As the world of film continues to evolve, so too does our understanding of how to make cinema experiences accessible to everyone. The traditional movie-going experience, with its encompassing darkness, loud sound, and rigid etiquette, can be overwhelming for many individuals, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Relaxed screenings are among the most impactful innovations in this field – special cinema events designed to cater to neurodiverse audiences, including individuals with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders – and are a key positive step forward towards cinema accessibility.
These screenings modify the viewing environment by keeping lights dimmed rather than turned off, lowering sound levels, and allowing for freedom of movement and noise within the cinema space. Some events also include post-film panels or discussions. This loosening of the rigid structures around cinema creates a more welcome space for neurodiverse patrons and by reducing sensory overload, relaxed screenings are able to introduce film to many audiences who simply would find the standard theatrical viewing environment too taxing.
While these screenings have made significant strides in improving accessibility, there remains a need for deeper inclusivity and an increased variety in programming. A common criticism lobbed at relaxed screenings is that too many of these showtimes tend to focus predominantly on family-friendly films. While this is of course a key and crucial step in creating cinema accessibility for some neurodiverse patrons, this doesn’t fit the bill for everyone. Neurodiversity is a spectrum, and it’s very possible for a neurodiverse child to grow into a neurodiverse adult who still requires, or at least benefits from, the informal space relaxed screenings offer, but who, like any other neurotypical individual, has their own tastes. Tastes that don’t align with the stereotype of neurodiversity that seems to permeate through culture. Having the lights up a little, the sound down a tad, and the freedom and flexibility to be able to move around the auditorium can often be essential for neurodiverse audiences to be able to experience the joy that is a trip to the cinema. Regardless of the genre of content they enjoy. Like neurotypical audiences, neurodiverse audiences deserve a range of content that suits each specific individual, whether that be brutal 18-rated horrors, or the latest family flick.
With all that said, it remains incredibly crucial that we do not infantilize neurodiverse audiences. Having experienced this first-hand, I understand how limiting and patronising it can feel when relaxed screenings are overly focused on content designed solely for younger demographics – even more so when this content is months old. Exclusively showing older titles at relaxed screenings denies neurodiverse audiences the chance to get involved in the buzz of an opening weekend for a big new release, and often fails to acknowledge the complex and varied interests of adult neurodiverse individuals, who, like any other group, have diverse tastes and preferences. The assumption that neurodiverse individuals’ needs are best met by programming children’s content can be both exclusionary and diminishing. Adult neurodiverse individuals deserve to enjoy a wider range of films in a setting that respects their sensory needs and personal preferences. We deserve to be able to engage in content around its release, instead of being months behind neurotypical audiences.
In the past, I relied exclusively on relaxed screenings to attend the cinema, but the infrequent nature of these showings led to frustration as I waited for the next one. This was especially true as my interests evolved from family-friendly content to more genre-specific films. As I grew older, I found it increasingly challenging to find screenings that catered to my tastes. Eventually, I had to adjust and teach myself to attend regular screenings, despite the difficulties it posed for my neurodiverse brain. This adaptation process was far from easy. I wanted to participate fully, to experience new releases like the latest horror films on opening night, just like my friends and peers. Instead, I often found myself standing in the aisles or waiting in the corridor until the trailers ended, trying to mitigate the sensory overload. These adjustments, though eventually effective, were difficult and stressful. No one should have to endure such challenges just to enjoy something they love, such as a night out at the movies.
Addressing this gap, the BFI’s relaxed screening of David Lynch’s Eraserhead – as part of their Discomfort Season – offers a real chance to neurodiverse individuals to access bold and thought-provoking genre content. The selection of ‘Eraserhead’, a film renowned for its surreal and avant-garde style, signals a significant shift in the approach to relaxed screenings. By featuring such unconventional and intellectually stimulating content, the BFI is making a powerful statement about the inclusivity of its programming, offering neurodiverse individuals an opportunity to engage with complex and genre-defying films in an environment that respects their sensory needs.
