As of this month, Mareel’s film schedule will include a weekly Relaxed Screening of a film in the cinema’s programme.
Relaxed Screenings have lower than usual sound levels and slightly brighter lighting, and are aimed at customers with additional support needs, autism spectrum disorder and dementia, as well as anyone else who would prefer to watch films in a more informal environment.
These screenings will replace the fortnightly ASN Friendly and monthly Autism Friendly screenings which have been running at Mareel for some time. These were at the same time every week, but with the new Relaxed Screenings, which will be scheduled on different days and at different times, it is hoped accessibility will be improved.
Mareel are also relaunching their weekly screenings for parents and carers with young babies under the name Bring Your Own Baby! (formerly Babes In Arms). These provide a welcome opportunity to enjoy a trip to the cinema without needing to find a babysitter. Again, in response to customer demand, these screenings will change from a regular Monday morning slot to different times and days of the week.
Everyone is welcome at these screenings, though customers should be aware that there may on occasion be some noise and disruption.
These strands sit alongside Mareel’s existing Senior and Subtitled Screenings, and are part of Shetland Arts’ policy of making the arts accessible to as many people as possible.
