17th Annual TIFF Kids Festival Targets Children Aged 3–13 and Runs from April 8–21, 2014
The TIFF Kids International Film Festival, one of the premier film festivals for children in North America, returns for its 17thyear with a slate full of premieres of some of the best films from around the world for children aged 3 to 13 that will inspire and delight children and their families alike. The TIFF Kids Festival kicks off on Opening Night with the Canadian premiere of Rio 2, the all-star sequel to the smash-hit 2011 animated adventure, reuniting audiences with Blu and Jewel, voiced by Oscar® nominee Jesse Eisenberg and Oscar® winner Anne Hathaway, and wraps with the Closing Night Film The House of Magic, a gorgeously animated 3D feature from Belgium about a young abandoned cat who finds a new home in an enchanted mansion. All screenings and events take place at TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto from April 8 to 21, 2014.
"We are thrilled to be opening TIFF Kids Festival 2014 with the Canadian premiere of the highly anticipated Rio 2, particularly as its international flavour speaks so perfectly to the global scope of the festival," said Elizabeth Muskala, Director of TIFF Kids. "All over the world, innovative filmmakers are stretching the boundaries of traditional children's entertainment and addressing important issues in ways that are accessible to young audiences. This year, we have such films as Knight Rusty, an animated 3D adventure that speaks to the importance of recycling; I Swan, an inspirational drama from China about animal protection; and The Contest, which demonstrates how youth can address and overcome cultural stereotypes.”
Special guests will introduce films and be available for question-and-answer sessions following select screenings throughout the TIFF Kids Festival, with more guests to be announced in the coming weeks. Guests for 2014 include director, writer and creator of Rio and Rio 2 —as well as director of the three Ice Age films— Carlos Saldanha, and executive music producer —and musician— Sérgio Mendes who will engage with audiences at the Canadian Premiere of their latest film Rio 2. We are also pleased to announce the director of both African Safari and our Closing Night film The House of Magic, Belgian director Ben Stassen.
TIFF Kids Festival 2014 features a total of 112 films, comprising 28 features and 84 shorts, hailing from 31 countries, including Australia, Germany, The Netherlands, Israel, China, Poland, Russia, and many more.
The TIFF Kids International Film Festival takes place at TIFF Bell Lightbox from April 8 through April 21. Tickets for TIFF Kids Festival go on sale to TIFF Members on March 11 and to the general public on March 19. Prices are Adult $12, Student/Senior $9.50 and Children (13 and under) $8.50. Opening Night $25 per person and Closing Night $15 per person. Family packs of 10 tickets are available for $80. Entry to digiPlaySpace for children is $10 or $15 with paid screening ticket, $10 or $20 for adults with paid screening ticket, and free for TIFF Members. Some activities are also free. For more information on screenings and activities, or to purchase tickets, please visit tiff.net/kids call 416-599-TIFF (8433) or 1-800-599-TIFF, or visit the Steve & Rashmi Gupta Box Office at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
FEATURE FILM PRESENTATIONS
TIFF Kids Festival is pleased to present the following 29 feature films:
African Safari, dir. Ben Stassen, Belgium
North American Premiere
Take your seat in our customized hot air balloon and join us on the 3D safari adventure of a lifetime. Our expedition starts in the desert dunes of Namibia and travels across the entire African continent, through spectacular landscapes including the Kalahari Desert, Okavango, Victoria Falls, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti heading up to Mt. Kilimanjaro. Soar over herds of big game and ride in the jeep where you’ll get uncomfortably close to elephants and cheetahs. This is the real wild Africa with no fences! Be sure to close your tent at night…
Recommended for ages 10 and up
AninA, dir. Alfredo Soderguit, Uruguay/Colombia
Toronto Premiere
Anina Yatay Salas is a ten-year-old girl who does not like her name. Each part is a palindrome, which means it reads the same both forwards and backwards. Her schoolmates are always teasing her about this, especially Anina's arch-enemy Yisel. An unusual punishment for fighting with Yisel gives Anina a different perspective on life both on and off the playground, in this beautifully animated adaptation of the 2003 book by author and illustrator Sergio López Suárez.
Recommended for ages 9 and up.
Antboy, director: Ask Hasselbalch, Denmark
Twelve-year-old Pelle accidentally gets bitten by an ant and develops unimaginable superpowers. With help from his friend, comic-book nerd Wilhelm, Pelle creates a secret identity as the superhero Antboy and becomes a local crimefighter. When a supervillain, The Flea, enters the scene, Antboy must step up to the challenge.
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Bears, dirs. Keith Scholey, Alastair Fothergill, co-dir. Adam Chapman, USA
Canadian Premiere
In an epic story of breathtaking scale set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, Disneynature’s 2014 big-screen adventure Bears follows a bear family as impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons.
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Casper and Emma's Winter Vacation (Karsten og Petra på vinterferie), dir. Arne Lindtner Næss, Norway
International Premiere
Casper and Emma goes off to a cabin for their winter vacation. They play in the snow and have a great time together — until Peter shows up! Peter is really good at all kinds of things, and Emma thinks he’s just fantastic. Casper does everything he can to prove he’s good at stuff too — but is this the way to win Emma back?
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, dirs. Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, USA
Following the special Story Mobs event!
Bill Hader, Anna Faris and Andy Samberg lend their voices to this smash-hit animated comedy, about an aspiring inventor whose loony new invention causes food to literally fall from the skies.
Recommended for ages 8 and up
Felix, dir. Roberta Durrant, South Africa
Toronto Premiere
Thirteen-year-old Felix dreams of becoming a saxophonist like his late father, Zweli, of the famous Bozza Boys band, despite his mother Lindiwe’s disapproval. Felix’s world is turned upside down when he wins a scholarship to a prestigious school. Wanting to prove himself, he auditions for the school concert, but he can’t read music. Two aging ex-Bozza Boys give Felix a crash course on the saxophone and teach him about his musical roots and father’s past—but can his mother come to celebrate Felix's musical talent?
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Finn, dir. Frans Weisz, Netherlands
Toronto Premiere
Finn is a nine-year-old boy who lives with his single dad in a small village. One day, Finn hears a stranger playing a violin in an old farmhouse nearby, and he becomes entranced by the beauty of the music. But Finn’s father forbids him from visiting the stranger or playing the instrument.
Recommended for ages 9 and up.
Gabriel, dir. Mikolaj Haremski, Poland
Toronto Premiere
Tom is passionate about cars and spends all his free time in the garage. Under the watchful care of mechanic Raszynski, he discovers the secrets of building cars. One day, Tom decides to find his unknown father and runs away from his grandparents, with whom he has lived since his mother's death, and sets out on what becomes a dangerous journey. At the beginning of his escapade he gets into trouble, which he overcomes with the help of new friend, Gabriel. Tom begins to learn that Gabriel has supernatural abilities. As their journey continues, Tom gets closer to finally knowing his father, and discovering the mystery of Gabriel.
Recommended for ages 9 and up.
Giraffada, dir. Rani Massalha, France/Germany/Italy/Palestine
A young Palestinian boy and his veterinarian father make an incredible journey to transport a giraffe from Israel to the West Bank's Qalqilya Zoo, in this inspirational drama based on a true story.
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
I Swan, dir. Kong Sheng, China
Toronto Premiere
Holly, traumatized by her mother’s accidental death, develops a selective mutism. Hoping to help her recover, her father takes her to the natural wetland where he works. Holly befriends a wounded swan and nurtures it back to health. The swan’s company also helps Holly become happy again, and eventually overcome the trauma of her mother’s death. Unfortunately, a man with evil intentions steals the swan, leading Holly and her father to begin a difficult search for her best friend.
Holly befriends a wounded swan 9 and up.
Kick It! (Kule kidz gråter ikke), dir. Katarina Launing, Norway
North American Premiere
Anja loves soccer more than anything else, but when a serious illness forces her off the field she receives help from a very unexpected source.
