Shine Global Joins 100 Organizations in Letter Decrying Cuts to ILAB Grants to Address Child Labor and Forced Labor

Shine Global Joins 100 Organizations in Letter Decrying Cuts to ILAB Grants to Address Child Labor and Forced Labor

by | Apr 28, 2025 | Shine News

News

Shine Global Joins 100 Organizations in Letter Decrying Cuts to ILAB Grants to Address Child Labor and Forced Labor

Sajda Pathan as Anuja in the Oscar-nominated short film “Anuja” by Writer/Director Adam J. Graves and Produced in Association with Shine Global

April 28, 2025 – Shine Global has joined more than 100 civil society organizations to call on the US Department of Labor to continue fighting forced labor and child labor. Recent cuts of $500 million in funding for the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), whose federally-funded programs play a critical role in fighting forced labor and child labor globally, undermines U.S. leadership, eviscerates protections for vulnerable workers, and hobbles the fight against exploitation.

Given Shine Global’s longstanding commitment to fighting child labor with our films The Harvest (La Cosecha) and our Oscar-nominated Anuja, we are proud to join these organizations in this letter.

Read the letter below: 

The undersigned organizations are alarmed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s decision to cancel approximately $500 million in grants awarded by the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB). These funds play a vital role in addressing forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking across the globe.

ILAB’s grant programs are crucial in the fight against these abuses, supporting efforts to eliminate child labor, prevent exploitation, uphold freedom of association, support trade unions, build capacity and strengthen enforcement mechanisms that combat forced labor worldwide. Their elimination weakens U.S. efforts to eradicate forced labor. This decision undercuts the U.S. government’s decades-long commitment to combating human trafficking. More importantly, it strips essential support for those at risk of exploitation, including children, further entrenching cycles of forced labor in supply chains.

We strongly believe that dismantling these programs will not make the U.S safer, secure, and more prosperous. Instead, these cuts undermine American workers and businesses by allowing unfair competition from goods produced with forced labor. They will also have severe implications for our country’s economic security.

We call on the Secretary of Labor to immediately restore ILAB grants and maintain robust staffing at ILAB to ensure that its projects are administered properly and that the office is able to meet its Congressionally mandated responsibilities. This funding is important to create a level playing field for American businesses and workers while fighting human trafficking and forced labor.

Signed,
Above Ground
Action on Smoking and Health
AFL-CIO
Alliance to End Human Trafficking
Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST)
American Apparel and Footwear Association
American Federation of Teachers
American Industrial Hygiene Association
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP)
Azul
Be Slavery Free
Beyond Borders
Campaign to End U.S. Child Labor
Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc (CDM)
Childfund International
Childhood Education International
Child Labor Coalition
China Labor Watch
Child Welfare League of America
Coffee Watch
Colorado Fiscal Institute (CFI)
Common Good Iowa
Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. Provinces
Corporate Accountability Lab
Covenant House International
Disability Rights International
Dr. Bronner’s
Earth Ethics, Inc.
Economic Policy Institute
Educate the Children Inc.
Fair Labor Association
Fairtrade America
Family Support Center
Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute
FishWise
First Focus on Children
Florida Policy Institute
Food Empowerment Project
Freedom Network USA
Free the Slaves
Free Uyghur Now
Futures Without Violence
Georgetown University Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues
Georgia Budget and Policy Institute
Global Campaign for Education – US
Global March Against Child Labour
Green America
Greenpeace USA
Global Labor Justice
GoodWeave International
HEAL Trafficking
Heartland Initiative
HKM Employment Attorneys LLP
Human Rights First
Human Rights Watch
Human Trafficking Legal Center
Humanity United
Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute
Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility
International Corporate Accountability Roundtable (ICAR)
International Justice Mission
International Rescue Committee
International Rights Advocates
Investor Alliance for Human Rights
Jewish Movement for Uyghur Freedom
Justice At Last
Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor
La Isla Network
Maquila Solidarity Network
Media Voices for Children
National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd
National Consumers League
National Council Occupational Safety and Health (COSH)
National Education Association
National Employment Law Project
Occupational Health & Safety Section/APHA
Oceana
Oxfam America
Partners for Dignity and Rights
PCUN, Oregon’s Farmworker Union
Polaris
Preble Street
Public Citizen
Responsibility Sourcing Network
Rights CoLab
Santa Clara University – International Human Rights Clinic
Shine Global Inc.
Social Accountability International
Solidarity Center
Sunita Jain Anti-Trafficking Initiative, Loyola Law School
The Centre for Child Rights and Business
The Global March Against Child Labour
Together for Girls
Transparentem
University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors
University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
Uyghur Human Rights Project
Verité
VOICE Network
Winrock International
Womankind
Worker Rights Consortium
Workplace Justice Lab at Rutgers University
World Vision

