Media Release: Innovative program of dementia-friendly film screenings to launch at the NFSA in Canberra in Dementia Action Week

Published Monday 19 August 2024

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) will launch a three-year program of dementia-friendly screenings in Dementia Action Week 2024, opening with much-loved classic Strictly Ballroom. Titled A Day at the Movies, the program launch follows several years of research, extensive community consultation and a successful 2022 pilot. The research team of film and screen culture experts is led by Dr Jodi Brooks from UNSW Sydney. 

The first of its kind in Australian cinemas, A Day at the Movies is informed by dementia-friendly principles, from matinee timing to low-level house lighting that enables people to move around, slightly lower volume levels, and additional wayfinding and information signage. Programming will span Australian musicals and Hollywood classics to more recent comedy and drama – even a cult film or two. 

A Day at the Movies will create meaningful social opportunities for people living with dementia, with pre- and post-screening morning teas, intervals and the creation of an associated film appreciation group. Attendees for the inaugural event will also receive a souvenir program to celebrate the program launch. 

An initiative of the ACT Government, A Day at the Movies is funded by the ACT Government and aligns to its Age-Friendly City Plan, with in-kind support from the NFSA, Carers ACT, Dementia Australia and the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing. Led by UNSW film academic Dr Jodi Brooks, the research team also includes University of New England screen and media academic Dr Fincina Hopgood and independent screen culture and audience development specialist Karina Libbey. 

‘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.' 

‘This important initiative exemplifies how audiovisual culture can create opportunities for meaningful connection and community,’ said Chris Mercer, Chief Experience Officer at the NFSA. ‘A Day at the Movies reflects our commitment to inclusive public programming; we want to ensure that all NFSA spaces and programs – physical and digital – are accessible and welcoming to all Australians.’ 

‘There are approximately 5,900 people currently living with dementia in the ACT, with that figure expected to increase to 12,300 by 2058,’ said 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.’ 

EVENT DETAILS 

A Day at the Movies: Strictly Ballroom (Baz Luhrmann, 1992; digitally restored through NFSA Restores) 
9.30am to 12.45pm, Saturday 21 September 
Arc Cinema, NFSA | McCoy Circuit, Acton ACT 2601 
Tickets: $12–16 via nfsa.gov.au/events 

Complimentary Carer tickets are available for attendees caring for a person living with dementia, courtesy of Carers ACT. For further enquiries, please email tickets@nfsa.gov.au 

EVENT TIMINGS 

Dementia Australia-trained venue staff and event organisers will be onsite to welcome and assist attendees. Further information about the dementia-friendly elements of this event is available via nfsa.gov.au/events 

Additional information about accessibility and planning a visit to the NFSA is available at nfsa.gov.au/visit-us 

Images available here on Dropbox. 

Media enquiries and interview requests: 
Jacqui Douglas | Communications Specialist | 0417 738 434 | comms@nfsa.gov.au