Autism Society of America and AMC Entertainment® Host Sensory Friendly Films
Thursday, August 14, 2008
By: Carin Yavorcik

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You!

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA have teamed up to begin testing a pilot program to bring families affected by autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. “Sensory Friendly Films” are premiering across the country this month with a special showing of the new animated film Star Wars: Clone Wars.

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It often comes with sensory challenges, such as hypersensitivity to light or sound, and children or adults affected by autism may not understand the social boundaries of movie theatre etiquette, such as not talking during the film or sitting still through most of the show.

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down. Additionally, AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Sensory Friendly Films will pilot in 10 markets this month. Tickets prices vary by location and can be purchased on the day of the event. Each event will begin at 10 a.m. local time on August 23 in the following locations:

AMC Barton Creek 14
2901 Capital of Texas Highway
Austin, TX 78746

AMC Columbia Mall 14
10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy.
Columbia, MD 21044
(Baltimore area)

AMC Ridge Park Square 8
4788 Ridge Rd.
Brooklyn, OH 44144-3327
(Cleveland area)

AMC Dutch Square 14
421 Bush River Road, Unit 80
Columbia, SC 29210

AMC Castleton Square 14
6020 E. 82nd St.
Indianapolis, IN 46250

AMC Studio 30
12075 S. Strangline Road
Olathe, KS 66062
(Kansas City area)

AMC Lynnhaven 18
1001 Lynnhaven Mall Loop
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
(Norfolk area)

AMC Deer Valley 30
3033 West Agua Fria Freeway
Phoenix, AZ 85027

AMC Mesa Grand 24
1645 South Stapley Dr.
Mesa, AZ 85204
(Phoenix area)

AMC Mission Valley 20
1640 Camino Del Rio North
San Diego, CA 92108

AMC Hoffman Center 22
206 Swamp Fox Road
Alexandria, VA 22314
(Washington, D.C. area)

AMC Georgetown 14
3111 K Street NW
Washington D.C. 20007

Did you attend an event in your area? Tell us what you thought!