A CENTRAL West epilepsy advocate’s concern about the lack of warnings on Disney Pixar Australia’s new film Incredibles 2 has led to action by the international company.
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Western NSW Epilepsy Support Group leader Alison McCarney contacted Disney Pixar Australia when she became aware scenes in children’s movie may lead to epileptic seizures following its release on June 14.
Ms McCarney said she contacted the company to question why there were no warnings for people living with epilepsy to avoid the film.
Since then Disney Pixar Australia have issued a warning and recommended all cinemas display the warning at the box office and in appropriate areas.
Odeon 5 Cinemas in Orange has put up signage in the foyer as patrons join the ticket queue.
Ms McCarney said she was worried children and adults could potentially have seizures during or after watching, especially while travelling home.
She said she was alarmed there were no warnings or information for moviegoers.
After she had made contact with the company, Ms Mcarney said she spread the message through various epilepsy groups she works with and found that members responded quickly.
“The consequences could have been fatal. It’s scary that the warning wasn’t displayed,” she said.
Ms McCarney said she had a close friend who lives with epilepsy who was thankful she had warned her about the movie.
The friend was concerned that if she hadn’t warned her she would have taken her four children to watch the movie, which could have have severe consequences if she were to have a seizure while driving her family home.
“If I can do something to help someone, I will,” Ms McCarney said.
Approximately five per cent of people living with epilepsy have photosensitive seizures, which are triggered by visual stimulation such as flashing lights or large geometric patterns, according to Epilepsy Action Australia.
“Organisations are required to display a warning at the entrance to notify patrons if they are implementing any strobing effects,” CEO of Epilepsy Action Australia Carol Ireland said.
“The strobe effect is amplified if it occurs in a darkened room, such as cinema or theatre, concert hall.
“This strobing effect reportedly occurs in the villain scene of Incredible 2 as a result of the animated white flashing bulbs on a black background.
“For people with Photosensitive Epilepsy it is advised to avoid situations where they may be exposed to their identified triggers or use avoidance strategies such as wearing darkened glasses or covering one eye before exposure.”
