Song of the Sea

Song of the Sea tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse — the last seal-child — who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. The film takes inspiration from the mythological Selkies of Irish folklore, who live as seals in the sea but become humans on land.

Song of the Sea, directed by Tomm Moore (The Secret of Kells), features the voices of Brendan Gleeson, Fionnula Flanagan, David Rawle, Lisa Hannigan, Pat Shortt and Jon Kenny.

Duration:
This screening will run for 94 minutes.

Themes & Content Overview:
Song of the Sea explores themes of family bonds, grief and healing, Irish folklore, coming‑of‑age, emotional resilience, and sibling connection. Content includes magical beings, emotional scenes tied to loss, and mild moments of peril. The story is gentle overall, rooted in mythic imagery and emotional depth.

Age Suitability:
This film is rated PG by the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO), who note "mild scary scenes and themes of grief/loss that may upset some viewers".

Trigger Warnings & Sensory Considerations:
Audiences should be aware of the following elements:

• Mild peril involving children and magical creatures.
• Emotionally intense scenes, linked to a parent's disappearance and themes of grief.
• Fantasy sequences that may include darker or tense imagery.
• Mythological characters that may appear frightening to some younger children.
• There are no strobe effects within the film.

The Sensory Screenings programme is a new schedule of film screenings at The Dock designed to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for children and families, particularly for neurodiverse audiences or those who benefit from a more flexible cinema experience.

We provide detailed information about each film in advance — including its duration, themes, age suitability, and any content considerations — so families can plan their visit with confidence. Where relevant, we also highlight potential triggers such as flashing lights, sudden loud sounds, strobe effects, or intense scenes. Priority or reserved seating can be made available for those who need extra space or easier access, and we always welcome feedback from attendees to help us continually improve and make future screenings even more inclusive and comfortable.

Some key features of Sensory Screenings include —

• Shorter Films
  We select films with shorter running times to support a comfortable viewing experience for all.
• Subtitles 
  Subtitles for English films will be prioritised if we have access to them.
• Dimmed Lighting
  The lights in the performance space will remain gently lit rather than fully dark.
• Reduced Volume
  Sound levels are lowered to create a calmer, sensory‑friendly atmosphere.
• Reduced Capacity
  Audience numbers are limited to allow extra personal space within the venue.

The following guidelines help ensure everyone can enjoy the experience in a way that feels right for them —

• Clear Pre‑Show Announcements
  Before the film begins, we will explain the relaxed format so everyone knows what to expect.
• Flexible Movement
  Attendees are welcome to move around, vocalise, and leave or re‑enter the space whenever they need to.
• Quiet Space
  A nearby quiet space will be available for anyone who needs a break.
• Sensory Supports Welcome
  Colouring sheets, activity pages, stim toys, weighted lap pads or other tools to help attendees stay engaged and comfortable are allowed during the film. The Dock has a selection of lap pads, ear defenders, and stim toys available to attendees who would like to avail of them.