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Knight Rusty (Ritter Rost), dir. Thomas Bodenstein, Germany
Canadian Premiere
Knight Rusty is in for the adventure of his life: just as his dream of winning a big tournament comes true, he is falsely accused of theft. Stripped of his knightly honour and his castle, he sets out to redeem himself and to win back the heart of his damsel. Can he also defeat the evil prince and save the kingdom?
Recommended for ages 7 and up.
Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants (Minuscule – La vallée des fourmis perdues), dirs. Thomas Szabo, Hélène Giraud,
France
Canadian Premiere
In a peaceful forest, the remains of a picnic trigger a ruthless war between rival ant colonies, obsessed with gaining control of the same prize: a box of sugar cubes! Amidst this struggle a young ladybug befriends a black ant and helps him save his people from the horrible red ants...
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
On the Way to School (Sur le chemin de l'école), dir. Pascal Plisson, France
Toronto Premiere
This touching, globe-trotting documentary travels from Kenya to Patagonia, Morocco and India to show the incredible physical obstacles that some children must face every day simply to get to the classroom on time.
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Pim & Pom, The Big Adventure (Pim & Pom, Het Grote Avontuur), dir. Gioia Smid, The Netherlands
Toronto Premiere
Feline friends Pim & Pom must fend for themselves when they are separated from their beloved owner, in this charming animated adventure based on the long-running Dutch comic strip.
Recommended for ages 3 and up.
Regret! (Spijt!), dir. Dave Schram, The Netherlands
Toronto Premiere
Based on the book by popular Dutch author Carry Slee, this all-too-realistic story about a teenager relentlessly tormented by his peers speaks powerfully to the devastating consequences that can result if young people don't stand up and speak out against bullying.
Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Rio 2, dir. Carlos Saldanha, USA
Canadian Premiere
Introduction and Q+A with director Carlos Saldanha!
It’s a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids in Rio 2, after they’re hurtled from that magical city to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all — his father-in-law. All our favorite Rio characters are back, and they’re joined by Oscar® nominee Andy Garcia, Grammy® winner Bruno Mars, Tony® winner Kristin Chenoweth and Oscar/Emmy®/Tony winner Rita Moreno. Rio 2 also features new Brazilian artists and original music by Janelle Monáe and Wondaland.
Recommended for ages 7 and up.
School of Babel (La Cour de Babel), dir. Julie Bertuccelli, France
Canadian Premiere
Shot over one school year at La Grange-aux-Belles secondary school in Paris' 10th arrondissement, this inspiring documentary follows young newcomers to France as they try to adapt to life in their new country.
Recommended for ages 11 and up.
Side by Side, dir. Arthur Landon, United Kingdom
North American Premiere
When their grandmother's illness threatens them with separation, a young brother and sister embark on an unforgettable journey through the Scottish wilderness, in this heartfelt adventure tale that celebrates loyalty, perseverance, and the bond between siblings.
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
The Boxcar Children, dirs. Dan Chuba, Mark Dippe, USA
World Premiere
Meet Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny, four orphaned siblings who mysteriously appear in a small town on a warm summer night. No one knows who these young wanderers are or where they have come from. The children make a home for themselves in an old abandoned boxcar in the woods. In this secret place they can keep their family together and safe from the one person who wants to break them apart. A touching tale of family togetherness based on the classic 1920s children’s book by Gertrude Chandler Warner.
Recommended for ages 6 and up.
The Contest (MGP Missionen) dir. Martin Miehe-Renard, Denmark
North American Premiere
When Sawsan's parents forbid her from performing on the country's most popular TV singing contest, her best friend Karl hatches a plan to get her to the show's big finale.
Recommended for ages 11 and up.
The Famous Five 3 (Fünf Freunde 3) director: Mike Marzuk, Germany.
International Premiere
In an old shipwreck, the Famous Five discover a mysterious brass locket. A local girl, Joe, believes that this is the key to a lost pirate treasure. Joe reveals that an investor wants to banish her tribe from their bay to build a tourist resort, and this treasure is her last chance to save her home. Together, the kids must embark on a treasure hunt through the dangerous jungle, and escape from a gangster couple on trail, as well as highly poisonous insects at every turn.
Recommended for ages 11 and up.
The House of Magic, dirs. Ben Stassen, Jérémie Degruson, Belgium
Introduction and Q+A with director Ben Stassen!
Canadian Premiere
Seeking shelter from a storm, an abandoned young cat named Thunder sneaks into a mysterious mansion owned by retired magician Lawrence, a.k.a. “The Illustrious Lorenzo.” Lawrence shares his fairy-tale world with many animals and a dazzling array of automatons and gizmos capable of whipping up breakfast while rolling out a spectacular song-and-dance routine. He soon makes Thunder feel welcome, but Jack the rabbit and Maggie the mouse start plotting to get him kicked out. When Lawrence ends up in the hospital, his nephew tries to trick him into selling the house, but its ragtag inhabitants develop a spooky strategy to defend their home. They turn their house into a haunted mansion, using Thunder as their secret weapon...
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
The Rooster of St-Victor (Le Coq de St-Victor), dir. Pierre Greco, Canada
Toronto Premiere
Although the annoyingly punctual rooster keeps the town of St-Victor motivated with his ear-splitting morning crow, one group of sleep-deprived citizens has had enough of having their slumber disrupted. But when their plan to rid themselves of the rooster causes the village's fortunes to spiral, their fellow townspeople must find the fowl before the whole town goes under!
Recommended for ages 7 and up.
Presented in French; no English subtitles.
The Tough Guys (De tøffeste gutta), dir. Christian Lo, Norway
North American Premiere
Considering himself to be a superhero, eleven-year-old Modulf deliberately attracts the attention of the school bullies in order to protect his fellow students; but when his new friend Lise gets in serious trouble after trying to bring the bullies to justice, he's forced to choose between being a superhero or a good friend.
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Windstorm (Ostwind), dir. Katja von Garnier, Germany
Toronto Premiere
Having failed her exams, fourteen-year-old city girl Mika is sent off to her grandmother’s country home. At the stables she forms a mystical bond with the untamed stallion Windstorm, and discovers that within her lies the gift of a true horse whisperer.
Recommended for ages 9 and up
Zip & Zap and the Marble Gang (Zipi y Zape y el club de la canica), dir. Óskar Santos, Spain
Naughty twins Zip & Zap are punished and sent to summer school at Hope, a strict re-education center run by Falconetti, who rules with a heavy hand and an eye-patch and forbids all forms of recreation and entertainment. They form the Marble Gang, the children’s resistance, in order to defy the evil headmaster. Guided by intelligence, bravery and unbreakable faith in friendship, they uncover a mysterious secret hidden deep within the school and end up having the most exciting adventure of their lives.
Recommended for ages 9 and up.
SHORT FILMS FOR SMALL CINEPHILES
Best short films from around the world presented at the TIFF Kids International Film Festival
The world’s best short films for children and youth aged 3 to 13 hit the big screen at this year’s TIFF Kids International Film Festival. This year’s 14 programmes of shorts include three documentary programmes and a collection of newly restored shorts celebrating The Pink Panther 50th Anniversary, starring the original cool cat himself. This year’s shorts showcase Canadian and international live-action and animated films, inspiring the youngest audiences with themes such as creativity and self-discovery, and addressing subject matters affecting kids all around the world. Each short programme runs 50 to 90 minutes.
Additional programming information can be found at tiff.net/kids.
THE PINK PANTHER 50th ANNIVERSARY
First appearing in the animated title sequence of the classic Peter Sellers comedy, the Pink Panther became a star in his own right when his first solo short, The Pink Phink won an Academy Award in 1964. Come celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original cool cat with this collection of newly restored shorts, back on the big screen where they belong!
We Give Pink Stamps, dirs. Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt, USA
The Pink Panther hides out in a department store and spends the night trying to avoid the janitor.
The Pink Phink, dirs. Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt, USA
A painter tries to coat a house in blue, but a certain panther prefers a pinkish hue.
The Hand is Pinker Than the Eye, dir. Hawley Pratt, USA
The Pink Panther seeks shelter from a winter storm in the house of a magician, whose mischievous rabbit sidekick makes things difficult for the frigid feline.
