The New York International Children’s Film Festival includes family screenings and film workshops throughout Manhattan.
Catch the 2011 New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF), the nation’s largest film festival for kids and teens, when it brings more than 100 films, premieres, workshops, and panels to the city this month. These events will take place at several venues, including the DGA Theater, Asia Society and Museum, and Symphony Space.
The festival kicks off on March 4 at 6pm with a party and preview screening of Mars Needs Moms, Disney’s new 3D space adventure comedy based on the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning Berkeley Breathed. The next three weeks will be filled with exclusive screenings of groundbreaking family films from all over the world, with everything from animated shorts to feature-length documentaries for ages 3-18. Some highlights include:
World Premiere of Mia & the Migoo (France): Winner of the Best Animated Feature at the European Film Awards, this beautifully animated adventure pits wild-haired young Mia against greedy developers, with the future of life on Earth in the balance. All ages.
U.S. premiere of Sammy’s Adventures: The Secret Passage(Belgium): This lush and colorfully animated eco-adventure utilizes the immersive 3D experience to take viewers on a 50-year odyssey around the world from the perspective of a sea turtle. All ages.
East coast premiere of The Dreams of Jinsha (China): China’s most expensive and ambitious animated feature is a fantasy adventure that follows a young boy from Beijing as he’s hurtled back in time 3,000 years to the center of an ancient prophecy. Ages 8 to adult.
There will also be several workshops for kids and teens scheduled throughout the month, including a “Breaking into the Boys Club: Girls Behind the Camera” panel featuring female filmmakers like Lisa Cortes (Precious) and Pixar producer Kori Rae, who will share their experiences, discuss gender-based roadblocks they’ve faced in the industry, and offer advice for aspiring young filmmakers.
The festival will conclude March 27 with a “Best of Fest” awards ceremony and closing night party.
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.gkids.com.
Festival Details
What: New York International Children’s Film Festival
When: March 4-27
Where: Various venues throughout Manhattan
How much: Most screenings are $12
Also see: Manhattan Calendar Highlights: March Family Events
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