Movie Screenings To Accommodate Teens, Adults With Autism
Autism-friendly movie screenings are typically designed to appeal to kids, but now one theater chain is looking to expand the concept to include films of interest to teens and adults.
AMC Theatres announced plans Thursday to screen a PG-13 film for the first time as part of the “sensory-friendly” film series it conducts in partnership with the Autism Society.
The movie theater chain will show “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1” on Nov. 30 at theaters in 10 cities across the country.
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As part of the sensory-friendly series, the sound will be lower than normal, the lights will be up and audience members will be free to move about and make noise. What’s more, no previews will be shown and moviegoers are free to bring their own snacks.
If the “Twilight” showings are successful, officials behind the Sensory Friendly Films Program say they plan to screen more PG-13 titles in additional markets in the future.
“Until now, we’ve primarily run movies geared toward children. However, we recognize there is demand for a more mature audience, who will still benefit from our sensory-friendly films environment,” said Gerry Lopez, president and CEO of AMC.
Typically, sensory-friendly screenings are held at least once a month at 152 AMC locations in 64 markets across the country. Recent showings have included “Puss in Boots” and “Dolphin Tale.”
Autism-friendly showings of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1” will screen Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. at theaters in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. Ticket prices are consistent with costs to see any other movie at the theaters.
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