Virgin Atlantic Rolls Out Inflight Films for Dementia Sufferers
Virgin Atlantic has teamed up with the Women Over 50 Film Festival (WOFFF) to make flying easier and more enjoyable for passengers living with dementia and their carers. From this month, a handpicked selection of short films will be available on Virgin’s inflight entertainment system, Vera.
Calm and Comfort for Dementia Travellers
The films were chosen with help from UK charity Carers UK to provide a soothing, engaging experience. Nuala O’Sullivan, WOFFF’s founder, hailed the partnership as a way to bring cinema magic to a wider audience. With nearly one million people living with dementia in the UK and 55 million worldwide, ensuring travel and leisure are accessible is a big step forward.
Carefully Curated Cinema for All
The festival, known for spotlighting older women filmmakers, already screens films in care homes across the UK. For Virgin Atlantic, they crafted a dementia-friendly selection that focuses on music and movement more than dialogue. From relaxing Scottish Ballet performances to gentle nature animations, each film is designed to captivate and calm passengers.
Meet the Dementia-Friendly Film Lineup
- Entitled (Dir: Adeyemi Michael)
- Eulogy for the Dandelion (Dir: Gloria Civantos)
- Haud Close Tae Me (Dir: Eve McConnachie)
- The Honeys and Bears (Dir: Veena Rao)
- Lay Me Low (Dir: Marlene Millar)
- Old Mother Blackbird (Dir: Sophie Bancroft)
- Swim (Dir: Maike Mahira Koller)
- Walks With Me (Dir: Kati Kallio)
Filmmaker Sophie Bancroft praised her film “Old Mother Blackbird” for its heartfelt depiction of maternal love and family, urging that these stories resonate universally.
A World First in Flying Entertainment
This dementia-friendly film selection is believed to be the first ever on any inflight entertainment service worldwide. The launch coincides with Virgin Atlantic’s 40th birthday and follows the airline’s mission that everyone should feel empowered to explore the world.
Sharon Noyau, Virgin Atlantic’s Inflight Entertainment Content Manager, expressed pride in introducing these inclusive films. “We hope these movies bring joy and comfort to passengers living with dementia and their families,” she said.