Sink Pink, dir. Fritz Freleng, USA
A would-be Noah has collected every animal he needs for his ark, except a Pink Panther—but this final specimen proves
Pinkfinger, dirs. Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt, USA
The Pink Panther turns secret agent to foil the dastardly plot of a group of enemy spies.
Pink Plunk Plink, dir. Hawley Pratt, USA
The Pink Panther interrupts a performance of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony with multi-instrumental variations on his
Pink Ice, dirs. Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt, USA
The Pink Panther must defend his South African diamond mine from a pair of unscrupulous rival mine owners.
Dial 'P' For Pink, dir. Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt, USA
A burglar gets more than he bargained for when he tries to crack open a safe that happens to be home to the Pink Panther.
REEL RASCALS: ANIMAL ANIMANIA
This assortment of animated short films was carefully selected from all around the world for our youngest audiences. Join us as we make new friends, sing, dance, and learn in this collection of animal-themed shorts sure to delight and enthral!
New World, dir. Oliver Sin, United Kingdom. No dialogue.
From the twinkling infinity of the cosmos comes the creation and evolution of the Earth, as visualized in this vibrant short set to the music of acclaimed Canadian musician Jim Guthrie.
Maccupation, dir. Jackie Marion, USA. English.
When a squirrel finds the most enormous acorn in the forest, he selfishly hides it from all the other squirrels. With only his acorn to keep him company, he soon gets lonely and bored, and comes to learn the true value of friendship.
Little Ruddy (Sartulis), dir. Dace Riduze, Latvia. No dialogue.
Ruddy the coloured pencil is having a splendid morning until an annoying fly sends him rolling out the open window and into the garden, where adventures and fantastical new friends await.
Someone Who Gets You, dir. Tony Dusko, USA.
There's someone for everyone, no matter how totally weird everyone else thinks you might be!
LAMI, dirs. Christophe Defaye and Olivier Defaye, France/Japan. English.
Little La strikes a chord with the lonely Mi, and together they discover the sweet melodies and harmonies of friendship.
Twins in Bakery, dir. Mari Miyazawa, Japan. English.
Once a bakery closes for the evening, a pair of creative twins helps bring the delicious baked goods to life.
Hula Hoop, dir. Tess Martin, USA.
A mesmerizing world of sand swirls around a girl with a hula hoop, shape-shifting and morphing through myriad forms in this
Grounded, dir. Monica Stefanelli, USA. English.
Elephants can’t jump, but this little calf isn’t going to let that stop him from learning to leap, no matter who or what tries to
The Smortlybacks, dirs. Ted Sieger and Wouter Dierickx, China/Switzerland. No dialogue.
A mahout manoeuvres his herd of trumpet-snouted pink pachyderms on a colourful journey across a fantastical, never-
Goose Trouble (Tarapaty), dir. Monika Dovnar, Germany/Poland. No dialogue.
Like Little Red Riding Hood, this carefree little goose is trying to find its way through the dark forest, ignoring the danger of
Bird Doggin'!, dir. Bram Cayne, Canada. English.
Music meets mayhem when a songwriter's dog fights a stray bird amongst an apartment full of musical instruments. While the unsuspecting writer tries to find the perfect sound, the warring animals create a cacophony of music. Will these animals destroy this man's life, or will they be his artistic salvation?
The Night of the Elephant (Die Nacht des Elefanten), dir. Sandra Schiessl, Germany. German w/ English subtitles.
Afraid of the dark and the strange noises in the night, an easily spooked young elephant must learn to be strong and trample over his fears if he (and everyone around him!) wants to finally get a good night's rest. Long lines can be stressful, so you may as well just relax and pass the time telling jokes!
Sarah & Duck: Lots of Shallots, dir. Tim O'Sullivan, United Kingdom. English.
Sarah and her adorable best friend Duck find some free seeds in the newspaper, and spend the rest of the day in the yard planting them to discover what grows.
BETTER TOGETHER
Whether facing a challenge, playing a game or dreaming up a new invention, two heads are always better than one! This collection of short films shows how cooperation, creativity and fun are the keys to successful teamwork. Recommended for
A Purrfect Pair, dir. Gwyneth Christoffel, Canada. No dialogue.
A dog and cat meet at the vet's office and fall in love, but are separated by their owners. Later, they each imagine what their
Slowly but Surely, dir. Eli Balser, USA. English.
A snail and a dragonfly learn a thing or two about each other as they’re forced to spend some time together. The snail teaches the dragonfly to slow down and experience the moment. The dragonfly teaches the snail to take a fresh, optimistic approach to life, as sometimes you need to move fast. In the end they realize they make a pretty good team.
The Magic Ferret, dir. Alison Parker, Canada. English.
A young orphan named Sam yearns to find a forever home, so he and his pet ferret Booger conjure up a little magic.
Twins in Bakery, dir. Mari Miyazawa, Japan. English.
Once a bakery closes for the evening, a pair of creative twins helps bring the delicious baked goods to life.
Lemonade in Winter, dirs. Paul Gagne, Melissa Ellard and David Trexler, USA. English.
In this adaptation of the popular children's book, Pauline and her little brother John-John work together to make their unseasonable lemonade stand into a success.
The Numberlys, dirs. William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg, USA. English.
The Numberlys is an epic homage to Fritz Lang's Metropolis, but for kids. Friends 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 live in a world where there is no alphabet — only numbers. One day, they decide they want something different from their orderly, black-and-white world. Through a series of experiments and mishaps, they begin to create a whole new way to communicate through the letters of the alphabet. Finally, their world will have colour, creativity, and even jellybeans.
Snail's Pace (Il Passo Della Lumaca), dir. Daniele Suraci, Italy. No dialogue.
While playing with a snail that slowly moves along a hat shop's window display, seven-year-old Jaime sees eight-year-old Matilda on the street outside, and devises a series of silly antics to make her smile.
LOOT BAG JR.: BRAVE NEW WORLDS
Embark on an international animated adventure in this programme carefully chosen to inspire and delight. Through imaginative tales filled with laughter, music, and a whole new world of letters and numbers, this eclectic collection shines a light on the power of creative thinking, being yourself, and overcoming obstacles. Recommended for ages 7 to 11.
Caminandes: Llama Drama, dir. Pablo Vazquez, Netherlands. No dialogue.
In the majestic Southern Patagonian mountains, a quirky llama finds a way to cross an impossible road.
My Mom is an Airplane, dir. Yulia Aronova, Russia/United States of America. English.
Different people have different mothers, but in this storybook-like film, one boy's mother flies above the rest!
Super Duper Super Hero: Supervillain, dir. Mike Geiger, Canada. English.
The heroic Super Duper Super Hero takes on his evil nemesis... The Supervillain!
Komaneko, Home Alone, dir. Tsuneo Goda, Japan. No dialogue.
An adorable kitten who lives with her grandfather is instructed to behave herself the whole day, and things are going great — until the lights go out in a rainstorm!
The Clockmakers, dir. Renaud Hallée, Canada. No dialogue.
This experimental animation reveals a kaleidoscopic world of revolving geometric forms populated by scores of tiny gymnasts, whose hypnotic bounding and bouncing create a mesmerizing musical rhythm.
A Tin Can (Banka), dir. Tatiana Kiseleva, Russia. No dialogue.
A tin can is passed playfully from one person to another through the hustle and bustle of a busy Russian cityscape, in this musical celebration of the simple joys in life.
Soup of the Day, dir. Lynn Smith, Canada. English.
A deliciously funny, musical animated short about the dilemma a husband and wife face every time they go out to eat. Will love prevail? With its energetic rhythm, repetition of lyrics, and subject matter guaranteed to promote lively discussion, Soup of the Day was designed to serve an additional educational purpose: to help teach English as a second language.
The Odd Sound Out, dirs. Ida Andreasen and Pernille Sihm, Denmark. No dialogue.