###

About Shine Global

Shine Global is a non-profit media company that improves the lives of children by telling powerful stories to raise awareness, promote action, and inspire change. We produce inspiring films and compelling content about underserved children. Through tailored distribution and outreach, we connect with our audiences in communities, classrooms, museums, and on Capitol Hill as part of a powerful engagement campaign to encourage social change.

Since our founding in 2005, Shine Global films have won more than 100 major awards, including an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Short Subject for Inocente and an Academy Award®-nomination and two Emmys® for War/Dance, and an Academy Award®-nomination for Anuja. Recent films include the documentary-animation hybrid Liyana, the hit documentary The Eagle Huntress, Through Our Eyes: Homefront which is available on HBOMax, the Ariel Award winner Home Is Somewhere Else, and Comedy Against the Odds.

VIEW ALL POSTS
About | Projects | Take Action | For Educators | For Creators | Contact

Latest Blog Posts

 

Shine Global Statement in Response to Secretary Kennedy’s Comments About Autistic People

Shine Global Statement in Response to Secretary Kennedy’s Comments About Autistic People

by | Apr 21, 2025 | Shine News

News

Shine Global Statement in Response to Secretary Kennedy’s Comments About Autistic People

April 21, 2025 – At Shine Global, we are deeply disheartened by Secretary Kennedy’s recent remarks regarding autistic individuals. His characterization of autism as a barrier to meaningful contribution stands in stark contrast to what we’ve witnessed firsthand through our work.

In our documentary Comedy Against the Odds, we follow the incredible journey of Austin—a young comedian with autism—who has inspired audiences with his sharp wit and unique voice. Austin is not only a gifted performer; he is a testament to the power of resilience and self-expression. Through his comedy, he challenges misconceptions, builds empathy, and reminds us all of the strength and brilliance that can emerge when children are given the space to be themselves.

With an estimated 1 in 31 children in the U.S. diagnosed with autism, Secretary Kennedy’s statements don’t just reflect a harmful misunderstanding—they dismiss the lives, experiences, and potential of millions of children and adults. These are individuals who contribute meaningfully to our communities every day and whose stories deserve to be celebrated, not erased.

Austin has brought laughter and connection to countless people in person, and now to even more around the world through the film. His story is just one example of how people on the autism spectrum enrich our world in powerful, joyful ways.  Across the country and the world, autistic individuals are creating, connecting, and thriving in countless ways. At the same time, we recognize that many autistic children and their families face real obstacles and challenges. That is precisely why our focus—as a society and in our policies—must be on providing meaningful support, inclusive resources, and opportunities for every child to grow, engage, and find joy, rather than tearing them down or writing them off.

Shine Global’s mission is to share stories that highlight children’s resilience, and Austin’s journey is a perfect example of what is possible when children are embraced for who they are—not diminished by misguided assumptions. Every child deserves to be seen not for what they lack, but for the light they bring.

We hope Secretary Kennedy—and others in positions of influence—will take the time to listen to and learn from people like Austin, and from the broader community of individuals with autism, whose lives and contributions deserve respect and support, not pity or dismissal.

###

About Shine Global

Shine Global is a non-profit media company that improves the lives of children by telling powerful stories to raise awareness, promote action, and inspire change. We produce inspiring films and compelling content about underserved children. Through tailored distribution and outreach, we connect with our audiences in communities, classrooms, museums, and on Capitol Hill as part of a powerful engagement campaign to encourage social change.

