In an Australian cinema first, the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) unveiled a program of dementia-friendly film screenings in the A Day at the Movies series.
Dementia Action Week (16-22 September) launches A Day at the Movies with a screening of Strictly Ballroom. The program features Australian musicals, Hollywood classics, recent comedies and dramas, and a cult classic or two.
The series is the culmination of several years of research and community consultation. The research has been led by Dr Jodi Brooks, a film studies scholar from UNSW Sydney, and has been designed to create meaningful social opportunities for people living with dementia.
“People living with dementia often experience social isolation and discrimination,” says Dr Brooks. “While these screenings are open to everyone, they are specifically tailored for the enjoyment of people with dementia. This program enables people living with dementia to continue to enjoy cinema with friends and family, and will help foster a more inclusive Australian screen culture.”
Operating under dementia-friendly principles, the screening is more than just a showing of a film. It starts with a morning tea in the NFSA courtyard, before a short introduction to the film as attendees find their seats. The movie is broken up with a short intermission, and followed by afternoon tea.
Everything from matinee timing to the program line-up has been designed with people living with dementia at the heart. Low house lighting remains throughout the screening, volumes are lower, and there will be additional wayfinding and informational signage to assist attendees.
The series reflects the NFSA’s commitment to inclusive public programming, and exemplifies how audiovisual culture can create opportunities for meaningful connection and community, says Chief Experience Officer Chris Mercer.
In the ACT, around 5,900 people live with dementia, and those stats are set to rise to 12,300 in the next 34 years, explains Associate Professor Cathy Hope, Chair of the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing.
“With the acceleration of dementia and early onset dementia diagnosis across our population, community-based recreational spaces for people living with dementia are just as important as ‘mums and bubs’ sessions currently available in mainstream cinemas,” Professor Hope said.
All carers accompanying a person living with dementia receive complimentary carer tickets thanks to Carers ACT. Dementia Australia-trained venue staff and event organisers will be on hand throughout the event to assist attendees.
A Day at the Movies is funded by the ACT Government and aligns with its Age-Friendly City Plan. The NFSA, Carers ACT, Dementia Australia and the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing provide in-kind support.
Find out more about dementia-friendly screenings: nfsa.gov.au
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