Georgia Kumari Bradburn, a neurodiverse filmmaker and the host of the Eraserhead screening, emphasises that the true value of relaxed screenings lies not in their existence but in their effectiveness. She asserts, “I don’t think the mere existence of these screenings is what should be applauded but how well they function for their audience. The point is to ensure that neurodivergent audiences can enjoy going to the cinema in the same way that neurotypical people can.” While many cinemas pride themselves on offering autism-friendly screenings, Georgia points out that these efforts can very often fall short if they don’t address the true reason they exist: “I think the key thing to remember in accessible programming is the concept of equal opportunities. It seems to me that many cinemas and institutions give themselves a pat on the back when they put on screenings that are autism-friendly, or dementia friendly…even if they don’t fully consider how to make them truly accessible.”
Sadly, this event has not arrived without scepticism. The decision to include Eraserhead as a relaxed screening has critics questioning whether such a challenging film, known for its intense and unconventional style, is truly suitable for a relaxed setting. They argue that the film’s unique demands might not align with the relaxed screening environment, which is traditionally more focused on easing sensory overload.
“Of course, there are challenges that come with screening more intense films in relaxed settings,” Georgia notes. “When I have hosted relaxed screenings in the past, I have met with the AV team to select specific points in the film to lower the volume and raise it back up again when it gets quiet. For more intense films this process is tricky and requires a bit more time…but it’s all part of the process of making these screenings truly accessible.”
Amidst this debate, one crucial aspect is often overlooked: the neurodivergent patrons’ choice. This screening is not mandatory – the BFI are offering this screening as an option for those who might be interested in experiencing a film like this within a relaxed environment. “Just as a neurotypical person can choose what film they want to see from the readograph, neurodiverse audiences also have a variety of options to choose from based on their personal preference” Georgia comments. “What’s so exciting about the BFI’s relaxed screening programme is the variety of films being shown, from family-friendly films such as Fantasia and Time Bandits, to more intense films such as Under the Skin and Eraserhead. That’s what an equal opportunity is.”
This choice of programming highlights the BFI’s respect for neurodiverse individuals’ autonomy and preferences. “All our choices for relaxed screenings are made collaboratively with neurodivergent curators and artists,” Maggi Hurt from the BFI Southbank Programme team comments. “Just like there isn’t a single neurotypical audience, there isn’t a single neurodivergent audience. In 2019, there appeared to be nothing that catered for adults, particularly adult cinephiles, who wanted to enjoy films in a relaxed space. Not all screening choices will be for everyone, but that goes for any curation process.”
“Building on the success of the programme strand, BFI London Film Festival began presenting relaxed screenings last year and plans to continue to do so this year, while BFI Flare has included relaxed performances in recent years as well. Also, BFI Future Film Festival pioneered the way for relaxed discussion spaces in their programme in 2020 and continues to make adjustments across their offering each year.”
Outside of London, another brilliant independent cinema is also attempting to revolutionise the way neurodiverse patrons can experience film. Watershed in Bristol stands out for its innovative approach to relaxed screenings, offering a model of inclusivity that other cinemas can very easily begin to emulate, by making them a consistent and integral part of their film schedule rather than an occasional feature. With a focus on screening new work in relaxed settings, rather than the re-issues that institutions like the BFI often prioritise, neurodiverse audiences have the chance to engage with current films as they become part of the cultural conversation. This ensures that neurodiverse individuals can still be part of the film zeitgeist.
As we move forward, the goal is to ensure that every moviegoer can enjoy the full spectrum of cinematic offerings in a setting that respects and supports their individual needs. The BFI’s Eraserhead screening and Watershed’s proudly diverse programming are bold steps towards achieving this vision, and its impact will likely resonate as a milestone in the journey toward greater inclusivity in cinema. By embracing both diversity and choice, we pave the way for a richer, more accessible cinematic landscape where every individual can find joy and connection in the magic of film – regardless of their neurodiversity.
Published 15 Aug 2024
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