Since our founding in 2005, Shine Global films have won more than 100 major awards, including an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Short Subject for Inocente and an Academy Award®-nomination and two Emmys® for War/Dance, and an Academy Award®-nomination for Anuja. Recent films include the documentary-animation hybrid Liyana, the hit documentary The Eagle Huntress, Through Our Eyes: Homefront which is available on HBOMax, the Ariel Award winner Home Is Somewhere Else, and Comedy Against the Odds.

VIEW ALL POSTS
About | Projects | Take Action | For Educators | For Creators | Contact

Latest Blog Posts

 

Shine Global and ReelAbilities Film Festival Announce Children’s Resilience in Disability Stories Award for Remedial script by Laurie J. Gardiner

Shine Global and ReelAbilities Film Festival Announce Children’s Resilience in Disability Stories Award for Remedial script by Laurie J. Gardiner

by | Apr 9, 2025 | Shine News

News

Shine Global and ReelAbilities Film Festival Announce Children’s Resilience in Disability Stories Award for Remedial script by Laurie J. Gardiner

April 9, 2025 – Shine Global is proud to announce that filmmaker Laurie J. Gardiner has been awarded the Children’s Resilience in Disability Stories Award at ReelAbilities 2025 for her script proposal Remedial. This prestigious award, which includes a $2,500 prize, recognizes films that highlight the resilience and strength of children with disabilities.

Gardiner, whose short film Remedial was previously screened at ReelAbilities International, is now adapting the story into a feature-length film. The script explores the impact of PTSD on children.

Remedial follows Will, a young boy struggling in the aftermath of his father’s accident. At his new school, Will’s behavior spirals, plagued by memories of the accident and a crippling fear of drowning. While his mother battles her own grief, she fails to see Will’s PTSD. As his grip on reality slips, Will’s frantic need to preserve his father’s memory leads to violent outbursts, leaving his teacher to wrongly diagnose him with ADHD.

“Remedial is a deeply moving story that sheds light on childhood trauma and its often hidden impact,” said Shine Global’s Co-CEO and Creative Director Alexandra Blaney. “Laurie J. Gardiner’s sensitive storytelling illustrates an often-overlooked issue, ensuring that children’s mental health needs are not only acknowledged but felt.”

Since its founding in 2007, ReelAbilities Film Festival has championed the stories and artistic expressions of people with disabilities. As the nation’s premier festival dedicated to disability representation, ReelAbilities continues to set the standard for accessibility and inclusion in film.

“We are honored to once again partner with Shine Global in recognizing powerful storytelling at the intersection of disability and children’s resilience,” said Isaac Zablocki, director and co-founder of ReelAbilities. “Remedial exemplifies the impact of cinema in fostering understanding and empathy, and we are excited to support its journey to the big screen.”

Shine Global remains committed to elevating children’s voices and creating lasting impact through storytelling. The organization looks forward to celebrating Remedial and the important conversations it will spark about PTSD, mental health, and resilience.

Shine Global’s annual Resilience Awards honor exceptional films that center around the resilience of children and further the organization’s mission of improving children’s lives by harnessing the power of storytelling. Past winners include the feature documentaries Daughters (2024, Directed by Angela Patton and Natalie Rae), Name Me Lawand (2023, Directed by Edward Lovelace) which was also awarded the ReelAbilities Accessibility Award at Shine Global’s 2023 events, Lift (2022, Directed by David Petersen), Los Frikis (2024, written and directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz) in partnership with Nantucket Film Festival, the short documentary Ayenda (2023, directed by Marie Margolius) and the live action short Unibrow (2024, directed by Nedda Sarshar) in partnership with Heartland Film’s Indy Shorts International Film Festival, and the animated children’s films Savages (2024 directed by Claude Barras) and Dounia – The Great White North (2024, directed by Marya Zarif and André Kadi) in partnership with the New York International Children’s Film Festival.  

###

About Shine Global

Shine Global is a non-profit media company that improves the lives of children by telling powerful stories to raise awareness, promote action, and inspire change. We produce inspiring films and compelling content about underserved children. Through tailored distribution and outreach, we connect with our audiences in communities, classrooms, museums, and on Capitol Hill as part of a powerful engagement campaign to encourage social change.

