Children’s films Strange Magic and Thomas and Friends are among the Autism Friendly Films being shown in September, service provider Dimensions has announced.
In addition, there are also autism friendly film screenings at selected ODEON cinemas in Ireland for the first time in September.
On Sunday, September 6, Cineworld and ODEON cinemas will both screen Strange Magic. Cineworld showings start at 11am, ODEON 11.30am.
For film fans with autism in Ireland, selected ODEON cinemas will show Song of the Sea, also on Sunday, September 6 at 11:30am.
For older viewers, 10 selected ODEON cinemas will be screening Paper Towns (12A) on Monday, September 7 at 6pm.
Thomas and Friends: Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure will be shown at Showcase cinemas on Sunday, September 13 at 10am.
Finally, Moomins on the Riviera will be screened at Vue cinemas on Sunday September 27 at 10am. You can also see Two by Two on Sunday, August 30 at 10am.
Strange Magic is an animated fairy tale musical, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Including popular songs from the past 6 decades, Strange Magic tells the tale of a cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their comedic misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.
Meanwhile, Thomas and Friends: Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure is a big-screen version of the perennial children’s favourite, Thomas the Tank Engine. In the movie, Thomas discovers an old pirate ship, and begins a hunt for Sodor’s lost treasure. In his quest, Thomas finds new friends but also trouble – can he find the treasure or will Sailor John get away with it?
For Irish viewers, the animated film Song of the Sea tells the story of Saoirse, a girl who is the last of the selkies – women in Irish and Scottish legends who transform from seals into people. She escapes from her grandmother’s home to journey to the sea and free fairy creatures trapped in the modern world.
For older viewers, Paper Towns centres on Quentin and his neighbour Margo. After taking Quentin on an all-night adventure, Margo suddenly disappears, leaving only cyptic clues for him to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his friends on a hilarious but moving adventure. But to track down Margo, Quentin must find a deeper understanding of true friendship – and true love.
Moomins on the Riviera is a traditional, hand-drawn animated big screen adaptation of the much-loved books and cartoon series. Here, the Moomins, along with Little My and Snorkmaiden, go on holiday to the glamorous coastline. Before long, the family is divided: dazzled by the extravagance and deciding to join in, Moominpappa pretends to be an aristocrat and Snorkmaiden falls for a dashing playboy. Meanwhile, Moomin and Moominmamma move to the beach to get away from it all. Can they be brought back together?
Sensory friendly environment
Autism Friendly Screenings are mainstream films shown in a sensory friendly environment. Lights are on low, sound is turned down, trailers are omitted and people can bring their own food, make noise and move around the cinema as they feel comfortable.
To view a full list of participating cinemas visit www.dimensions-uk.org/autismfriendly.
