Sensory-friendly screening of "Firefly" shines a light on inclusion

"Lights Up, Sounds Down" offers inclusive movie experience for autism community

In celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week, SM Cares, SM Cinema, Autism Society Philippines (ASP), and GMA Pictures partnered to host a successful sensory-friendly screening of the award-winning film "Firefly" on January 17, 2025. Over 2,000 participants across 10 SM malls, including children on the autism spectrum and their families, enjoyed a heartwarming and inclusive movie experience.

"Tuwing pumapasok kami sa mga SM malls, damang-dama namin acceptance, accomodation, and appreciation. It is the norm here," said Autism Society Philippines (ASP) Chair Emerita Dang Uy Koe. 

REVIEW: Firefly - Let Your Imagination Make You Cry

GMA Pictures joins the Metro Manila Film Festival for 2023 with an emotional film filled with adventure, love, friendship, and a lot of imagination with FIREFLY. Directed by Zig Dulay, it stars Alessandra De Rossi, Euwenn Mikaell, Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Epy Quizon, Yayo Aguila, and a special participation by Dingdong Dantes.

Interestingly, many films with the word 'firefly' are known to be tear-jerkers with a very moving story. And when I heard the title of the film, I knew that this would really move the viewers and indeed I saw and felt it when I saw this at the premiere night of the film with the stars along with the key personalities of GMA Public Affairs like Jessica Soho and Kara David.

FIREFLY tells the story of a kid named Tonton, who went on a journey to find the island of the fireflies which his mother (Alessandra) would tell stories filled with magical creatures and one can fulfill one's wish when they would reach it. The unexpected travel would lead Tonton to meet Louie (Epy), Linda (Yayo), Billy (Miguel), and Erika (Ysabel) along the way.