Emagine Batavia to offer movie experience for those living with dementia and their caregivers
Once a month, Emagine Entertainment will be offering dementia-friendly screenings, providing those with dementia and their caregivers a safe and enjoyable cinematic experience, at the Emagine Batavia Theatre, 550 N. Randall Road in Batavia.
Dementia-friendly screenings, which started in March of 2023 in Michigan, are making their way to additional Emagine Theatre locations in 2024.
These screenings will play on the second Wednesday of each month and include exclusively selected classic movies and musicals.
These films will be presented in a unique setting with softer sound and ambient lighting for the comfort of people living with dementia as well as their caregivers and friends. Guests are able to interact with the presentation and encouraged to talk back, clap, tap their feet, sway, sing along, and get up and dance.
Auditoriums are conveniently located to provide easy access to the lobby, restrooms, and concession area. Dementia-friendly screenings allow for general seating so that guests can choose their seat and sit in a location that makes them feel most comfortable. Reserved seating will be provided for guests in wheelchairs.
Dementia-friendly screenings will take place on the second Wednesday of each month.
Doors open at 1:15 p.m. and the film begins at 2 p.m. Guests are encouraged to come early and participate in pre-show mingling.
The spring lineup of films includes:
• “Pillow Talk” on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024
• “Easter Parade” on Wednesday, March 13, 2024
• “Some Like It Hot” on Wednesday, April 10, 2024
• “The Blues Brothers” on Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at www.Emagine-Entertainment.com. Emagine will also be offering all dementia-friendly guests a $5 concession package that will include a 44 oz. popcorn and a 20 oz. drink.
Dementia-friendly screenings add to the list of specialty screenings at Emagine where guests can watch some of the newest film releases with an enhanced experience. Open Caption screenings provide subtitles for those with hearing impairments. Sensory-friendly screenings provide modifications to the theater atmosphere without modifying the film for those who experience sensory issues.
“We started the dementia-friendly program March of 2023 in Saline, Michigan, and the feedback that we’ve received proves to be a very rewarding experience for those suffering from memory issues and their caregivers. The experience is uplifting and enjoyable for everyone,” stated Anthony LaVerde, CEO of Emagine Entertainment. “This month we are expanding the program to three additional Emagine locations and are thrilled that we can add Emagine Batavia as our first Illinois theater location.”
Dementia-friendly screenings can be found at Emagine Batavia (Illinois), Emagine Saline (Michigan), Emagine Canton (Michigan), Emagine Rochester Hills (Michigan), Emagine Geneva Lakes (Wisconsin). If your organization is interested in partnering with Dementia Friendly Screenings, and sharing these screenings with your group, email guestservices@emagine-entertainment.com.
On-sale dates vary. To learn more about the Dementia Friendly Screening Program, visit www.Emagine-Entertainment.com/Dementia-Friendly/.