Powerful Film Screening Marks World Autism Awareness Day

A short film exploring the realities of neurodivergence was screened at the Curzon Aldgate Cinema on Wednesday 2 April, to mark World Autism Awareness Day. 

Two screenings of the film took place on the day, each followed by a panel discussion.

The event was hosted by Inner Eye Production, East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), the University of Bristol, and the British Film Institute (BFI), drawing an engaged audience from across healthcare, academia, and the arts. 

The 20-minute film "Sensory" was developed and performed by a neurodivergent cast as part of a co-produced project aimed at increasing awareness and compassion around autism, both for neurodivergent individuals and those unfamiliar with their experiences. 

Specifically designed for NHS staff working in hospitals and community services, the film seeks to highlight how seemingly standardised processes can unintentionally create distress for autistic patients. For example, the film portrays the impact of waiting in a noisy, busy environment and the importance of offering quieter alternatives. 

At its core, the short film is a reminder to staff to approach every patient with understanding, flexibility, and compassion, recognising that individual needs may differ and that small adjustments can make a significant difference in care.

Film is a Medium of Change 

Patrick Russell, Curator at the British Film Institute and Chair of the event, opened the evening screening by emphasising the power of film to inspire cultural and institutional change. The film was directed by Inner Eye's Chris Godwin, written, and co-produced with neurodivergent contributors, their healthcare workers and carers (including Melanie Knoedler, Lynette Morgan, and Aurora Todisco), East London NHS Professional Lead for Arts Therapies, Lorna Downing, ELFT Dramatherapist, Tiffer Hutchings, and the University of Bristol's Dr Victoria Bates. The cast included Lekhani Chirwa in the lead role, along with others with lived experience whose insights helped shape the film’s narrative and tone. 

Dr Victoria Bates, who funded the project through the UKRI project Sensing Spaces of Healthcare, highlighted the importance of putting neurodivergent voices at the centre of research and storytelling. The film focused on moments of misunderstanding, stigma, and exclusion, but also on the transformative potential of empathy, autonomy, and co-produced care.

Neurodivergence and the NHS 

The screening was followed by a Q&A with Patrick Russell, Chris Godwin, Lorna Downing, Lekhani Chirwa, and Lynette Morgan, who reflected on how the film could inform improvements within the NHS. 

Lynette Morgan, part of the executive production team, added: “The autistic voice hasn’t been heard. This film breaks away from the stereotypes. It’s about advocacy and letting people have autonomy.” 

Director Chris Godwin reflected on the emotional impact of the film’s final scene: “This film is fundamentally about autism, but it also has a broader message about the power of compassion. I hope this film stimulates people to reflect but I also hope it informs process, policy, and systems. Film and emotion can provide clarity on systems in a way data can’t. Sometimes you need to 'feel to think'.” 

One practical takeaway raised during the discussion was the need to improve NHS communications for neurodivergent people. Panellists noted that appointment letters are often too lengthy and use overly small fonts, making them difficult to read and understand. There was a shared view that more accessible formats and clearer language could significantly improve the patient experience.

Dramatherapy at the Heart of the Film 

Lorna Downing and Tiffer Hutchings devised a series of dramatherapy workshops to creatively explore the emotional truth behind the narrative, capturing authentic feelings through group collaboration. 

Lorna said: “It can be difficult to talk about traumatic experiences, and the arts are a powerful tool for change. East London NHS employs 77 arts therapists – including Art, Music, Drama, and Dance Movement Psychotherapists – who are Registered Allied Health Professionals and psychological therapists. They work across a wide range of NHS services, using creative methods when talking alone isn’t enough. We work with whatever the client brings into the room, using theatre, movement, storytelling, art, and music.” 

“Everyone should watch this. The whole project wouldn’t have happened without the co-production with Lynette, Melanie, and Aurora, who were the heart of it and that’s who we learned from.”

Watch the Film and Share Feedback 

For those who wish to watch the film, it is available on YouTube. Viewers are encouraged to complete a short feedback form, which is vital to helping shape and develop future projects. The form invites to reflect on key takeaways from the film, whether it changed perspectives, and how it might influence behaviours or professional practice going forward.