Autism-friendly screening: Playtime

Way before Mr Bean there was Monsieur Hulot who in his innocent way creates chaos wherever he goes. In this case wandering innocently through an ultra modern Paris, leaving a trail of mishaps and accidents in his wake.

Curated by Robin Elliott-Knowles and Eggtooth Film Club:

"I chose Playtime as it is quite unintentionally about autism with Tati as the classic outsider and was inspired by this insight made by M Kelter from the invisiblestings.com:
'…I’ll tell you one thing: I said there’s no film that assumes an autistic POV…in a way, that’s not quite true. There’s a film by French director Tati called Playtime. I’ve always felt that, on many levels, this film replicates my experiences of the world. The sensory experience…the presentation of “normal”…all of it comes from a POV that replicates how the world feels to me. If an NT wants to understand how it can feel to experience sensory overload…or how it can feel to be confused by non-verbal communication, by systems of normalcy…Playtime is a great experience. I love the film, but I also think it puts the viewer in a world that is warped, confusing, hard to process…it’s a world I am very, very familiar with. Anyway, instead of films that present autistics as these walking diagnostic manuals, I’d rather see more films like Playtime, films that assume a POV that pushes normal to the side.'"

This Autism-friendly season is curated by Robin Elliott-Knowles (founder of the Electric Palace B Movie Fan Club)  and Eggtooth Film Club. Screenings will be followed by informal discussion.

Bring a trusted friend for free:

Tickets for our Autism-friendly screenings are £10 - and with our double ticket option you can bring a trusted friend along for free! Or come along on your own and meet some friendly faces eager to enjoy cinema in a relaxed environment.

About our Autism-friendly 'relaxed' screenings:

An Autism-friendly screening is where people can watch a film in a relaxed environment.

They are different from regular film screenings because:

• the lights are low instead of completely off, so you can still see where you're going
• the volume is a little lower than a standard screening
• you can move around the cinema freely as you wish during the screening
• you can leave the cinema room during the screening and return without having to worry
• you can make noise, stim, and enjoy yourself
• there is a friendly atmosphere
• there are people around if you need any help

These screenings are for anyone who would feel safe and welcome in this environment.

At Electric Palace, we think the cinema should be for everyone, that's why we offer Autism-friendly screenings.

Inside the Electric Palace

Learn more about the Electric Palace and what you can expect in our short video.

With thanks to filmmaker Sam Sharples and The Equatorial Group for providing the music.

With thanks to Oska Bright Film Festival and Carousel.

This screening is supported by BFI Film Audience Network and Film Hub South East.

How you can support the Electric Palace:

• Book a ticket to a screening.
• Become an official Friend of the Electric Palace
• Hire the cinema for a private party
• Buy a gift voucher
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• Sign up to receive our enewsletter
• Play our piano before a screening and see the film for free!
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• Find out more about our ticket prices
• Problem booking online? See our FAQs

Thank you.