Orinda Theatre brings sensory-friendly films to families seeking inclusion

    Thanks to a new initiative at the historic Orinda Theatre, local families are finding a welcoming place where autistic children can be themselves.
    For many families with autistic children, a trip to the movies is more stressful than enjoyable. Sitting still, staying quiet and avoiding judgment from others can make the simple act of going to the theater nearly impossible.
    The first sensory-friendly film screening was Aug. 23, “Despicable Me,” led by Paula Giovannetti. She’s a Danville mother with an autistic child and the founder of CourageousBelonging.org.
    She said her inspiration came directly from her own struggles.
    “Having an autistic child of my own, I know it is impossible to bring him to the movies,” she said. “He likes to move, and stim – physically and verbally. As autistic families, we constantly live in fear of judgment. I know my son loves the movies and popcorn. I also know that there are tons of autistic families like me that would love to do family activities like these, but don’t have a relaxed environment where they can do this. So I wanted to find a way to make it happen.”

Families find comfort in community
    The debut event drew enthusiastic responses from families who finally felt welcome in a movie theater. Parents expressed gratitude for the chance to relax while their children enjoyed the film in their own way.
    “It was awesome,” said Giovannetti. “Families were so appreciative and relaxed. Parents could actually sit down – and as an autistic parent, that is rare. The autistic children and young adults could be themselves, move around, regulate themselves, stim (short for stimming, self-stimulatory behavior) and enjoy the movie like every other child. It was beautiful.”
    Leonard Pirkle, co-owner of operations of the Orinda Theatre with Derek Zemrak, said he could see the difference the inclusive setting made.
    “It was very nice, I could tell that the parents were experiencing a lot less stress than they normally would have in another situation, not specifically designed as a friendly environment,” he said.
    The Orinda Theatre, known for its vintage charm and community spirit, made an ideal backdrop for the groundbreaking event.
    “The Orinda Theatre is truly a community gathering place. It is rich in character and love,” Giovannetti added. “Walking into the theater, you feel transported back in time. The owners made sure everyone felt welcome and included. They supported the families’ needs and provided a space so all the children and families could really be themselves.”

Memorable firsts
    One of the most powerful parts of the screening came when children received stickers reading “This is My First Movie.”
    Giovannetti said she had many families tell her that this was their first time going to the movies.
    “Several mothers came up and thanked me for making it possible,” she said. “And one sweet boy was even able to try out different seats throughout the movie, finding different friends to sit next to. It was wonderful, exactly as it should be. Kids being kids.”
    Pirkle said he hopes other theaters will be inspired to provide the same opportunities.

“I hope that others will follow suit, as there are so many parents and children who avoid going to the movies because they are concerned with how the potential disruptions in the theater can be an issue for the other viewers,” he said.

From isolation to advocacy
    The next sensory-friendly screening is scheduled for Oct. 25, with adjustments designed to support autistic individuals of all ages. The lights will remain slightly on, the volume will be lowered and families will be surrounded by a supportive community.
    “It is also a great place to meet other autism families in the community,” said Giovannetti.
    Pirkle added that the series wouldn’t be possible without Giovannetti’s leadership.
    “I have to give all the credit to Paula, who organized and did the community outreach for the series,” he said. “She is phenomenal.”
    The screenings are an extension of the work Giovannetti and her husband Joe have done through their non-profit CourageousBelonging.org, founded in response to the isolation many autism families feel.
    “After my son’s diagnosis, I started to feel more isolated and worried about loneliness,” she said. “We weren’t able to do all the typical things families could do without stress and anxiety. A simple trip to the grocery store was so hard. A big meltdown and we would have to leave a full shopping cart in the aisle. It became overwhelming. But I knew I wasn’t alone. I thought if we could get together and share what we were going through, it would help all of us. The more we stepped out of the shadows, the more the community would embrace us.”
    She also recently joined the Autism Society of the San Francisco Bay Area’s Events Committee to help expand inclusive programming in the East Bay.
    “They have a strong team, incredible fundraising and have been established for a while,” said Giovannetti. “I can also learn a lot from them. I’ll still do my annual walk in April, but I think I can do the most good as a member of the Autism Society.”

Building a culture of acceptance
    For her, the screenings are more than just movies – they’re about shifting the broader community toward acceptance.
    “These events are so important because they bring awareness to this community that has a hard time being out doing everyday things,” she said. “I think awareness was a big part of the autism movement for a long time, but now we need more acceptance. Through acceptance, society can be more inclusive and accommodating. The more businesses follow the Orinda Theatre’s lead, the more our community will feel included.”
    She hopes other cities and organizations will consider hosting sensory-friendly and inclusive events.
    “Do it! Reach out to the non-profits,” she urged. “We are dying for opportunities and spaces to gather. We are looking for inclusion and acceptance.”

Orinda schools embrace inclusion
    That need for inclusive spaces is reflected in Orinda schools as well. Special Education enrollment in the Acalanes Union High School District, which includes Miramonte High School in Orinda, has remained steady over the past four years. About 13% of the student population receives special education services, according to a 2024 Board Update compiled by Director Leigh Gregory.
    The update outlines the primary disabilities that qualify students for Special Education services: autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disturbance, hard of hearing, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment. The District’s 2025 report is scheduled for presentation at the Oct. 15 meeting.

Looking to the future
    The next sensory-friendly filming at the Orinda Theatre is Saturday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m., doors open at 9:30 a.m. The film is “Shrek.” Tickets are $10 for everyone. Visit orindatheatre.com for more information.
    Also, plans are in motion in March 2026 for a special appearance by Dr. Temple Grandin, a prominent autism advocate whose work has transformed understanding and acceptance of autistic individuals.
    “It will mean so much to our community,” said Giovannetti. “She has done so much for autism awareness and acceptance.”
    For now, families are simply grateful for the chance to sit together in a movie theater – popcorn in hand – without fear of judgment.
    “These events bring us together, allow us a space to feel relaxed and let our kids be themselves out in the world,” Giovannetti said. “It is good for the whole family. My son loves being around lots of people, but his meltdowns can be loud and shocking to other neurotypical people. Other autism families – they get it.”