In a world where cute invisible creatures embody the musical tunes of people's personalities and moods, the trumpeting of overly eager Trootpout heralds discontent amongst his band, forcing him to go in search of harmony elsewhere.
The New Species (Novy Druh), dir. Katerina Karhánková, Czech Republic. Czech w/ English subtitles.
Stumbling across a mysterious bone sparks the imaginations of three kids, who decide to seek scholarly wisdom from a palaeontologist and see what clues they can dig up.
5 Mètres 80, dir. Nicolas Deveaux, France. No dialogue.
A fun-loving herd of giraffes line up to take the leap of a lifetime.
Mushroom Monster, dir. Aleksander Leines Nordaas, Norway. No dialogue.
If you were a little, hairy Mushroom Monster, how far would you go to get your paws on the biggest mushroom ever?
Caminandes: Gran Dillama, dir. Pablo Vazquez, Netherlands. No dialogue.
A young llama named Koro discovers that the grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence). Getting there turns
The Numberlys, dirs. William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg, USA. English.
The Numberlys is an epic homage to Fritz Lang's Metropolis, but for kids. Friends 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 live in a world where there is no alphabet — only numbers. One day, they decide they want something different from their orderly, black-and-white world. Through a series of experiments and mishaps, they begin to create a whole new way to communicate through the letters of the alphabet. Finally, their world will have colour, creativity, and even jellybeans.
COURAGEOUS DREAMERS
In the face of adversity young people can actually be role models to adults, showing strength, leadership and empathy well beyond their years. The courageous protagonists in this collection of shorts offer a stirring reminder that hope can make a difference. Recommended for ages 8 to 9.
Bahar in Wonderland (Bahar im Wunderland), dir. Behrooz Karamizade, Germany. Kurdish w/ English subtitles.
Young Bahar is surrounded by danger as she and her father try to make their way from Syria to Germany, but she believes she has found her own unique way to defend herself and fight her fears.
Fatima, dir. Naima Mohamud, Finland. Finnish w/ English subtitles.
Nine-year-old Fatima overhears her mother and father talking about divorce. When Milla, her best friend, finds out about Fatima's fears, she comes up with a great idea to get Fatima's parents to fall in love again, by any means necessary. Fatima is a film about a friendship that conquers all fears.
Anouar and the Moon (De maan van Anouar) dir. Michiel van Jaarsveld, Netherlands. Dutch w/ English subtitles.
When his mother retreats to her bedroom after receiving terrible news, Anouar tries to keep his younger sister Sahar distracted with stories about the stars and the moon. When Sahar gets very upset upon learning that the moon has to stay in the sky, Anouar realizes that the only way to comfort her is to grab the moon out of the sky and deliver it to her. Against all odds, he succeeds — but he could never have predicted what happens next.
BEYOND MY YEARS
Sometimes, it’s the kids who know best. For various reasons, the protagonists in these shorts are forced to step in and deal with serious situations, and in the process they teach their elders some valuable lessons in understanding, communication and courage. Recommended for ages 8 to 10.
Helium, dir. Anders Walter and Kim Magnusson, Denmark. Danish w/ English subtitles.
2014 Academy Award® Winner – Best Live Action Short Film
A critically ill young boy finds comfort in the hospital janitor's tales of a magical land called Helium.
Fatima, dir. Naima Mohamud, Finland. Finnish w/ English subtitles.
Nine-year-old Fatima overhears her mother and father talking about divorce. When Milla, her best friend, finds out about Fatima's fears, she comes up with a great idea to get Fatima's parents to fall in love again, by any means necessary. Fatima is a film about a friendship that conquers all fears.
The Hero Pose, dir. Mischa Jakupcak, USA. English.
Stuck at her dad's house while he tries to sell a car that doesn't run, Mia asks questions that her dad simply doesn't have the answers to. As frustrations mount, Mia and her dad find a new and unique way to communicate.
I'm Going to Mum's, dir. Lauren Jackson, New Zealand. English.
Tired of being told what he can and cannot wear to each of his divorced parents' respective houses, Jacob takes matters into his own hands, making a memorable fashion statement while also teaching his parents a lesson about communication.
I AM ME
Celebrating differences among friends and family can teach us about new cultures, traditions and ways of life, but unfortunately there are some who are reluctant to accept the unfamiliar. In this collection of short films, the protagonists demonstrate that even in the face of bullying or inequity, accepting yourself is the most important thing. Recommended
The Orphan and the Polar Bear, dir. Neil Christopher, Canada. English.
According to Inuit oral history, long ago animals had the power of speech, could shift their appearances, and could even assume human form. In The Orphan and the Polar Bear, a neglected orphan is adopted by a polar bear elder. Under the bear's guidance, the little orphan learns the skills he will need to survive and provide for himself.
Shame and Glasses, dir. Alessandro Riconda, Italy. No dialogue.
In order to pass a school test, Mirko has to face his worst fear: wearing glasses. But what will happen if the young girl he is
It Matters: The Name Game, dir. Daniel Bourré, Canada. English.
In this episode from the TVOKids series It Matters—which uses a cast of animated fruits to re-enact kids’ real-life stories of bullying—Banafsha talks about how she was bullied because of her name.
A Different Tree, dir. Steven Caple Jr., USA. English.
The story of an eight-year-old girl’s journey to build a relationship with her absent father, through a class assigned family-
It Matters: Gossip and Lies, dir. Daniel Bourré, Canada. English.
In this episode of It Matters, Atshani shares how she was affected by bullies spreading lies about her at school.
Ravi & Jane, dir. Stuart O'Rourke, Australia. English, Tamil w/ English subtitles.
Ravi, a shy ten-year-old, has just moved to Australia from his native land of Sri Lanka. On his first day at a new school he is befriended by Jane. They become inseparable until events beyond their control attempt to divide them.
It Matters: The Lonely Bully, dir. Daniel Bourré, Canada. English.
Mina tells the true story of how she turned a bully into a friend.
Hear This! (Moet je horen!), dir. Soulaima El Khaldi, Netherlands. Dutch w/ English subtitles.
Tristan’s father is a great soccer player and wants to coach his son’s team. But when the league says that his hearing impairment will prevent him from being a good coach, Tristan must fight to make sure that his father gets a fair chance
CREATIVITY UNLEASHED
This international collection of vibrant animated shorts shows how curiosity, imagination and ingenuity can lead to wonderful discoveries. Recommended for ages 8 to 13.
Inspector Street (Rue de l'inspecteur), dir. Emmanuelle Loslier, Canada. No dialogue.
A Montreal intersection undergoes a curious transformation when a gust of wind brings the pages of a newspaper to life.
In the Shadow (U sjeni), dir. Manuel Sumberac, Croatia. No dialogue.
A squirrel declares war on the large poster that is mounted in front of her home.
TransFolding, dir. Marissa Wedenig, Austria. No dialogue.
Dozens of pieces of coloured paper combine, break apart and recombine to form a series of intricate patterns in this dazzling stop-motion music video.
Mr. Hublot, dirs. Laurent Witz and Alexandre Espigares, Luxembourg/France. No dialogue.
2014 Academy Award® Winner – Best Animated Short Film
Mr. Hublot is a withdrawn, idiosyncratic character suffering from OCD, scared of change and the outside world. Robot Pet's arrival turns his life upside down: he has to share his home with this very invasive companion...
The Gallant Captain, dirs. Katrina Mathers and Graeme Base, Australia. No dialogue.
An imaginative young boy and his faithful cat set sail for adventure on the high seas, in this heartwarming and exquisitely animated short film inspired by Graeme Base's picture book The Legend of the Golden Snail.
Wallpaper, dir. Elaine Chen, Canada. No dialogue.
A man discovers the history of his newly bought home through layers of wallpaper.
Kicking Rocks (Ishikiri), dir. Kubo Yutaro, Japan. Japanese w/ English subtitles.
A boy begins to play a game of hopscotch, but his self-made rules soon start turning against him.
Unimagined Friends, dir. Sascha Altschuler, Denmark. English.