Since our founding in 2005, Shine Global films have won more than 100 major awards, including an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Short Subject for Inocente and an Academy Award®-nomination and two Emmys® for War/Dance, and an Academy Award®-nomination for Anuja. Recent films include the documentary-animation hybrid Liyana, the hit documentary The Eagle Huntress, Through Our Eyes: Homefront which is available on HBOMax, the Ariel Award winner Home Is Somewhere Else, and Comedy Against the Odds.

About ReelAbilities

ReelAbilities celebrates disability, inclusion and accessibility through wide-ranging international films, riveting conversations, professional workshops and other forms of visual and performing arts.
Founded in NY in 2007, ReelAbilities presents the largest festival in the world dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with disabilities. With a flagship festival in New York, affiliate festivals throughout North America, an online streaming platform, industry summit, educational programs and more, ReelAbilities brings the community together to explore, discuss, embrace, and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience, and is a leader in setting the highest standards of accessibility and inclusion in the film industry.

About ReelAbilities Industry Summit
DISABILITY INCLUSION AND EQUITY IN FILM + PERFORMING ARTS

Hosted in partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office for Media and Entertainment, Reelabilities´ industry Summit gathers industry professionals to explore and discuss topics of accessibility, inclusion and representation in all aspects of the film and performing arts industries, and explore beyond the basics into progressive best practices.
Industry leaders, including Disabled creatives, share knowledge and experience providing participants with the tools to elevate accessibility and open pathways to deeper inclusion.  https://reelabilities.org/

VIEW ALL POSTS
About | Projects | Take Action | For Educators | For Creators | Contact

Latest Blog Posts

 

Shine Global’s 2025 Resilience Awards Updates and Approaching Deadlines

Shine Global’s 2025 Resilience Awards Updates and Approaching Deadlines

by | Apr 1, 2025 | Shine News

News

Shine Global’s 2025 Resilience Awards Updates and Approaching Deadlines

April 1, 2025 – At Shine Global, we believe in the power of storytelling to transform lives, spark change, and amplify the voices of children around the world. Through our Resilience Awards, we celebrate filmmakers whose work highlights the strength, hope, and determination of young people in the face of adversity.

As we continue to refine and strengthen our impact, we are taking this year to thoughtfully assess how we can best support and elevate these important stories. As part of this process, we are pausing the open call for submissions and our team will be reviewing a curated group of films for this year’s Grand Prize, which will be a $10,000 cash prize and announced at our 20th Anniversary Celebration in New York City this September. This allows us to ensure that our awards continue to have the greatest reach and influence, both for the filmmakers and the young people whose stories they tell.

In the meantime, we remain deeply committed to supporting and recognizing filmmakers through our festival partnerships, many with approaching deadlines, including a new fellowship opportunity:

🎬 Flaherty Film Seminar Shine Global Fellowship – Providing funding for one filmmaker working in fiction and/or nonfiction to attend the prestigious 70th Flaherty Film Seminar, fostering deeper storytelling about children’s lives. Deadline: April 6. [Apply Now]

🎬 Indy Shorts Film Festival – Supporting powerful short films that showcase the resilience of young people. Extended submission deadline: April 6. [Submit Here]

🎬 Montclair Film Emerging Filmmaker Competition – Encouraging the next generation of storytellers by celebrating films from students in grades 6-12. Deadline: April 25.

🎬 Nantucket Film Festival Screenwriting Prize – Honoring compelling scripts that center on children’s experiences and resilience.

🎬 ReelAbilities Disability Stories Prize – Recognizing outstanding storytelling that amplifies the voices and experiences of young people with disabilities.

🎬 New York International Children’s Film Festival Unstoppable Kids Prize – Recognizing a family-friendly film that highlights resilience.

