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 Ciema, 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.

“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.

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Reaching my Fitness Goal!

I never would have thought that I would go this far in my weight loss journey when I first started. I'm on day 218 and I still yearn for more days to work out, to feel perspiration during my walks and dance routines, and to catch my breath after doing new workouts every day.  The capabilities of my body and mind amaze me.  In a few days, I'll be weighing in to see how much I've changed over the past eight months, especially around my stomach area, exciting part!   
Post a Comment
Read more

SM Coastal Cleanups Go Beyond Trash, Teach Communities to Care

In celebration of World Water Day , SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares , organized coastal cleanup activities across six locations with seven participating malls across nationwide, reinforcing its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management in its most-loved malls. This year’s coastal cleanup emphasized enhanced waste segregation education to deepen understanding among volunteers and communities on proper sorting, recycling, and disposal of collected waste. It also underscored that everyday actions—from responsible waste disposal to recycling—play a critical role in protecting marine ecosystems.  The coastal cleanup activities took place across SM City La Union, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Tanza, SM City Daet, SM City Consolacion, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall, bringing together communities in a shared effort to protect local coastal environments and divert waste away from the ocean.  ...
Post a Comment
Read more

SM Introduces Sparklo Reverse Vending Machines to the Philippines for the First Time Ever

SM Supermalls and Sparklo executives formalize their partnership during the official launch of Sparklo’s reverse vending machines in the Philippines, expanding the SM Green Recycling Machine program under the SM Green Movement. SM Supermalls is strengthening its commitment to environmental sustainability through a new partnership with global cleantech company Sparklo. Expanding the reach of the SM Green Movement and the SM Green Recycling Machine (GRM) program , the partnership aims to make recycling more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for participating customers through SM malls nationwide. The collaboration introduces Sparklo’s reverse vending machine technology in the Philippines for the first time, providing an innovative way for customers to recycle plastic bottles and cans while visiting SM malls.  “This initiative further elevates the role our malls play in ensuring a greener future, all for Filipinos. When we help make recycling accessible and rewarding, taking steps...
Post a Comment
Read more