Carl knows that he'd be a great imaginary friend — the problem is that no one's imagined him yet. Is he destined to be alone
The Numberlys, dirs. William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg, USA. English.
The Numberlys is an epic homage to Fritz Lang's Metropolis, but for kids. Friends 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 live in a world where there is no alphabet — only numbers. One day, they decide they want something different from their orderly, black-and-white world. Through a series of experiments and mishaps, they begin to create a whole new way to communicate through the letters of the alphabet. Finally, their world will have colour, creativity, and even jellybeans.
STRENGTH THROUGH STRUGGLE
Battling adversity as they strive to achieve their goals and make their families proud, the young subjects of these documentaries are linked by their resilience under trying circumstances. Recommended for ages 8 to 10.
Chikara – The Sumo Wrestler's Son (Chikara - Sumobryderens søn), dir. Simon Lereng Wilmont, Denmark. Japanese w/
Chikara wants nothing more than to be a successful sumo wrestler like his famous father — but as he begins to fall victim to self-doubt and frustration on the eve of an important match, will he be able to retain his focus and make his dad proud?
Layla's Melody (Laylas melodi), dir. Jens Pedersen, Denmark. Pashto w/ English subtitles.
Layla is thrilled when her mother comes to visit her in the orphanage where she has lived for the last four years — but she also fears what the visit will mean for her future.
Hear This! (Moet je horen!), dir. Soulaima El Khaldi, Netherlands. Dutch w/ English subtitles.
Tristan’s father is a great soccer player and wants to coach his son’s team. But when the league says that his hearing impairment will prevent him from being a good coach, Tristan must fight to make sure that his father gets a fair chance.
LOOT BAG SR.: DESTINATION IMAGINATION
Featuring several of the year’s best animated shorts across a variety of styles, this international collection of films is a perfect chance to explore new worlds of creation and imagination. Join us for a programme packed with laughs, thrills and spills as we venture from the frigid far north to the tropical high seas, an abstract operatic overture to a bustling kitchen, and even through the barriers of reality into a mysterious new dimension. Recommended for ages 9 to 13.
The Gallant Captain, dirs. Katrina Mathers and Graeme Base, Australia. No dialogue.
An imaginative young boy and his faithful cat set sail for adventure on the high seas, in this heartwarming and exquisitely animated short film inspired by Graeme Base's picture book The Legend of the Golden Snail.
Stewpot Rhapsody (Rhapsodie pour un Pot-au-feu), dirs. Charlotte Cambon, Stéphanie Mercier, Soizic Mouton and Marion Roussel, France. French w/ English subtitles.
Three generations live under the same roof in a rhythmic hustle and bustle. The mother, the pillar of the family, tries to gather everyone together around a pot-au-feu at dinnertime.
The Flan (Le Flan), dir. Raoul Olou, Canada. French w/ English subtitles.
One boy's unabashed love of flan makes him the prime suspect when the last piece goes missing.
The Orphan and the Polar Bear, dir. Neil Christopher, Canada. English.
According to Inuit oral history, long ago animals had the power of speech, could shift their appearances, and could even assume human form. In The Orphan and the Polar Bear, a neglected orphan is adopted by a polar bear elder. Under the bear's guidance, the little orphan learns the skills he will need to survive and provide for himself.
Virtuoso Virtual (Virtuos Virtuell), dirs. Thomas Stellmach and Maja Oschmann, Germany. No dialogue.
Handcrafted abstract ink drawings take on a life of their own as a stroke of ink responds to an operatic overture by twisting, turning and then surging upwards off the page to soar and swoop majestically through the air.
The Dam Keeper, dirs. Dice Tsutsumi and Robert Kondo, USA. English.
In a desolate future, one town has survived because of a windmill dam that keeps out poisonous clouds. The dam's operator, Pig, works tirelessly to keep the sails spinning and protect the town, despite bullying from classmates and an indifferent public. When a new student, Fox, joins Pig's class, everything begins to change.
Bitseller, dir. Juanma Sánchez, Spain. No dialogue.
What happens when a traditional writer has to change his old typewriter for a computer? Bitseller is an animated short film with no dialogue that chronicles the fight between a writer and a “bit” of digital information inside his computer, set to a
The Beauty of Mathematics, dirs. Yann Pineill and Nicolas Lefaucheux, France. English.
An ingenious and revealing illustration of how the many forces at play in the world around us can be distilled into
Rabbit and Deer (Nyuszi és Őz), dir. Péter Vácz, Hungary. No dialogue.
Rabbit and Deer live together happily in their two-dimensional world, until their friendship is put to the test by Deer's quest to find the formula for the mysterious third dimension.
TURNING POINTS
It takes confidence, inner strength, and sensitivity to create change. Exploring the theme of social justice from multiple perspectives, these short films show empowered young people taking action in times of hardship. Recommended for ages
The Dam Keeper, dirs. Dice Tsutsumi and Robert Kondo, USA. English.
In a desolate future, one town has survived because of a windmill dam that keeps out poisonous clouds. The dam's operator, Pig, works tirelessly to keep the sails spinning and protect the town, despite bullying from classmates and an indifferent public. When a new student, Fox, joins Pig's class, everything begins to change.
Layla's Melody (Laylas melodi), dir. Jens Pedersen, Denmark. Pashto w/ English subtitles.
Layla is thrilled when her mother comes to visit her in the orphanage where she has lived for the last four years — but she also fears what the visit will mean for her future.
To the Bone, dir. Erin Li, USA. English and Spanish w/ English subtitles.
Working alongside her father and brother as migrant farmworkers, Valencia becomes more and more angered by her family’s exploitative treatment at the hands of their employer—so when a government inspector visits the farm, she decides to take matters into her own hands.
Anything Goes (Alles Mag), dir. Steven Wouterlood, Netherlands. Dutch w/ English subtitles.
After moving to Amsterdam, 11-year-old Tygo from Brabant gives a class talk about carnival. What starts as a general explanation of the festival turns into a personal and poignant account.
WHAT NOW?
When life is no longer just about playing and hanging out with your friends, the pressure can be overwhelming. Whether due to school, familial circumstance, political climate or societal prejudice, the subjects of these short documentaries must contend with significant challenges in order to achieve their goals. Recommended for ages 11 to 13.
Jamey's Fight (Jamey's Gevecht), dir. Denise Janzée, Netherlands. Dutch w/ English subtitles.
Jamey is a talented soccer player, but his stammer affects his self-confidence — and as he prepares for a tryout for the school's phys-ed program, he is afraid that his affliction may cause him to fail.
Youssef please say NO! (Youssef, zeg eens NEE!), dir. Marjolijn Heijnen, Netherlands. Dutch w/ English subtitles.
Fourteen-year-old Youssef is always busy. He dashes from one appointment to the next. Will Youssef manage to delete something from his chock-full diary? And can he say “No” to something?
Push & Pull, dir. Dorothy Pranolo, Australia. Mandarin w/ English subtitles.
Lisa, a young Asian-American girl, feels forever pressured by her mother to be the perfect violinist. When tensions collide at Lisa's anticipated violin audition, which path will she follow? The life she wants, or the one her mother has paved for her?
Until I Know (Bis ich es weiss), dir. Peter Baranowski, Germany. German w/ English subtitles.
After a young boy tampers with his classmate's bicycle as a prank, he becomes concerned for her safety and sets out to find her, leading to a very unexpected journey.
WHO’DA THUNK IT?
We’ve all heard the saying “You don’t know unless you try.” Whether it’s discovering a hidden talent, a new technology, a fresh approach to animation, or even an entirely different dimension, this collection of shorts shows how the subjects — and the filmmakers themselves — strive to overcome challenges with innovative thinking and creative problem-solving.
Rabbit and Deer (Nyuszi és Őz), dir. Péter Vácz, Hungary. No dialogue.
Rabbit and Deer live together happily in their two-dimensional world, until their friendship is put to the test by Deer's quest to find the formula for the mysterious third dimension.
Mercy's Rain (Geshem Shel Rahamim), dir. Dita Guery, Israel. Arabic w/ English subtitles.
