A Heartwarming Experience for Children with Medical Needs and Disabilities
In a remarkable initiative, the AYA Foundation has successfully held the "AYA Inclusive Film Screening Event 2025 Spring," featuring the film "Doraemon: Nobita's Picture Book World." Starting from its first event on March 22 at Aeon Cinema Makuhari New City in Chiba, the foundation organized 25 screenings across 22 locations nationwide, attracting an impressive total of 5,082 participants. This event was aimed primarily at children with medical needs and disabilities, along with their families, striving to create an inclusive environment for all.
Background of AYA and the Screening Program
The AYA Foundation, based in Tokyo, is dedicated to expanding the world of children who are facing health challenges or living with disabilities through sports, arts, and culture. The foundation's mission is to provide opportunities that empower these children and their families to experience activities that may otherwise seem out of reach due to their medical conditions.
The screenings were inspired by a heartfelt request from a mother whose child requires constant medical care. She expressed a desire for more opportunities to enjoy films without worry—a sentiment echoed in many conversations with families facing similar struggles. AYA sought to lower the barriers to attending cinemas for these families by providing a designated space in theaters where they could feel comfortable, free from the judgment that often accompanies their unique challenges.
To achieve this, AYA arranged for entire theaters to be rented out to create a safe and supportive gameplay for all attendees. Healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, were present at each screening, providing reassurance to both families and venue staff about emergency procedures and care, thereby facilitating a more welcoming environment for everyone involved.
Nationwide Success of the Project
Supported by Toho Co., Ltd., the distribution company for the film, AYA conducted the screenings with the help of volunteers and healthcare professionals. A comprehensive list of screenings and attendance is as follows:
- - March 22: Aeon Cinema Makuhari New City - 127 attendees
- - March 30: 109 Cinemas Saga - 150 attendees
- - March 30: US Cinema Tsukuba - 312 attendees
- - April 6: Aeon Cinema Okayama - 178 attendees
- - And many more...
The event brought diverse families together, showcasing not only the collective joy of experiencing cinema but also emphasizing the importance of inclusivity within society.
Voices of the Participants
Feedback from parents and children attending the screenings illustrated the profound impact of this initiative. Here are some highlights:
- - One attendee shared, "I have always dreamt of taking my children to the movies as a family. After years of feeling excluded due to my daughter's previous traumatic experiences, this event was a heartwarming success."
- - Another parent expressed relief, stating, "Being amongst families in similar situations allowed us to focus on enjoying the film without worrying about judgment for my child's noise and behavior."
- - A participant noted, "This was our first time at a cinema, and it was a liberating experience for both my child and me. We could let go of our worries and simply enjoy the film together."
Many families echoed similar sentiments, crediting the event for creating treasured family memories and a supportive atmosphere where their children could express themselves freely, removing the usual stigma attached to their conditions.
Reflections from AYA's Leadership
Yuki Nakagawa, the founder and representative of AYA, remarked on the significance of this inclusive film screening initiative. "We were nervous about whether we could deliver this experience, but thanks to the combined efforts of many people, including volunteers and participating families, we successfully provided a chance for children and their families to enjoy cinema together." Nakagawa emphasized the positive feedback received, which motivates AYA to push forward with future events. Plans are underway to visit the remaining 10 prefectures throughout Japan by the end of the year, striving to make film-going an accessible experience for all.
The AYA Foundation firmly believes that these events serve as vital platforms to enrich the lives of children with medical needs and disabilities. They aim to integrate more inclusive experiences into future programming, continuously advocating for a world where every child's voice and laughter can resonate within the walls of a cinema.
Conclusion
As cinematic storytelling has the power to shape perceptions and foster connections among diverse communities, AYA’s commitment to supporting children with medical needs and disabilities through inclusive experiences is a stepping stone towards broader societal acceptance and understanding. The overwhelming success of the film screenings has set a bright path for future endeavors, hoping to illuminate many more children's lives through the joy of cinema.
For more information about the AYA Foundation or to support their initiatives, please visit their
official website.