What is an Autism-Friendly Screening at Picturehouse Cinemas?

Heard about autism friendly screenings at Picturehouse and wondering what to expect? These screenings are specially designed for people with autism and those with sensory sensitivities.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about these special showings at Picturehouse Cinemas.

What is an Autism Friendly Screening?

An autism friendly screening at Picturehouse is all about creating a welcoming space for autistic people and those with sensory sensitivities.

These screenings make adjustments to the usual cinema experience to make it more comfortable, reducing anxiety and making the whole experience more accessible.

Here’s what you can expect:

• No trailers or adverts: The film starts right away, with no extra noise or flashing lights from trailers or adverts.
• Soft lighting: The lights are kept on low throughout the film to avoid the stress of complete darkness.
• Lower sound levels: The volume is turned down to a comfortable level, helping to avoid sensory overload.
• Freedom to move and make noise: You can move around, make noise, or leave and come back as you need. There’s no pressure to sit still or stay quiet.
• Bring your own snacks: Feel free to bring along your own food to make your cinema experience even more enjoyable.

These changes help reduce anxiety and create a relaxed environment, making the cinema experience enjoyable for everyone.

How to Book Picturehouse Autism Friendly Screenings

Booking a spot at a Picturehouse autism friendly screening is simple. To see the full list of upcoming sensory friendly films and secure your tickets, visit the autism screening page on their website.

You can also book tickets over the phone or buy them in person on the day, but it’s a good idea to book in advance as these screenings tend to fill up fast.

Participating Picturehouse Cinemas

Picturehouse offers autism friendly screenings at several of their locations. Here’s a list of the participating cinemas:

Participating Cinemas
The Ritzy, Brixton
East Dulwich Picturehouse
Greenwich Picturehouse
Stratford East Picturehouse
Hackney Picturehouse
Crouch End Picturehouse
Clapham Picturehouse
West Norwood Library & Picturehouse
Fulham Road
Bromley Picturehouse
Duke’s at Komedia, Brighton
Arts Picturehouse, Cambridge
Exeter Picturehouse
Cinema City, Norwich
Phoenix Picturehouse, Oxford
Harbour Lights, Southampton
Little Theatre Cinema, Bath
City Screen, York
Picturehouse at FACT, Liverpool

Each of these cinemas provides the same great autism friendly cinema experience, helping you enjoy films in a relaxed and accessible way.

Other Cinemas That Hold Autism Friendly Screenings

It’s not just Picturehouse; many other cinema chains are getting on board with autism friendly screenings too.

Cinema Chain	What They Offer	Learn More
Cineworld	Hosts sensory-friendly screenings on the first Sunday of each month. Expect dimmed lights, reduced sound, and a relaxed environment where moving around is encouraged.	Learn More
Vue Cinemas	Offers autism-friendly screenings with quieter sound, dimmer lights, and a relaxed setting. Held on the last Sunday of each month, and guests are welcome to bring their own food.	Learn More
Odeon	Runs autism friendly cinema screenings with subtle lighting, lower volume, and no adverts. These screenings are held on various days, so it’s best to check local listings.	Learn More
Arc Cinemas	Provides inclusive screenings with softer audio, dim lighting, and a casual setup that allows viewers to move freely and enjoy the film at their own pace.	Learn More

These screenings are all about creating a calm and supportive cinema experience for autistic audiences and their families.

Does Picturehouse Offer Discounts for Disabled People?

Yes, Picturehouse does offer discounts for disabled people, and one of the best ways to save is by using the CEA Card. This card allows disabled guests to bring a carer along for free, making the cinema more accessible and affordable.

What is a CEA Card?

The CEA Card is a national scheme that helps disabled people enjoy cinema trips by allowing a carer to attend for free. It’s accepted at most UK cinemas, including Picturehouse, making it a great option for anyone who needs a bit of extra support during their visit.

How to Apply for a CEA Card

Applying for a CEA Card is simple:

1. Check Your Eligibility: To register you need to receive a disability benefit such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance (AA), or be registered as blind.
2. Apply Online: Head to the CEA Card website to fill out the application form. You’ll need proof of your eligibility and a recent photo.
3. Pay a Small Fee: There’s a £6 annual fee to cover the admin costs of the card.
4. Start Saving: Once you have your card, you can use it at participating cinemas to get a free ticket for your carer whenever you go to the cinema.

Overall

Autism friendly screenings at Picturehouse Cinemas and other chains provide a comfortable and relaxed cinema experience, perfect for autistic people and those with sensory sensitivities.

With changes like dimmed lighting, quieter sound, and the freedom to move around, these screenings are all about making the magic of movies accessible to everyone.

FAQs

What is an autism friendly screening at Picturehouse Cinemas?

An autism friendly screening at Picturehouse Cinemas is a specially adapted film showing for autistic people and those with sensory sensitivities. The screenings feature softer lighting, reduced sound, and no adverts or trailers, creating a calm and welcoming environment.

How often do Picturehouse Cinemas hold autism friendly screenings?

Picturehouse Cinemas typically hold autism friendly cinema screenings once a month, usually on Sunday mornings when the venue is quieter. The exact dates and times can vary, so it’s best to check their autism screening page for the latest schedule.

What films are shown at autism friendly screenings?

At autism friendly screenings, Picturehouse shows a mix of older family films and select new releases. These are often animated or family-friendly movies, making them suitable for a wide audience. The specific films on offer will vary, so you can check online to see what’s playing next.

Do you need to book autism friendly screenings in advance?

It’s recommended to book tickets in advance for autism friendly screenings at Picturehouse Cinemas, as these showings can sell out quickly. You can book online, over the phone, or in person on the day, but booking ahead guarantees your spot.

Are autism friendly screenings suitable for adults and teenagers?

Yes, autism friendly cinema screenings at Picturehouse are open to all ages, including adults and teenagers. These screenings are designed to cater to anyone who prefers a more relaxed and sensory-friendly movie experience.

Can you bring your own snacks to autism friendly screenings?

Yes, at Picturehouse’s autism friendly screenings, you’re welcome to bring your own snacks. This helps make the experience even more comfortable, especially if specific food preferences or needs are part of your routine.

What adjustments are made for autism friendly screenings?

Picturehouse autism friendly screenings make several adjustments, including dimmed lights, lower sound levels, no trailers, and the freedom to move around during the film. These changes help create a more relaxed atmosphere for autistic audiences.

Do Picturehouse Cinemas accept the CEA Card for autism friendly screenings?

Yes, Picturehouse Cinemas accept the CEA Card, which allows disabled guests to bring a carer for free. This makes autism friendly cinema screenings more accessible and affordable for those who need extra support.

What other cinemas offer autism friendly screenings in the UK?

Apart from Picturehouse, other cinema chains like Cineworld, Vue, Odeon, and Arc Cinemas also offer autism friendly screenings. Each of these cinemas makes similar adjustments to create a relaxed and sensory-friendly environment.