Fascinated by Hollywood and the Oscars, two teenage friends use their imaginations and a series of photographs to create
In the Shadow (U sjeni), dir. Manuel Sumberac, Croatia. No dialogue.
A squirrel declares war on the large poster that is mounted in front of her home.
Bitseller, dir. Juanma Sánchez, Spain. No dialogue.
What happens when a traditional writer has to change his old typewriter for a computer? Bitseller is an animated short film with no dialogue that chronicles the fight between a writer and a “bit” of digital information inside his computer, set to a
Origami, dirs. Hugo Bailly-Desmarchelier, Eric de Melo Bueno, Michael Moreno, Joanne Smithies and Camille Turon, France. No dialogue.
A world of fantastic possibilities opens up for a young boy when he learns to fight his frustrations and persevere.
Inspector Street (Rue de l'inspecteur), dir. Emmanuelle Loslier, Canada. No dialogue.
A Montreal intersection undergoes a curious transformation when a gust of wind brings the pages of a newspaper to life.
SLICE OF LIFE
These short documentaries offer a glimpse into the daily lives of young people who are determined to persevere despite the obstacles placed in their way, even as they remain aware that there are some circumstances that may be beyond their control. Recommended for ages 11 to 13.
Jamey's Fight (Jamey's Gevecht), dir. Denise Janzée, Netherlands. Dutch w/ English subtitles.
Jamey is a talented soccer player, but his stammer affects his self-confidence — and as he prepares for a tryout for the school's phys-ed program, he is afraid that his affliction may cause him to fail.
AMAR, dir. Andrew Hinton, India. English.
Amar is fourteen and at the top of his class. Someday he'd like to be a professional cricketer, but for now he's the family's main breadwinner, working two jobs six-and-a-half days a week on top of attending school in the afternoons. This short observational documentary is a simple journey through Amar’s daily routine.
Youssef please say NO! (Youssef, zeg eens NEE!), dir. Marjolijn Heijnen, Netherlands. Dutch w/ English subtitles.
Fourteen-year-old Youssef is always busy. He dashes from one appointment to the next. Will Youssef manage to delete something from his chock-full diary? And can he say No to something?
To Be a B-Girl, dir .Yasmin Angel, Germany. German w/ English subtitles.
Since the age of thirteen, Jildou has been navigating the male-dominated world of breakdancing and confronting stereotypes about her abilities as a breakdancer. However, when she forms an all-female crew to compete in the biggest breakdancing competition of the year, everything could change.
TIFF KIDS FESTIVAL IS MORE THAN JUST A DAY AT THE MOVIES
Special events, free activities, Sesame Workshop, The Pink Panther 50th Anniversary and StoryMobs set to spark imaginations at the 2014 TIFF Kids International Film Festival
Now in its 17th of year celebrating the best in children’s cinema from Canada and around the world, the TIFF Kids International Film Festival enhances the film-going experience for young movie lovers with activities, workshops and special events throughout TIFF Bell Lightbox, encouraging kids and their families to engage with the festival in a variety of ways. Running from April 8 to April 21, the festival kicks off with a night of food, activities and fun at the Opening Night Party on April 10, and includes the Canadian premiere of Rio 2, a colourful 3D animated adventure that reunites audiences with lovebirds Blu and Jewel (voiced by Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway) and all their favourite friends from the original 2011 smash hit.
Highlights of this year’s festival include a first-time partnership between TIFF and StoryMobs, where great kids’ books meet flash mobbing, which comes to TIFF Bell Lightbox for its April edition. Gathering kids and adults together to bring favourite stories to life using colourful costumes, musical instruments and easy-to-learn choreography, StoryMobs will delight TIFF Kids Festival audiences with a reading of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, followed by a screening of the hit animated film adapted from the book. TIFF is also thrilled to partner for its second year with Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street. In addition to bringing back the popular Character Design Workshops and mascot meet-and-greets with Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby, TIFF is thrilled to have Big Bird—live and in the feather!—to introduce a screening of Elmo the Musical, a four episode learning-filled adventure. Returning for a third year is the award-winning interactive exhibition digiPlaySpace. Opening on March 8 and running to the end of the TIFF Kids Festival, this year’s digiPlaySpace features more Canadian artists and premiere installations than ever before, stimulating creativity, imagination and innovation for kids ages 3 and up.
“The events and activities running each weekend of the TIFF Kids Festival present our young audiences and their families with exciting new experiences in storytelling and cinema, sparking a lifelong love affair with film,” said Elizabeth Muskala, Director of TIFF Kids. “We are committed to expanding kids’ creativity, innovative sprit and imaginations through hands-on activities, the interactive installations in digiPlaySpace, our programmes of classic shorts, feature films and the exciting new partnerships we’re initiating at TIFF Bell Lightbox this April.”
HIGHLIGHTS, EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS FOR TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL INCLUDE:
TIFF Kids Festival Opening and Closing Night
Opening Night Party
Thursday, April 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Kick-start the TIFF Kids experience at the Opening Night Party with free food, a samba down the red carpet, and lots of fun activities prior to our Opening Night screening of the 3D animated musical adventure, Rio 2. Recommended for ages 7 to 13.
TIFF Kids Festival Closing Night Screening, with pre-screening magic show!
Saturday, April 19 at 5 p.m.
Kids will be dazzled by a guest magician before the Closing Night film The House of Magic, a gorgeously animated 3D feature from Belgium about a young abandoned cat who finds a new home in an enchanted mansion. Recommended for
Special Screening: Bears
Friday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Kids can pick up a gift bag after this special screening of the thrilling and heartwarming new True Life Adventure from Disneynature, which follows a year in the life of a family of brown bears, as two impressionable young cubs learn life’s most important lessons. Directed by Alastair Fothergill (Earth, African Cats, Chimpanzee) and Keith Scholey (African Cats), Bears offers a remarkably intimate look into the lives of these magnificent and fascinating animals. Recommended for ages 8-13.
The Pink Panther 50th Anniversary
Saturday, April 12 at 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m.
First appearing in the animated title sequence of the classic Peter Sellers comedy, the Pink Panther became a star in his own right when his first solo short The Pink Phink won an Academy Award in 1964. Come celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original cool cat with this collection of newly restored shorts, back on the big screen where they belong!
We Give Pink Stamps, dirs. Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt, USA
The Pink Panther hides out in a department store and spends the night trying to avoid the janitor.
The Pink Phink, dirs. Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt, USA
A painter tries to coat a house in blue, but a certain panther prefers a pinkish hue.
The Hand is Pinker Than the Eye, dir. Hawley Pratt, USA
The Pink Panther seeks shelter from a winter storm in the house of a magician, whose mischievous rabbit sidekick makes things difficult for the frigid feline.
Sink Pink, dir. Friz Freleng, USA
A would-be Noah has collected every animal he needs for his ark, except a Pink Panther-but this final specimen proves difficult to catch.
Pinkfinger, dirs. Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt, USA
The Pink Panther turns secret agent to foil the dastardly plot of a group of enemy spies.
Pink Plunk Plink, dir. Hawley Pratt, USA
The Pink Panther interrupts a performance of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony with multi-instrumental variations on his inimitable theme song.
Pink Ice, dirs. Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt, USA
The Pink Panther must defend his South African diamond mine from a pair of unscrupulous rival mine owners.
Dial 'P' For Pink, dirs. Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt, USA
A burglar gets more than he bargained for when he tries to crack open a safe that happens to be home to the Pink Panther.
Sesame Workshop
Elmo the Musical, dirs. Kevin Clash, Ken Diego, Joey Mazzarino, USA
Sunday, April 13 at 11 a.m.
Get ready for a fun-filled musical adventure! Elmo stars in his very own musical, imagining himself as an athlete, a sea captain, a prince, and even in a circus! Everyone's favourite furry red monster and his supporting cast must use their math skills to solve problems and save the day. Kids can sing, dance, play, problem-solve, and imagine along with Elmo on these math-filled adventures. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
Introduced by a special Sesame Street guest: Big Bird!
