Sensory Access

This page details sensory access services available at MIFF venues and in MIFF sessions.

Sensory Friendly Screenings

MIFF will run Sensory Friendly Screenings at select sessions this year. Sensory Friendly Screenings are designed to make the cinema experience accessible and are for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. This can include, but is not limited to, neurodivergent people who experience sensory-processing differences (autistic people, ADHD people), people with learning disabilities, people with dementia as well as those living with anxiety or who have experienced trauma.

Our Sensory Friendly Screenings focus on adapting the cinema environment and preparing patrons by developing pre-show resources. Lighting and sound may be adjusted, and the doors will remain open to allow patrons to take a break in a designated quiet area.

What you can expect at a MIFF Sensory Friendly Screening:

• The lights and sound will be modified for a softer, smoother viewing experience
• The cinema space will have the social expectations altered, so patrons may walk around, come and go as they please, and are able to engage in calming activities, such as rocking, humming, stimming.
• MIFF Front of House staff will be on hand to take any overwhelmed patrons to a designated quiet space, where they may take a moment to settle themselves in private and return to the film as they wish.

The following sessions will run as a Sensory Friendly Screening:

Links to each film’s Sensory Friendly Screening Guide will be progressively added to this page as they become ready. Please contact the Access Coordinator on access(at)miff.com.au with any questions in the meantime.

To book a ticket to a Sensory Friendly Screening, please see How to Book Your Ticket to ensure MIFF can provide the best service.