“Lights Up, Sounds Down” offers inclusive movie experience for autism community
On January 17, 2025, SM Cares, SM Cinema, Autism Society Philippines (ASP), and GMA Pictures collaborated to present a successful sensory-friendly screening of the award-winning movie “Firefly” in honor of National Autism Consciousness Week. Children on the autistic spectrum and their families were among the more than 2,000 attendees who took part in the touching and inclusive film experience spread over ten SM malls.
“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.
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.
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.
SM Cares: Championing inclusion
Maintaining inclusion calls for constant work. In order to better help people on the autism spectrum and their families, SM invests in staff training programs. Furthermore, SM Cinema makes accessibility features a top priority in all theaters, making them welcoming to all visitors.
With initiatives that uplift communities, encourage social inclusion, and protect the environment, SM Cares is SM Prime Holdings’ corporate social responsibility division. Programs for the Environment, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Children and Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly campaign are among its advocacy efforts in addition to the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) program.
Go to www.smsupermalls.com/smcares to find out more.
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