A private theatre chain based in Chennai has decided to introduce movie screenings tailored for people with special needs. Sathyam Cinemas, through a press release, announced the initiative – SENS, a special show for special minds, on Monday. This has been made possible by their tie-up with aSPECIALworld, a forum focused on children with special needs and their parents.
The movies will be specifically adapted to individuals with sensory issues, and will feature dimmed lights, lowered sound levels and a longer intermission. Jungle Book will be the first such film to be screened at the Sathyam Cinemas in Royapettah, Chennai.
The chain also says that a special break-space will be available for those feeling overwhelmed by their movie experience. Keeping their dietary restrictions in mind, the chain will offer ‘specially-curated gluten-free, sugar-free and casein-free foods’.
Sathyam says that these shows will help them build an ‘inclusive and welcoming atmosphere’. It also helps the chain to be more ‘socially aware’.
“Our aspiration is to make our cinemas accessible to everyone and even though we
have a long way to go, SENS – which is part of a our project called #cinemaforeveryone, is a small step towards achieving that dream,” said Bhavesh Shah, Head of Experience, Sathyam Cinemas.
Mala and Chinnappa, founders of aSPECIALworld, said that they found Sathyam Cinemas very ‘receptive’ to their needs and ideas.
“From the word go, we found the SPI Cinemas team very receptive to our needs. They had such a great ‘let’s get it done’ attitude. Otherwise this would never have been possible. If more corporates pick up on this example, the world will surely be a better place for citizens with special needs,” they said.
Tickets for the show will be available on the Sathyam Cinemas website and on their app as well. The shows are scheduled for the first Sunday of every month.