September is World Alzheimer’s Month, with World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September. It’s a chance to start conversations, raise awareness, and break the silence around dementia.
Nearly 50 million people worldwide live with dementia. It affects daily life in countless ways, and stigma remains a barrier. This month is about understanding those challenges and showing how we can support people to live well. Learn more and get involved via the Alzheimer’s Society.
How You Can Help
We can all play a role—by sharing information, joining the Dementia Friends movement, or simply talking openly with friends and family.
Dementia and cinema
Film has the power to connect, inspire, and include. Dementia-friendly cinema screenings create a welcoming space for people living with dementia and their families. Screenings are adapted for comfort and accessibility, offering the joy of cinema in a relaxed setting.
The UK Cinema Association, Alzheimer’s Society, and FAN have worked with venues nationwide to support these screenings.
Looking to run your own? Explore our training and resources to help you plan. Many of the ideas also work for making your wider film events more inclusive—through staff awareness, relaxed screenings, quiet spaces, or better signage.
Online and At-Home Ideas
Cinemas and cultural organisations can also reach people at home. The Alzheimer’s Society suggests:
- Sharing printed reminiscence packs.
- Promoting virtual tours or lending DVDs.
- Hosting online screenings or film clubs.
- Live-streaming or broadcasting events.
- Partnering with volunteer networks.
- Signposting to the Dementia support line: 0333 150 3456.
Share Your Experience
Do you run dementia-friendly film events? We’d love to hear from you. Download our Inclusive screening case study template and send it to includeme[at]filmhubwales.org so we can showcase your work.