Warwick Davis attends sensory film and television convention

by · October 19, 2014

When filming for the latest film in the Star Wars franchise was recently canceled for the day, actor Warwick Davis spent his time making a very special appearance. On October 18, Davis (known for the role of Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter films, as well as the role of Griphook in the final two films) was in attendance at Feel the Force Day, a convention for film and television fans that uses sensory experiences to allow them to interact with their favorite fandoms. As BBC writes,

Co-founder JJ Lucia-Wright was inspired to help organise it after spending the past 10 years teaching a friend who is deaf and blind about Star Wars. He believes it is the only film and television convention in the UK to focus upon sensory experiences.

The convention, which was held at the Kingsgate Centre in Peterborough, brought more than 2,000 people together for the day, where costumed re-enactors from Star Wars and other film franchises were present. The attendees were encouraged to touch their favorite characters in order to discover what they feel like, allowing those with sensory disabilities to participate fully in the experience.

Davis said,

Fortunately, I could pop in, as it was either [Star Wars: Episode VII director] JJ Abrams or JJ Lucia-Wright.

This is the second year of the convention:

Fellow organiser Si Howard said he set up a charity, 1st Sensory Legion, to create events such as this for people with sensory disabilities after Mr Lucia-Wright approached him for help.

[…]

The first, held last year, focused on Star Wars, and the organisers expected 20 people to turn up – but 400 attended.

To learn more about Feel the Force Day, you can read the article from BBC here or find out how you can get involved with 1st Sensory Legion by visiting its website here.

Do you hope to see conventions like this one gain popularity? Have you shared Harry Potter with someone who might not be able to experience it in the same way as you? Be sure to tell us about it in the comments.