Canada's Cineplex Entertainment Launches Autism-Friendly Screenings

Well, this is a much better idea than theatres where text messages are projected on-screen. Cineplex Entertainment, which operates 160 theatres across Canada, has partnered with Autism Speaks Canada for a special screening series for moviegoers with autism spectrum disorders. Via the CBC, these Sensory Friendly Screenings take place at 12 theatres and will feature "2D projection, increased auditorium lighting, lower volume and smaller crowds." Moviegoers will also be able to bring in outside food, and a "calm zone" will be provided for those audience members who need to step away for a bit.

The series starts on 2/14 with The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (our review); future movies include Cinderella (4/4), DreamWorks' Home (4/18) and Avengers: Age of Ultron (5/16). Screenings will typically take place ever 4-6 weeks, all on Saturdays at 10:30am, before the theatres open to all patrons. The cost of all tickets will be the child price for those with autism and their families, and tickets will go on sale the Tuesday before each screening date. Check Cineplex's website to stay updated on future screenings and for a complete list of participating theatres.

Cineplex is only the latest theatre chain to take this leap forward in accessibility; AMC Theatres has been providing Sensory Friendly Films for years now, with special screenings spread across thirty states, plus Washington DC. In addition to high lights and low sound, "audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing!" Upcoming screenings include The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2/14), Home (3/28), Tomorrowland (5/30), Minions (7/18) and Pixar's The Good Dinosaur (12/5).

(via FilmDrunk)