We really want to applaud these cinemas ODEON, VUE, CINEWORLD, SHOWCASE & PICTUREHOUSE for hosting sensory friendly screenings of some great movies. These are made to be an inclusive and very welcoming environment for people with sensory sensitivities and their loved ones.
Understandably, the team at DIMENSIONS, one of the country’s largest not-for-profits supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, challenging behaviour and complex needs, are thrilled that after a challenging year, autism friendly cinema screenings are back!
Here at SOUTH WALES LIFE we echo that sentiment as we are great believers, and supporters of these screenings and the positive benefits they bring.
Autism friendly screenings are sometimes called relaxed or sensory friendly screenings. Adjustments are made to reduce stress and sensory input, such as low lighting and sound, freedom to move and staff trained in autism awareness.
These screenings would never have started or even continue in the way they do if it wasn’t for an incredible organisation called DIMENSIONS. They began, in a very small way, back in 1976. They we’re supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs out of institutions, helping them lead ordinary lives in their local communities.
All these years later and they’re pretty much the same, although with a huge amount of experience and extraordinary talent behind them They support people with learning disabilities and autism to have a louder voice, choice and control in their lives.
In many ways these screenings act as a transition into regular cinema screenings for some, while making the cinema more inclusive and accessible for everyone who feels they will benefit from the environment.
Sensory friendly adjustments include
- Sound and lights on low
- No trailers
- Freedom to move around
- Take your own food and drink
- Free entry for carers with a valid CEA Card
They offer these special screening in participating cinemas all across South Wales. If you are travelling around the country however and want to go to one of these special screenings just check on the DIMENSIONS link or the relevant cinema. These are so important and inclusive and the positive reaction is always good to hear…..
“Although I do not have autism I went to an autism friendly screening of The Good Dinosuar because I have hypervigilance, anxiety and hallucinations…I forgot to take my anxiety medication and I was still relaxed regardless! Thank you Dimensions…the cinema is now accessible.”
Jake absolutely loves going to the cinema and the Autism Friendly Screenings make his passion an absolute pleasure. See his story HERE.
Here’s the latest information as we have it. It is always best to check with your local cinema for the latest information.
| Cinema / area | Screenings to check during the next month | Film details and links |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase Cardiff Nantgarw | Sunday 18th and 25th October; 1st and 8th November, normally 10.30am | The venue confirms weekly Sunday sensory-friendly screenings. Film titles weren’t available in the listings I could retrieve. Nantgarw listings. |
| Showcase — adult screenings | Thursday evenings: 15th, 22nd and 29th October; 5th and 12th November, subject to local listings | Showcase also advertises sensory-friendly films for adults on Thursdays. Select Cardiff Nantgarw to check its participating performances. Sensory-friendly programme. |
| Vue — Cwmbran, Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil and Carmarthen | Monday screenings starting between 4pm and 7pm; also a family screening on Sunday 25th October | Vue confirms weekly Monday autism-friendly screenings and a family film on the last Sunday monthly. Titles and exact times vary by venue. Cwmbran · Swansea · Merthyr · Carmarthen. Vue Cinemas |
| Cineworld — check Cardiff and Newport Spytty Park | Sunday 1st November, 11am, based on the chain’s regular schedule | Cineworld advertises sensory-friendly screenings on the first Sunday monthly. I couldn’t confirm November’s film or local booking availability. Screening information and booking. Cineworld |
| ODEON — Cardiff, Swansea, Bridgend and Llanelli | One selected Sunday morning each month | The date and title require checking locally. Select “Autism Friendly Screenings” in the performance filters. Find your ODEON · Autism-friendly information. ODEON Cinemas |
| Chapter, Canton, Cardiff | Weekly Relaxed Screenings | Chapter confirms a weekly programme, but I couldn’t identify a dated film explicitly marked relaxed within this period. Use the “Relaxed Environment” filter, or call 029 2031 1050. Chapter film listings. Chapter |
These screenings generally offer lower sound, lights left on low, and freedom to move around or make noise. The exact adjustments vary by cinema. Autism Friendly
For confirmed film choices, the listings need checking closer to each date. Vue says it updates its schedule every Tuesday for the following Friday–Thursday, so tomorrow, Tuesday 13th October, is a useful time to check its next batch.
To see a map of all participating cinemas go HERE and check out the area you’re looking for. And to see what Dimensions are up to and how they can support you, just head to their site – DIMENSIONS.