Since its launch, the Shine Global Resilience Awards have highlighted exceptional films that reflect our mission of improving children’s lives through storytelling.  Past winners include the feature documentaries Daughters (2024, Directed by Angela Patton and Natalie Rae), Name Me Lawand (2023, Directed by Edward Lovelace), and Lift (2022, Directed by David Petersen), Los Frikis (2024, written and directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz) in partnership with Nantucket Film Festival, the short documentary Ayenda (2023, directed by Marie Margolius) and the short Unibrow (2024, directed by Nedda Sarshar) in partnership with Indy Shorts International Film Festival, and the animated children’s film Savages (2024, written and directed by Claude Barras) in partnership with the New York International Children’s Film Festival, and Okthanksbye (2022, directed by Nicole van Kilsdonk) with ReelAbilities Film Festival.  

As we move forward, our dedication to elevating these powerful stories remains stronger than ever. We appreciate your support as we continue to ensure that the Shine Global Resilience Awards make the greatest possible impact for filmmakers and, most importantly, for the children whose stories deserve to be told.

###

About Shine Global

Shine Global is a non-profit media company that improves the lives of children by telling powerful stories to raise awareness, promote action, and inspire change. We produce inspiring films and compelling content about underserved children. Through tailored distribution and outreach, we connect with our audiences in communities, classrooms, museums, and on Capitol Hill as part of a powerful engagement campaign to encourage social change.

Since our founding in 2005, Shine Global films have won more than 100 major awards, including an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Short Subject for Inocente and an Academy Award®-nomination and two Emmys® for War/Dance, and an Academy Award®-nomination for Anuja. Recent films include the documentary-animation hybrid Liyana, the hit documentary The Eagle Huntress, Through Our Eyes: Homefront which is available on HBOMax, the Ariel Award winner Home Is Somewhere Else, and Comedy Against the Odds.

VIEW ALL POSTS
About | Projects | Take Action | For Educators | For Creators | Contact

Latest Blog Posts

 

Shine Global Awards Savages the Unstoppable Kids Prize at the 2025 New York International Children’s Film Festival

Shine Global Awards Savages the Unstoppable Kids Prize at the 2025 New York International Children’s Film Festival

by | Mar 31, 2025 | Shine News

News

Shine Global Awards Savages the Unstoppable Kids Prize at the 2025 New York International Children’s Film Festival

​

March 31, 2025, New York, NY – Shine Global is proud to announce Savages (Sauvages), directed by Claude Barras and written in collaboration with Catherine Paillé, Morgan Navarro, and Nancy Huston, as the recipient of this year’s Unstoppable Kids Prize at the New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF). This prestigious award recognizes a family-friendly film that highlights the resilience, courage, and determination of young people facing adversity.

The film follows 11-year-old Keria who lives on the edge of Borneo’s tropical rainforest with her father, where deforestation is rampant. Her life is upended when she adopts an orphaned baby orangutan and her Penan cousin, Selaï, comes to stay. She’s embarrassed by him at school, but when he runs away, she guiltily follows after him. They soon become lost and Selaï only knows the way back to his indigenous home. There Keria reconnects with her relatives and learns the ways of her people. When the loggers threaten her newfound home, she is determined not to let them destroy it. 

“Keria’s journey in Savages is a testament to the resilience of young people who must navigate both personal challenges and the outside circumstances that shape their world,” said Alexandra Blaney, Co-CEO and Creative Director of Shine Global. “As Keria embarks on a path of self-discovery—questioning where she belongs, who she is, and what kind of future she wants to build—she finds the strength to fight for her community and the land her family calls home.”

Through breathtaking stop-motion animation, Savages brings to life the beauty of the natural world while also showcasing the strength of the human spirit. The film does not shield young audiences from the harsh realities of environmental destruction or the dangers faced by those who resist the powerful forces behind it. Instead, it trusts them to engage with these urgent issues while celebrating the power of community, identity, and resistance.

“Keria’s courage and determination embody exactly what Shine Global’s Unstoppable Kids Prize honors—the unstoppable spirit of young people who, even in the face of enormous challenges, refuse to back down,” Blaney added. “We are thrilled to recognize Savages for its artistry, honesty, and inspiring message.”

The Unstoppable Kids Prize reflects Shine Global’s commitment to recognizing films that uplift and empower young people around the world. Savages stands as a powerful example of storytelling that is both visually stunning and socially impactful, making it a deserving recipient of this honor.