Mascot Meet & Greet
Saturday, April 12 & Sunday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Free)
Bring your cameras to TIFF Bell Lightbox and meet three of Sesame Street’s most popular characters: Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby.
Sesame Street Character Design Workshops
Saturday, April 12 & Sunday April 13 at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. (Free, Pre-Registered). For ages 6 to 8.
Matt Stoddart, Character Designer for Sesame Workshop, demonstrates how to illustrate the iconic Sesame Street Muppets™ in one-hour sessions throughout the day. Original illustrations and behind-the-scenes image displays will help participants create their own artwork and better understand the unique world of character design at Sesame Workshop.
LAIKA: Behind the Animation
Tuesday, April 15 at 1 p.m.
LAIKA has quickly become recognized as one of the world's most ambitious, creative and fearless animation studios thanks to such critical and commercial hits as the CG classic Moongirl (2005) and the Oscar-nominated stop-motion features Coraline (2009) and ParaNorman (2012). In advance of the release of the studio's new film The Boxtrolls (hitting theatres on September 26, 2014), Mark Shapiro, Head of Marketing and Brand Management at LAIKA, joins us at TIFF Kids to take audiences on a behind-the-scenes tour of these innovative animated films, including original production puppets and Saturday, April 19 at 2 p.m.
StoryMobs
Saturday, April 19 at 2 p.m.
TIFF is proud to partner with StoryMobs for their April edition, featuring a free reading of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. A special ticketed screening of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs will immediately follow the reading. Kids can arrive earlier in the day at 11 a.m. to help create costumes and props for the event. For more event details and to sign up for reader roles, go to storymobs.ca.
TIFF KIDS FESTIVAL PUBLIC WORKSHOPS
digiPlaySpace Workshops
Designed for ages 10 to 14, these workshops allow participants to explore the brave new worlds of digital technology and DIY culture. Featuring introductory lessons in Arduino boards, electricity/conductivity, and soft circuitry, each workshop runs 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and includes an hour for participants to explore digiPlaySpace.
Adventures in Arduino, Saturday, March 22
In this tech-savvy workshop, aspiring gadget gurus and amateur inventors will be introduced to the wonders of Arduino. Kids can learn how this tiny micro-controller system can become the basis of some impressive DIY prototypes and projects.
Makey Makey Music, Saturday, March 29
This hands-on workshop allows participants to learn about electronics, circuitry and conductivity as they create musical instruments using fruits and vegetables.
Techy Textiles, Saturday, April 5
Fabrics from the future: kids create funky glowing fashion pieces with soft circuitry and conductive thread, while also learning about the properties of electricity.
Jump Cuts
The Jump Cuts Young Filmmakers Showcases returns for its 13th year to provide Ontario’s young emerging directors the opportunity to see their work on the big screen. Presenting short films created for young people by young people, Jump Cuts is open to amateur filmmakers in two categories: grades 4 through 6, and grades 7 through 8. The finalists will be announced in the coming weeks, and their films will be screened, with Q&A sessions with the filmmakers, during the TIFF Kids International Film Festival. Prizes for top films will be announced at the Public Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 19.
Free Activities
Each weekend during the TIFF Kids Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., TIFF Bell Lightbox will host free drop-in activities, including face-painting, button-making, the RBC Flipbook Station, and the Etsy Creative Puppet Lab. Supported by the Slaight Family Foundation Learning Fund.
And the Awards Go To…
TIFF is committed to involving and engaging children in the critical assessment of films. Through the TIFF Kids Festival Jury Awards, Audience Choice Awards and two awards selected by an adult jury, TIFF Kids Festival continues to create a forum where kids’ voices can be heard. The TIFF Kids Festival Awards Ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 2:45.
On Easter Monday, April 21, TIFF Kids Festival will be presenting repeat-screenings of this year’s award-winning films in the categories of: TIFF Kids Festival Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film and Best Short Film; TIFF Kids Festival Young People’s Jury Award for Best Feature Film (Ages 8 to 10) and (Ages 11 to 13); and the TIFF Kids Festival Young People’s Jury Award for Best Short Film (Ages 9 to 13).
TIFF KIDS FESTIVAL INDUSTRY CONFERENCE OFFERS INSPIRATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR FILMMAKERS, TV AND INTERACTIVE PRODUCERS AS WELL AS WRITERS, ANIMATORS AND EDUCATORS
TIFF Industry proudly presents the 2014 TIFF Kids Festival Industry Conference, a four-day programme that runs from April 14 to 17. Designed to inspire and engage creators of children's content, the conference will feature a diverse group of guest speakers from around the world, ranging from filmmakers, writers and animators to researchers, interactive producers and funders. The TIFF Kids Festival Industry Conference consists of one day of keynote sessions and panel discussions on April 15, and three days of roundtable sessions and workshops.
This year’s lineup of guest speakers includes legendary puppeteer and actor Caroll Spinney, who has been the heart and soul of Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since 1969; Bob Barlen and Callan Brunker, the dynamic writer-director team behind the animated feature-film hit Escape from Planet Earth; established transmedia producer Caitlin Burns who has worked on multi-platform marketing campaigns for blockbuster franchises such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Avatar and Transformers; Brian Lovell, founder and CEO of digital marketing agency RED Interactive and developer of the Hunger Games Explorer, the massively popular online hub for fans of The Hunger Games; Jill Golick, creator of the groundbreaking and highly successful tween online series Ruby Skye. P.I.; and Jason Krogh, CEO of leading app developer Sago Sago.
These industry experts join the previously announced keynote speakers—Graham Annable of renowned animation studio LAIKA (Coraline, ParaNorman, the upcoming The Boxtrolls) and Caroline Baron (film producer, founder of FilmAid International and co-founder of new media company yummico)—and many more special guests for what promises to be an engaging and wide-ranging forum on the opportunities and challenges of working in the children’s film, television and digital media industries. Participating companies include Corus Entertainment, DHX Media, Entertainment One, Guru Studio, NerdCorps Entertainment, Temple Street Productions, TVO Kids, and many more.
In addition to this series of presentations and panel discussions, our Meet With… sessions allow registered delegates to obtain direct access to experienced industry professionals. This year’s lineup includes Meet the Animators (co-presented by the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International), Meet the Writers (co-presented by the Writers Guild of Canada) and Meet the Buyers, a session that will feature a variety of broadcast and distributor executives.
New this year, our Industry Workshop sessions allow registered delegates to learn more about specific topics and issues in a classroom-style setting. Sessions include a Writers Workshop with award-winning author, screenwriter and filmmaker Dennis Foon (A Shine of Rainbows, Life Above All); Collaborative Process with a Composer on Animated Feature Films and TV Series, facilitated by award-winning composer Paul Intson (The Nut Job) and co-presented by the Screen Composers Guild of Canada; and a session on Reaching Young Audiences through Film and Digital Media, featuring guest speakers from the British Film Institute and Netherlands Film Fund, among others.
Industry registration for TIFF Kids Festival is now open and delegates can find information at tiff.net/industry. TIFF Industry has two pass options: the TIFF Kids Festival Industry Pass for $225 and the TIFF Kids Festival Conference Pass for $150. Passes include Industry Programming (available on a first-come, first-served basis); access to digiPlaySpace; access to exclusive online resources (including the TIFF Kids Festival Delegates Guide), and the TIFF Kids Festival Industry Lounge (located in the Bell Blue Room); and an invitation to both the TIFF Kids Festival Industry Opening and Closing Cocktails. The TIFF Kids Festival Industry Pass also includes: five advance regular film screening tickets (one per screening, subject to availability); three day-of screening tickets (one per screening, subject to availability), and access to the Industry Screening Library. College and university students are eligible for discounted rates. To find out more about these rates, contact us at industry@tiff.net.
For questions about registration, please contact us at tiffkidsindustry@tiff.net. For questions about the Conference programme, please email industryprogramming@tiff.net.
