What is a Sensory-Friendly Movie Night?
A sensory-friendly movie night is a screening designed to be more accessible for people with sensory sensitivities. This type of event accommodates individuals who might find traditional movie-going experiences overwhelming due to sensory stimuli like bright lights, loud sounds, or large crowds. By creating a more controlled and welcoming environment, sensory-friendly screenings aim to make the joy of watching movies accessible to everyone.
Planning Your Sensory-Friendly Screening
When planning a sensory-friendly screening, the choice of film is crucial. Opt for family-friendly movies that avoid intense or scary imagery, which can be unsettling. It's also important to steer clear of films with flashing lights, as these can be uncomfortable and even potentially dangerous for some viewers. Video Librarian has a list of sensory-friendly films for all your film programming needs.
The key to a successful sensory-friendly movie night is creating a relaxed environment that minimizes overstimulation. Here are some essential tips:
Lighting: Keep the lights dimmed but not completely off. This helps reduce eye strain and anxiety without making the environment too dark.
Volume: Lower the volume to a comfortable level. Loud noises can be distressing, so maintaining a moderate volume is essential.
Crowd Management: Smaller crowds help prevent the overwhelming experience of a packed theater. This also makes the space feel more open and less confining.
Accessibility to Comfort Items: Provide access to earplugs or noise-canceling headphones for those who are sensitive to sound. Additionally, offering fidget spinners or other stim toys can be beneficial for individuals who need to keep their hands occupied.
Break Areas: Some people may have difficulty sitting still for extended periods. Designating a break area allows attendees to take a break from the movie without leaving the event altogether.
Closed Captioning: Including closed captioning can enhance the experience for those who may have auditory processing issues or are hard of hearing.
The Importance of Inclusive Environments in Film Programming
Programming screenings at libraries, schools, or community events for individuals with autism is crucial for creating supportive environments. These public film screenings can be tailored to meet the sensory and social needs of individuals with autism, offering a more comfortable and engaging viewing experience. By providing such tailored programming, libraries and schools can help reduce sensory overload, support sensory-friendly practices, and offer structured social interactions, contributing to a more inclusive community. This approach not only allows for a wider range of individuals to access and enjoy film content but also promotes understanding and acceptance, enhancing social integration and educational opportunities for those with autism.
When organizing film screenings at libraries, schools, or community events, it is essential to purchase a public performance license. Public performance rights are legal permissions required to show films to an audience outside of a private setting, and they ensure that filmmakers and distributors are compensated for their work. Securing these rights is crucial to avoid legal issues and to respect copyright laws. Libraries and educational institutions can obtain public performance licenses through various agencies and distributors, which can provide access to a wide range of films while ensuring that all legal and ethical standards are met.
By thoughtfully incorporating these elements, organizers can create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the magic of movies. Sensory-friendly screenings are a wonderful way to bring communities together and ensure that the cinema experience is accessible to all.