###
About Shine Global

Shine Global is a non-profit media company that improves the lives of children by telling powerful stories to raise awareness, promote action, and inspire change. We produce inspiring films and compelling content about underserved children. Through tailored distribution and outreach, we connect with our audiences in communities, classrooms, museums, and on Capitol Hill as part of a powerful engagement campaign to encourage social change. Since our founding in 2005, Shine Global films have won more than 100 major awards, including an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Short Subject for Inocente and an Academy Award®-nomination and two Emmys® for War/Dance, and an Academy Award®-nomination for Anuja. Recent films include the documentary-animation hybrid Liyana, the hit documentary The Eagle Huntress, Through Our Eyes: Homefront which is available on HBOMax, the Ariel Award winner Home Is Somewhere Else, and Comedy Against the Odds.

ABOUT SHINE GLOBAL’S RESILIENCE AWARDS

Shine Global’s annual Resilience Awards honor exceptional films that center around the resilience of children and further the organization’s mission of improving children’s lives by harnessing the power of storytelling. Past winners include the feature documentaries Daughters (2024, Directed by Angela Patton and Natalie Rae), Name Me Lawand (2023, Directed by Edward Lovelace) which was also awarded the ReelAbilities Accessibility Award at Shine Global’s 2023 events, Lift (2022, Directed by David Petersen), Los Frikis (2024, written and directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz) in partnership with Nantucket Film Festival, the short documentary Ayenda (2023, directed by Marie Margolius) in partnership with Heartland Film’s Indy Shorts International Film Festival, and the animated children’s film Dounia – The Great White North (2024, directed by Marya Zarif and André Kadi) in partnership with the New York International Children’s Film Festival.  

About NYICFF

Established in 1997, NYICFF’s mission is rooted in the belief of film as a path for young people to understand themselves and others. All programs are designed to celebrate the beauty and power of film, spark the inherent capacity of children to connect with complex, nuanced art, and encourage the creation of intelligent films that represent and celebrate unique, diverse, and historically excluded voices. NYICFF serves children, students, families, educators, filmmakers, and media arts professionals through its core activities: the annual, Oscar®-qualifying NYC film festival and national touring program; Film-Ed, a media arts and literacy program; and year-round special events.

VIEW ALL POSTS
About | Projects | Take Action | For Educators | For Creators | Contact

Latest Blog Posts

 

Chuck E. Cheese, Shine Global, And Autism Speaks Partner to Champion Inclusivity During World Autism Month

Chuck E. Cheese, Shine Global, And Autism Speaks Partner to Champion Inclusivity During World Autism Month

by | Mar 25, 2025 | Shine News

News

Chuck E. Cheese, Shine Global, And Autism Speaks Partner to Champion Inclusivity During World Autism Month

Activities include screenings of Shine Global’s film Comedy Against the Odds; Sensory Sensitive Sunday events, and a national fundraising day for Shine Global on April 18th.

 

IRVING, Texas (March 25, 2025) – Shine Global is partnering with Chuck E. Cheese and Autism Speaks to celebrate World Autism Month with special film screenings, fundraisers, and exclusive content aimed at promoting awareness and inclusivity for children on the spectrum.

As part of this initiative, Chuck E. Cheese, in partnership with Autism Speaks, will premiere Shine Global’s latest film, Comedy Against the Odds, directed by six-time Daytime Emmy-winner Suzanne Luna, at private screenings in Burbank, California, and Brooklyn, New York. The film follows 10-year-old Austin Eletto, an aspiring stand-up comedian with autism, as he uses comedy to challenge stereotypes and embrace his identity.

Chuck E. Cheese, the No. 1 global family entertainment fun center, will celebrate World Autism Month with sensory-friendly events, fundraisers and special film screenings as part of its ongoing commitment to inclusivity and support for the autism community.

Launched in 2017, Chuck E. Cheese’s monthly Sensory Sensitive Sundays have supported thousands of children and families on the spectrum at select locations by opening two hours early on the first Sunday of the month to provide an environment with dimmed lighting and lower volume so that kids with sensory sensitivities can enjoy all that Chuck E. Cheese has to offer. In addition to the national Sensory Sensitive Sunday event on April 27, select fun centers will be hosting their regular monthly Sensory Sensitive Sunday on April 6. For a list of participating locations, visit: https://www.chuckecheese.com/sensory-sensitive-sundays/.

