Sensory-friendly screening of "Firefly" shines a light on inclusion
Alessandra de Rossi 1/25/2025 02:56:00 PM In celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week, SM Cares, SM
Cinema, Autism Society Philippines (ASP), and GMA Pictures partnered to
host a successful sensory-friendly screening of the award-winning film
"Firefly" on January 17, 2025. Over 2,000 participants across 10 SM
malls, including children on the autism spectrum and their families,
enjoyed a heartwarming and inclusive movie experience.
"Tuwing pumapasok kami sa mga SM malls, damang-dama namin acceptance,
accomodation, and appreciation. It is the norm here," said Autism
Society Philippines (ASP) Chair Emerita Dang Uy Koe.
A child on the autism spectrum shares a smile with their loved one
during the sensory-friendly screening of "Firefly" at SM Southmall.
SM Cares, SM Cinema, Autism Society Philippines, and GMA Pictures join
forces to bring a sensory-friendly screening of "Firefly" to children on
the autism spectrum and their families at SM North EDSA Cinema.
%20and%20Euwenn%20Mikaell%20(left)%20grace%20the%20sensory-friendly%20screening%20at%20SM%20North%20EDSA%20Cinema..JPG)
“Firefly” stars Alessandra De Rossi (right) and Euwenn Mikaell (left)
grace the sensory-friendly screening at SM North EDSA Cinema.
Creating a welcoming space
The "Lights Up, Sounds Down" event went beyond entertainment. By
adjusting lights and volume, creating a relaxed atmosphere, and allowing
for movement and vocalizations, the screening catered to the specific
needs of attendees on the autism spectrum. This empowered them to enjoy
the movie at their own pace and comfort level.
%20National%20Spokesperson%20Mona%20Magno-Veluz%20shares%20a%20message%20in%20a%20video%20celebrating%20National%20Autism%20Consciousness%20Week..jpeg)
Autism Society Philippines (ASP) National Spokesperson Mona Magno-Veluz
shares a message in a video celebrating National Autism Consciousness
Week.
A heartwarming moment captured at the sensory-friendly screening of
'Firefly' at SM City Olongapo Central, where families enjoyed a
welcoming and inclusive movie experience.
"At SM Supermalls, we firmly believe that creating spaces where every
individual feels valued, respected, and included is a responsibility we
hold dearly. This is a way of life here," said SM Cares Program
Director for Disability Affairs Engr. Bien Mateo.
The guests experience the magic of "Firefly" at the sensory-friendly screening in SM City Telabastagan, Pampanga.
An invited guest is captivated by the sensory-friendly screening at SM City Marikina.
A boy enjoys the special screening and shows respect and gratitude with a traditional 'mano po' at SM City Cebu.
Ongoing commitment
Positive feedback from families echoed the event's success. Many
expressed appreciation for the inclusive environment, highlighting the
joy and comfort it provided. This powerful experience underscores the
importance of catering to the autism community's needs.
SM Cares: Championing inclusion
A commitment to inclusivity requires ongoing effort. SM demonstrates
this by investing in employee training programs to better support
individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Additionally, SM
Cinema prioritizes accessibility features within their theaters,
creating a welcoming environment for all guests.
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime
Holdings, with programs that support communities, promote social
inclusion, and care for the environment. Aside from the program on
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), its advocacies include Programs for
the Environment, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Children and Youth,
Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.
To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.
