THE CHILDREN’S INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Image: Jacob, Mimmi
The Children’s International Film Festival finally arrives in Sydney, after debuting in Melbourne last year, jam-packed with 10 animations and 11 live-action feature films and a program of inventive short films by some of Australia’s youngest and brightest filmmakers.
“This is a selection of the best children’s films from all over the world,” enthused Eddie Tamir, the Artistic Director. “It’s the only opportunity audiences will have to see these films in cinemas and many won’t be on streaming services either.”
“Parents should enjoy these films just as much as their children. I do the programming and I love these films. There’s so much in them and they’re of such high quality. It’s not one of those things where you chuck your child into a cinema and wait outside with a good glass of wine. Parents are definitely recommended to go in with their children because there’s a great joyous journey ahead.”
Parents who’d like to revisit a classic film with their children should come along to a screening of the 1974 family favourite The Little Prince which stars Gene Wilder. “We always run one classic film. This is an unusual and quirky musical interpretation of the great classic book and it’s very exciting to have that kind of film in the program to introduce to new audiences.”
Tamir promises there’s something to mesmerise all 4 to 15-year-olds and their parents as well! “This is the greatest opportunity to see the world through the best films from all over the world.” (MMo)
**NOTE** CHECK WEBSITE FOR FILMS WITH SUBTITLES.
May 24–Jun 3. Ritz Cinema, 43 St Pauls Street Randwick. $12.50-$40+b.f.. Tickets & Info: www.chiff.com.au
TAMIR’S HOT PICKS
MINUSCULE (France): Gorgeous and inspiring non-verbal combination of live action and computer animation. An incredible insect adventure story for all ages.
CHECKERED NINJA (Denmark): Animated adventure about a checkered ninja that magically comes to life and helps a boy solve his problems. Tackles serious themes and was a box office hit in Denmark.
MOOMINS AND THE WINTER WONDERLAND (Finland): A Moomin (a character which resembles a hippo) decides not to hibernate at Christmas time. An amazing adventure for younger children.