Five years ago, Chuck E. Cheese launched an ongoing national initiative with Autism Speaks, the nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan, to promote awareness, acceptance and inclusiveness for autistic children while providing a safe, fun environment where families feel supported.

This year, Chuck E. Cheese is expanding its commitment to the autistic community through a new partnership with Shine Global, a nonprofit media company dedicated to improving children’s lives through powerful stories that raise awareness, promote action, and inspire change.As well as premiering the film, together, they will develop exclusive content that will be shared on screens at nearly 500 Chuck E. Cheese fun centers nationwide. Additionally, on Friday, April 18, 20% of all sales will be donated to Shine Global. To participate, guests must present a Shine Global fundraising voucher, available at ChuckECheese.com, at the checkout.

“During World Autism Month and throughout the entire year, Chuck E. Cheese is dedicated to leading the family entertainment industry with our commitment to promote awareness among our guests and employees and through our partnership with Autism Speaks,” said CEC Entertainment President and CEO David McKillips. “This year, we are extending our advocacy work even further with Shine Global, allowing us to provide a platform and opportunity for voices like Austin’s to be heard by millions of guests visiting our fun centers.”

“Austin’s story is a powerful message of resilience, determination and courage,” said Albie Hecht, co-founder of Shine Global and the film’s producer. “Through our partnership with Chuck E. Cheese, we will be able to provide additional opportunities for Shine Global to leverage the brand’s entertainment programs to connect with a new audience and provide access to resources for kids like Austin and their families.”

Read the full press release here.

About Chuck E. Cheese

Chuck E. Cheese is where half a million happy birthdays are celebrated every year, with a mission to create positive, lifelong memories for families through fun, food and play. For over 47 years, Chuck E. Cheese has been the place Where A Kid Can Be A Kid®, and it continues to set the standard for family entertainment through its interactive experiences, exciting arcade games and beloved Chuck E. Cheese character. Committed to providing a fun, safe and inclusive environment, Chuck E. Cheese helps protect families through industry-leading programs such as Kid Check®. As a strong advocate for its local communities, Chuck E. Cheese has donated more than $24 million to schools and nonprofits through its fundraising programs. The Company and its franchisees operate a system of nearly 600 Chuck E. Cheese fun centers, with locations in 45 states and 16 foreign countries and territories. In PMQ’s Pizza Power Report 2025, Chuck E. Cheese was named one of the top 10 pizza chains in the U.S. For more information, visit chuckecheese.com.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. In response to the pressing needs of the 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults with autism in the U.S. today, Autism Speaks provides resources and tools for autistic individuals of all ages and levels of support. Connecting over 28.5 million people with autism and their families to free advocacy, services, supports, research, innovation and advances in care, the nonprofit serves as convener for the autism community with the goal of making a real difference for all people on the autism spectrum. Learn more and join the movement by following @AutismSpeaks on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

About Shine Global

Shine Global is a nonprofit media company that improves children’s lives by telling powerful stories that raise awareness, promote action and inspire change. We produce inspiring films and compelling content about underserved children. Through tailored distribution and outreach, we connect with our audiences in communities, classrooms, museums, and on Capitol Hill as part of a powerful engagement campaign to encourage social change.

Since being co-founded by Albie Hecht and Susan MacLaury in 2005, Shine Global films have won more than 100 major awards, including an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Short Subject for “Inocente,” an Academy Award®-nomination for Best Live Action for “Anuja,” and an Academy Award®-nomination and two Emmys® for “War/Dance.” Recent films include the documentary-animation hybrid “Liyana,” the hit documentary “The Eagle Huntress,” “Through Our Eyes: Homefront,” which is available on PBS and Max, the Ariel Award-winner “Home Is Somewhere Else,” and “Comedy Against the Odds.” For more information or to donate, visit www.shineglobal.org.

VIEW ALL POSTS
About | Projects | Take Action | For Educators | For Creators | Contact

Latest Blog Posts