Sensory: Autism Awareness Film Premiere with University of Bristol

ELFT has partnered with the University of Bristol to produce the fictional film Sensory, which has been co-produced with service users and their carers to tell the stories of autistic people in healthcare settings.

Sensory is a collaborative film with ELFT Drama Therapy / Arts Therapies, the University of Bristol and Inner Eye Productions – a culture-change film organisation that aims to make a positive difference to people’s lives. The film is part of the University of Bristol’s wider project, Sensing Spaces of Healthcare – government-funded research that rethinks the past, present, and future of NHS hospitals.

While the film is fictional, it is grounded in real stories and experiences of ELFT service users and includes a fully neurodivergent cast.

To mark 2025 World Autism Awareness Day, the film will be screened for the very first time in east London across two time slots. This will include a Q&A session along with light refreshments.

Date: Wednesday, 2nd April 2025
Time: 9:30am-12pm or 6:30pm-9pm
Location: Curzon Aldgate, 2 Canter Way, London E1 8PS
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/3wbtjbcz

Please note that recording will be taking place during both screenings, which may include images of audience members. Attendees will also be invited to take part in interviews with the filmmaker, giving an opportunity to provide feedback. A £10 voucher will be provided for those who decide to do so.

While the event is unable is cater to specific allergies or dietary requirements, attendees can take a look at the venue’s allergen matrix for details about ingredient information.

Commenting on the production of Sensory, ELFT’s Professional Lead of Adult Arts Therapies, Lorna Downing, said: “This World Autism Awareness Day, it’s vital to be hearing first hand from autistic service users and staff about their experiences, so we can continue to enhance and improve services.

“I would like to thank everybody involved in this creative project; a real testament to the power of the arts to bring to life complex, lived experiences and shift our thinking as NHS healthcare providers to reflect the communities we serve. I would urge anybody looking to learn more about autism to attend this screening.”

If you have any questions about Sensory, the screening or the Sensing Spaces of Healthcare project, you can email Dr Victoria Bates at victoria.bates@bristol.ac.uk.