We are celebrating MediCinema's BAFTA win, honouring its profound impact on patient well-being through the magic of film.

MediCinema, the charity that brings specially designed cinemas into hospitals and care settings to enhance patient well-being, has been honoured with BAFTA's Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award at the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards.

Serennu Children's Centre proudly hosts Wales' only MediCinema - it is a fully accessible, inclusive space where children with additional needs can experience the joy of the latest film releases in a safe and supportive environment.

As one of BAFTA's highest honours, this special award celebrates individuals or organisations whose work has made a significant impact on film. This year, it recognises MediCinema's transformative role in enriching the lives of countless patients through the power of cinema.

We are so proud to be able to provide this fantastic facility to our families in partnership with MediCinema.
 

For many families supported by Sparkle, a trip to a mainstream cinema is not an option. Physical barriers, sensory sensitivities, and social stigmas can make what should be an enjoyable family experience challenging or inaccessible, leaving many families to avoid it. 

In the past year alone, Sparkle's MediCinema has welcomed over 4,300 attendees from across Gwent, giving hundreds of families the chance to enjoy a special day out at the cinema together - an experience they might not otherwise have. 

Jon Jones, a former attendee of Serennu Children's Centre who visited for medical appointments, leisure activities, and regularly enjoyed MediCinema screenings, is now employed as a MediCinema Technical Assistant at Serennu.

Speaking about the achievement, he said: 

"There is a lot of care and dedication that goes into each screening, and it is fantastic to see MediCinema being awarded for all the work that everyone does. 

We are a lovely little community in the Serennu Children's Centre MediCinema, as we do everything we can to ensure a very happy and relaxing environment for families.

This is a really special place where families who may not be able to access mainstream cinema can just be themselves, and that is an absolute joy."

Tracey Smith, Interim Children's Centre Manager said:

"On behalf of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board's Serennu Children's Centre and in my role as Interim Children's Centre Manager, I would like to congratulate Medicinema on the fantastic news of their BAFTA recognition award. 

We are so proud to have the Medicinema facility in Serennu Children's Centre and that this is the first and only that is not in a hospital setting.  Supported by Sparkle, families from across Gwent can enjoy an up to date film releases in a relaxed environment.  We look forward to working with Medicinema for many years to come and welcome more smiling faces."

Paul Giggal, Chief Operating Officer of MediCinema, said:

"The award belongs to our entire team and all our amazing partners, like Sparkle. We couldn't deliver the impact we have without the dedication of amazing people and partners such as the Sparkle team, so a part of that statuette firmly belongs in South Wales!"

MediCinema's BAFTA win is a testament to the power of film in enhancing well-being for families, and at Serennu, that impact will continue.

Through its partnership with MediCinema, Sparkle remains committed to providing weekly screenings for registered families - ensuring every child has the chance to experience the magic of the big screen.