Summertime is synonymous with escaping the heat into the cool theater to catch a movie with friends with a bucket of hot, buttered popcorn and a bubbling, ice-cold soda. Memories like those carefree summer days are what Sunrise Theater and The Engaged Brains Project hope to evoke for attendees living with dementia or brain change and their care partners with the premier of dementia-friendly cinema.
“The Engaged Brains Project is proud to partner with the historic Sunrise Theater to launch a dementia-friendly cinema series—a joyful and inclusive new program that brings the power of film to those living with brain change and their care partners,” said Karen D. Sullivan, PhD, ABPP, fellow of the Reid Fellowship for Healthcare Transformation of The Foundation of FirstHealth, who is leading the efforts of the positive, person-centered dementia care initiative in Moore County. “This series is more than a movie outing. It’s a public expression of what it means to be a community that values belonging at every stage of life.”
The first three movie matinees are presented free and open to the public through a generous sponsorship by The Foundation of FirstHealth.
“The Foundation of FirstHealth is proud to support both The Engaged Brains Project and Sunrise Theater’s Dementia-Friendly Cinema Series as part of our commitment to caring for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit,” said Dana L. Casson, CFRE, president, The Foundation of FirstHealth. “These innovative community programs reflect our belief that compassionate, engaging environments can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families navigating cognitive change. This is about more than health care—it’s about honoring dignity, connection, and quality of life.”
Dementia-friendly cinema shows include: free admission; valet parking made available through the program’s community partners, Red Tie Transit and St. Anthony Padua Catholic Church; trained staff and volunteers onsite to assist guests; and free popcorn, soda, or bottled water for all attendees.
“Dementia-friendly cinema is about more than accessibility,” Sullivan said, “It’s about joy, recognition, and the simple pleasure of being able to go out and enjoy a favorite pastime. Everyone deserves to feel welcome in public life—and that includes our neighbors with brain change.”
“We are thrilled to partner with The Engaged Brains Project to provide a new and unique cinematic experience for those with dementia and their care partners,” Sunrise Theater’s executive director Tim Russell added. “As a community hub, we recognize the important role the Sunrise can play in enhancing lives, while being respectful to the unique nature of those dealing with brain change. We have chosen a slate of films that are sensitive to and appropriate for those with dementia or brain change; they are entertaining, easy to follow and probably familiar to many of our patrons.”
Sunrise Theater’s first three shows of the dementia-friendly series include:
· Friday, July 25, 1 p.m.: “Singin’ in the Rain”
· Friday, Aug. 29, 1 p.m.: “The King and I”
· Friday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m.: “Oklahoma!”
The dementia friendly cinema series became a reality as an impact project of Rev. Colette Bachand, a board member of the theater and a dementia champion of The Engaged Brains Project. Using a positive, person-centered approach to dementia care is the project’s goal as well as raising awareness and encouraging engagement in activities, like an outing to a summer matinee movie classic.
“What makes dementia-friendly cinema unique is our plan to have valet parking available, Russell explained. “Trained staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist with getting people to their seats and handling mobility devices, and the volume and lighting will be set to minimize sensory stimulation.”
“All in the community are welcome,” Sullivan added, “And that means anyone who has brain change, anyone who loves someone with brain change, local facilities who care for people with brain change, and any community member that wants to support our mission or just wants to come enjoy a complimentary movie and some good snacks.”
Advance booking for Sunrise Theater’s dementia-friendly cinema events is suggested but not required with tickets available at www.sunrisetheater.com.
“Through The Engaged Brain Project, Dr. Sullivan has been educating our community on what brain change means and how important it is to engage those with brain change in everyday activities,” said Karen Fitch, Chair, Foundation of FirstHealth. “We are thankful to Rev. Bachand for her impact project in making the cinema series a reality and grateful to our donors who supported this critical project with their philanthropy.”
“Removing all barriers is our goal—from no cost for attendees and valet parking to bringing concessions right to the seat—is who we are as a community, as reflected by the generous donation of a couple in the community to The Foundation of FirstHealth,” Sullivan added. “This series reflects the heart of The Engaged Brains Project. It’s not just about care—it’s about connection, visibility and the right to experience art, music and community. We want every person with dementia to hear, without question: Your place is still here with us.”
Feature photo: Sunrise Theater Executive Director Tim Russell and Neuropsychologist Karen D. Sullivan of The Engaged Brains Project are partnering to debut a dementia-friendly cinema series that is free and open to the public, especially those living with dementia or brain change and their care partners. The dementia-friendly cinema series is sponsored byThe Foundation of FirstHealth.
For more information on The Engaged Brains Project, visit www.theengagedbrainsproject.com.
Contributed.
