Enjoy award-winning short films from around the world on Saturday, November 2, at 2:00pm
Join us in the Auditorium to watch these award-winning international short films for kids ages 5-10 with an adult caregiver. After watching the films, attendees are invited to vote for their favorite to win "Best of Fest," and are invited to stay for a virtual Q&A with some of the film's directors!
Registration will open on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
Co-hosted by the Chicago-based International Children’s Media Center, the live festival screening will showcase eleven captivating films from eight different countries, including India, Italy, and the UK. With the theme "What a Wonderful World," these unique films will inspire the imaginations of children and adults alike. The films will appeal to children ages 5-10, but even older kids will find something to love in this international mini-festival.
This world-class line-up of children's films includes eleven films from eight countries. “What A Wonderful World” offers families insights into new cultures and celebrates inclusivity in special ways.
What a Wonderful World features eleven films from eight countries, including: El Charango (Italy), Wings, (USA), Wâhkôhtowin-All My Relations (Canada), Hamsa (USA), Bellysaurus (Australia), Hanami (USA) Andy: A Dog’s Tale (USA/Serbia), Dawn (USA, Germany), Spirit of the Forest (India), Charlie and the Hunt (USA), o28 (France).
After the screening, attendees are invited to stay for a virtual Q&A with film directors from around the world.
About the films
Andy: A Dog’s Tale
USA/Serbia, 2023, 7 min. Directed by Jamy Wheless. An uplifting story about how a puppy overcomes a series of obstacles to find his purpose in life. Non-verbal.
Bellysaurus
Australia, 2021, 8 min. Directed by Philip Watts. After getting picked on by his peers, a young dinosaur finds an unlikely friend. Non-verbal.
Charlie and the Hunt
USA, 2022, 15 min. Directed by Jenn Shaw. A girl goes on an adventure to face her fears and recover a family treasure. In English and ASL with English subtitles.
Dawn
USA, Germany, 2021, 4 mins. Directed by Timon Birkhofer. Five unique individuals take us on a journey where their achievements shine beyond preconceived ideas of what is possible. Non-verbal.
El Charango
Italy, 2022, 3 min. Directed by Paola Luciani. A traditional Andean folktale about how the armadillo became a beautiful stringed instrument called the charango. In Italian with English subtitles.
Hamsa
USA, 2020, 5 min. Directed by Daniela Dwek. On a trip to the market, a mother and daughter discover that the people they were afraid of are kind and helpful. In English.
Hanami
USA, 2020, 4 min. Directed by Lisa Maeda. A young girl in a Japanese internment camp during World War II creates a beautiful world of flowers and color in her journal. Non-verbal.
o28
France, 2019, 5 mins. Directed by Otalia Caussé, Geoffroy Collin, Louise Grardel, Antoine Marchand, Robin Merle, and Fabien Meyran. In Lisbon, a German married couple is about to ride the legendary n°28 tramway when the brakes let go and take them on an adventurous race - with a baby on board. Non-verbal.
Spirit of the Forest
India, 2022, 7 min. Directed by Nirupa Rao. A little girl learns about an ancient swamp from its spirit, taking her through history and teaching her the importance of the forest. In Kannada with English subtitles.
Wâhkôhtowin (All My Relations)
Canada, 2021, 6 min. Directed by Barry Bilinsky. A grandmother speaks to her grandchildren about the power of storytelling in indigenous cultures. She tells the story of creation and how the ancestors are always with them. In English and Cree with English subtitles.
Wings
USA, 2019, 6 min. Directed by Casey McDonald. A friendship blossoms between an injured bird and a mouse who wants to fly. Non-verbal.
Special Thanks to:
Friends of the Northbrook Public Library Library
