Skip to main content

Sensory-friendly screening of "Firefly" shines a light on inclusion

 "Lights Up, Sounds Down" offers inclusive movie experience for autism community

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, accommodation, 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.



“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.


"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.


An invited guest is captivated by the sensory-friendly screening at SM City Marikina.


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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Transforming Lives: The Impact of SM Group's KSK Program on Filipino Farmers

  Farming futures Jayson and Juanito proudly showcase a selection of produce at the SM City Clark’s Weekend Market. While modern agricultural techniques boost yields for some, there remains a number of Filipino farmers who struggle to keep pace. These experienced hands find themselves falling behind in a market demanding higher production, clinging to familiar yet often inefficient methods passed down through generations. One farmer from Pampanga, Jayson Garcia, sought to disrupt this prevailing narrative in his family. He knew that he had to chart a new course forward for his farm and innovate to remain competitive within the rapidly evolving landscape of modern agriculture. “Noon, mahirap ang magtanim,” he recalled their life before joining SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan. “Para bang tsambahan, basta pag itinanim mo ‘yan, hintayin mo na lang mamunga. Mas mahirap pa lalo kapag nagkaroon ng kalamidad,” he added.  SM Foundation’s training program focused on high-value cr...
Post a Comment
Read more

Bioessence 30 Years of Beauty and Wellness: Caring Beyond Beauty

  Caring Beyond Beauty Bioessence PH, one of the country's premier beauty brands, celebrated its 30th anniversary last night with an elegant Pearl Anniversary event.   Held on September 26 at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan, the night gathered nearly a thousand guests, including VIPs, loyal clients, media, influencers, and special performers, to enjoy an evening dedicated to beauty and wellness.   " We will continue to CARE for you Beyond BEAUTY...I love you and God bless you all! " - Dra. Emma Beleno, founder Bioessence Themed around #CaringBeyondBeauty, the event focused on Bioessence's innovative approaches to care that extend far beyond their products and services. The atmosphere was filled with energy, as attendees experienced a fresh take on beauty and wellness, along with a variety of activities designed to showcase the brand’s vision for the future. New Ambassadress Unveiled  One of the most exciting moments of the evening was the reveal of Bioessenc...
Post a Comment
Read more

Venue Infrastructure Challenges Concert Experience in the Philippines

Countries with better, bigger, and more competitive concert venues have reaped economic benefits, especially with the massive and significant influence of popular international acts like pop superstar Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Coldplay’s World Tour in consumer behavior and spending.  Driving tens of thousands of ‘Swifties’ and concert enthusiasts, the success of these concerts was an economic stimulus for countries worldwide, including Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Japan.  Filipino fans alike had to spend big and travel miles to watch the exclusive performance of superstar Swift in Singapore’s National Stadium while others went to Japan’s Tokyo Dome and Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Australia. The massive concert gigs boosted the respective country’s economies, benefitting entertainment, hospitality, retail, and transport industries significantly. While Singapore’s strategy for a Southeast Asia exclusive Swift performance piqued interest and likewise piqued it...
Post a Comment
Read more