people at work.” Sharkie commented.