Brave Cat & Other Stories

These short films for little people are dedicated to the joy of discovery by new eyes. You'll enjoy a hand-picked mélange of giraffes, dinosaurs, cats, dogs, fish, ants, lobsters and an entire barnyard. (84 min; all ages)

SHORTS IN PROGRAM: The Brave Cat, Coconut Island, Fence, Fuss, Mess and Scrumble, Happy Day, I Love My Doctor, The Impatient Patient, Invasion of the Space Lobsters, James Marshall's Cinderella, Little Blue, Little Pig Is Flying, Moondance, On the Farm, The Propellerbird, Small Ant Syndrome, There Was the Moon and a Fox,  War and Peas 

The Story of Xiao-Yan

(China)

When the local schoolmaster in a remote mountain village of present-day China has to raise the school fee, 13-year-old Xiao-Yan sees her educational opportunities crumbling. But she’s a very determined girl. This stunningly photographed, moving film is in the mold of Iranian classics that raise “children’s films” into the realm of art. (90 min; China; Ages 8+)

The Peace Tree

World peace may best be left to the children, according to writer-director Mitra Sen's The Peace Tree, which uses the simple act of celebrating all faiths, symbolized by one decorated tree, to break down fear and prejudice. Showing with Ayla the Tsunami Girl (64 min; Canada/ Netherlands; Ages 4+)

Ayla the Tsunami Girl

Ten year-old Ayla was one of the many people from Holland to get caught in the horrific Tsunami in 2004 in the Indian Ocean. Her bad memories about facing the sea --which surrounds the Netherlands-- are brought out in her art. Director Wilma Ligthart does a beautiful job of combining Ayla’s art and her dialogue as she works through her fears.

 

Percy, Buffalo Bill and I

(Sweden/Denmark)

Percy and “blood-brother” Ulf go away on summer vacation together, even though Percy’s parents think Ulf unsuitable company. Set against the green wonderland of Western Sweden in summer is a sensitive, but often funny, story of peer jealousy and complex family relationships. First love, cranky grandparents and adventures with a wild horse, all make this a perfect film for the entire family. It’s extraordinary to have both depth of character and fast-moving storytelling in a film about young people. In Swedish with English subtitles. Director: Anders Gustafsson. (2005 - 83 min; Sweden/ Denmark; Ages 8+)

Bonkers

(Netherlands)

Bonnie, her mother and her grandmother live together and all share a love of elephants. Then her grandmother dies and Bonnie’s bi-polar mom has to take charge of the family for the first time in her life. Talk about the elephant in the living room! This smart, moving often funny drama is from the acclaimed Dutch filmmaker Martin Koolhoven. (83 min.; Netherlands; Ages 10+)

Dobrinya and the Dragon

(Russia)

The animation masters from Melnitsa Studios have produced another hilariously told, visually rich folktale from Russia. The huge, clumsy, warm hearted and brave Dobrinya foils a plot to kidnap the princess and marry her to the villain. Supposedly she’s being guarded by a fiery three headed dragon, but Dobrinya knows the dragon is just a pussycat. (65 min; Russia; All ages)

Pettson and Findus: The Tomte Machine

(Germany / Sweden / Denmark)

The Tomte is the Swedish equivalent of Santa Claus or his elves, leaving presents for people on Christmas Eve. When Findus complains that the Tomte never visits him, the always sympathetic and accommodating Pettson decides to build a mechanical Tomte to surprise his feline friend. This is the third in the charming series of Pettson and Findus films, each one a gem. (84 min; Germany/ Sweden/ Denmark; All ages)

Winky’s Horse

(Netherlands)

Winky Wong is a little Chinese girl adopted by Dutch parents. She is in LOVE with horses, but her parents can’t afford to buy her one. But Winky has her own ideas. This multiple award-winning festival favorite has been charming everyone from the Pacific rim to the North Sea.  (95 min; Netherlands; All ages)