AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society of America have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. “Sensory Friendly Films” premiered across the country in August 2008 and are continuing this month with a special showing of the new film Madagascar 2.
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It often comes with sensory challenges, such as hypersensitivity to light or sound, and children or adults affected by autism may not understand the social boundaries of movie theatre etiquette, such as not talking during the film or sitting still through most of the show.
In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down. Families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing— in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. Tickets are only $6 at the AMC Del Amo 18, the AMC Ontario Mills 30, the AMC Promenade 16, the AMC Block 30 and the AMC Covina 30, and can be purchased on the day of the event.
The event takes place Saturday, November 8 at 10 a.m. For a complete list of theatres, visit www.autism-society.org.
