Pioneering sensory film screenings return to arts centre

Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) is bringing back its pioneering accessible screenings for families this January. 

Now located in MAC’s spacious main theatre, Touch Screen invites families to touch, smell and feel their way through a collection of short films.

This is part of a unique programme of “relaxed” events, which are part screening and part performance. 

Relaxed events at MAC are designed to improve the experience for people with autistic spectrum conditions, sensory, motor and communication disorders, learning disabilities and anyone who would benefit from a more adapted environment.

Artist Sarah Hamilton Baker leads an amazing sensory journey that immerses audiences in light, sounds and movement.

Families can expect some of the following elements at Touch Screen events:

• Chances to interact with nature, such as leaves, acorns and plants
• Musical elements, including live music
• Light and colour, including fireworks
• Seasonal events, like Easter and Halloween screenings

These accessible screenings are designed with disabled children and their families in mind, but all children of any age and their families are very welcome.

They provide a moment of pause and relaxation for parents and carers  alongside an enjoyable sensory experience for children under the friendly and sensitive guidance of experienced professionals.

Sarah Hamilton Baker, Touch Screen facilitator, said: “We are kicking off the new year’s Touch Screen season with a playful paper programme! Expect to tear, scrunch, rip and float your way through a selection of short films all featuring paper creations. 

“This year, we are moving Touch Screen from the cinema into the main theatre space so we can have double the number of projectors and plenty of room for wheelchairs.”

The experience will be open to schools on Thursday, 23 January and Friday, 24 January with two screenings per day.

For more information and to book spaces for a school group, please contact info@macbirmingham.co.uk or call 0121 446 3232.

The experience will be open to the general public on Saturday, 25 January from 10 to 11.30 am.

Each showing is suitable for a maximum of 20 people and lasts approximately 50 minutes.