TIFF KIDS FESTIVAL INDUSTRY CONFERENCE - PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Monday, April 14
10am – 11:30am
Industry Workshop: In Conversation with Caroll Spinney
A unique opportunity to learn from legendary puppeteer and actor Caroll Spinney, who has been the heart and soul of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since Sesame Street's premiere episode on November 10, 1969. This session will allow participants to learn about Caroll's approach to character development, puppeteering, and interacting with young audiences. The session will be moderated by Nadine Zylstra, Supervising Producer at Sesame Street.
Guest Speakers:
- Caroll Spinney (Puppeteer and Actor)
- Moderator: Nadine Zylstra (Supervising Producer)
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Workshop: Playtime in the Digital Media Revolution!
This workshop allows delegates a behind-the-scenes tour of the award-winning digiPlaySpace, an interactive playground for families jam-packed with videogames, interactive installations, hands-on maker activities, and much more. Prior to the tour, TIFF’s Nicholas Pagee, curator of digiPlaySpace, will be joined by two other leading international children's interactive art curators, Paulien Dresscher, Cinekid Media Lab (Amsterdam) and Jos Auzende, La Gaite Lyrique, Capitaine Futur (Paris), to discuss highlights.
Guest Speakers:
- Jos Auzende (Artistic Advisor, La Gaîté Lyrique)
- Paulien Draesscher (Head of New Media, Cinekid)
- Nicholas Pagee (curator, TIFF Kids digiPlaySpace)
Tuesday, April 15
Full-Day Conference of Keynotes and Panels
9:30am – 10:45am
Opening Keynote with LAIKA’s Graham Annable (co-director of The Boxtrolls)
Graham Annable, co-director of the upcoming feature The Boxtrolls, provides insights into character and story development and discusses the production process at the renowned animation studio LAIKA, known for such groundbreaking animated films as Coraline and ParaNorman.
Guest Speakers:
- Graham Annable (co-director, The Boxtrolls)
11:00am – 12:00pm
Going Big: The Business and Art of Long-Form Storytelling
Experienced screenwriters, filmmakers and producers break down the writing and development process for independent children’s and family feature films, from pitching projects to development, and from the financing stage to production.
Guest Speakers:
- Bob Barlen (writer, Escape from Planet Earth)
- Callan Brunker (co-Writer & director, Escape from Planet Earth)
- Michael Hirsh (Executive Chairman, DHX Media)
- Patricia Rozema (writer, Paper Bag Princess)
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Integrate and Conquer: Building a Fan Base Across Multiple Platforms
What are the ingredients of a successful multi-platform marketing campaign for family-oriented film, television and gaming properties? Our expert panel of interactive and transmedia producers will provide case studies and discuss the dos and don'ts of communicating with young audiences and parents.
Guest Speakers:
- Caitlin Burns (Transmedia Producer)
- Brian Lovell (founder & CEO, RED Interactive)
- James Milward (founder & Executive Producer, Secret Location)
- Moderator: Donna MacNeil (Principal, YouthLab)
2:15pm – 3:15pm
Press Play: Reaching Young Audiences and Parents through Apps and Online
YouTube and web-series creators, app developers and pioneers in online streaming services for children and families discuss the creative, educational and business strategies behind their respective endeavours.
Guest Speakers:
- Jill Golick (creator, Ruby Skye P.I.)
- Bryce Hunter (Interactive Producer, DHX Media)
- Billy Reid (creator, Pancake Manor)
- Zac Reeder (VP of Content Strategy & Acquisitions, SpiritClips from Hallmark)
- Moderator: Lana Castleman (Editor, KidScreen)
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Kids’ DIY Media Project: Opportunities and Challenges of Supporting Kids' Making and Sharing Media Online
Leading researchers and app and game developers discuss the phenomenon of kids’ do-it-yourself (DIY) media creation and its creative and legal implications for digital content creators.
Guest Speakers:
- Sara Grimes (Assistant Professor, University of Toronto)
- Deborah A. Fields (Assistant Professor, Utah State University)
- Brian Alspach (Executive Vice President, E-Line Media)
- Jason Krogh (CEO, Sago Sago)
- Moderator: David Kleeman (PlayVangelist and Senior Vice President of Insights Programs, PlayCollective)
4:45pm – 5:30pm
Closing Keynote with Caroline Baron
Oscar-nominated film producer and FilmAid International founder Caroline Baron (Capote) joins us for a presentation and discussion about the power of film and digital media to inspire and educate children in their daily lives.
Guest Speakers:
- Caroline Baron (award-winning producer, founder of FilmAid International and co-founder of yummico)
Wednesday, April 16
10:00am – 11:30am
Meet the Writers
An opportunity to learn from established writers working in children's film, television and interactive media. Guest speakers will provide insight into their creative processes and practices when it comes to writing for young audiences.
Guest Speakers:
- Bob Barlen (writer, Escape from Planet Earth)
- Callan Brunker (co-Writer & director, Escape from Planet Earth)
- Dennis Foon (writer, A Shine of Rainbows, Life Above All)
- Ross Venokur (writer, Animal Crackers)
- Anthony Weintraub (co-founder, yummico)
10:00am – 11:30am
Workshop: Developing a Multi-Platform Strategy for Family Entertainment Properties
Learn the ins and outs of creating multi-platform entertainment properties for younger audiences and families from leading transmedia producer Caitlin Burns.
Facilitator:
- Caitlin Burns (Transmedia Producer)
1:00pm – 2:30pm
Meet the Animators
Co-presented by the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI), this session will give delegates access to established animators in children's feature film, television and online series.
1:00pm – 2:30pm
Workshop: The Art of Long-Form Storytelling
This wide-ranging workshop will address some of the core issues screenwriters and producers face in creating feature films for young people.
Facilitator:
- Dennis Foon (writer, A Shine of Rainbows, Life Above All)
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Meet the Development Executives and Story Editors
Representatives from Canadian production companies and independent story editors will be available to discuss the development and writing process for children's film, television and online series. Find out what types of content and characters production companies are looking to develop, and how you can better shape your pitch. Learn how to collaborate with a story editor on long- and short-form storytelling and how to shape your story.
Guest Speakers:
- Stephanie Betts (Vice President of Kids Development, DHX Media)
- Laura Clunie (Vice President of Creative Affairs, eOne Entertainment)
- Laura Harbin (Senior Director of Scripted Programming, Temple Street Productions)
- Jilliane Reinseth (Vice President of Creative Affairs, Nerd Corps Entertainment)
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Workshop: Collaborating with a Composer on Animated Feature Films and TV Series
Co-presented by the Screen Composers Guild of Canada, this workshop will introduce participants to the collaborative process between filmmakers and composers on animation properties for young audiences.
Facilitators:
- Paul Intson (composer, Scaredy Squirrel, The Nut Job)
- Moderator: Adrian Ellis (composer and producer, Screen Composer's Guild of Canada)
Thursday, April 17
10:00am – 11:30am
Meet the Funders
Representatives from OMDC, CMF, Bell Media Fund, Shaw Rocket Fund and Telefilm Canada will provide updates on their funding programs and how you can find the money to finance your project. In addition, we are proud to welcome a guest speaker from the Netherlands Film Fund, one of the most active funds for family feature films in Europe.
Guest Speakers:
- Agnes Augustin (President & CEO, Shaw Rocket Fund)
- Shari Cohen (Program Consultant, Ontario Media Development Corporation)
- Nathalie Clermont (Director of Program Management, Canada Media Fund)
- Marcia Douglas (Program Manager, Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund)
- Dan Lyon (Regional Feature Film Executive, Ontario & Nunavut regions, Telefilm Canada)
- Monique Ruinen (Film Consultant, Screen NL – Feature Film)
10:00am – 11:30am
Workshop: Best Practices for Online Kids’ DIY Media Creation and Sharing
Following their panel presentation on April 15, the research team behind the Kids' DIY Media Project offers this in-depth follow-up session that will allow participants to gain insight into the research process and discuss best practices for the development of online environments that allow children to create and share media with one another.
Facilitators:
- Sara Grimes (Assistant Professor, University of Toronto)
- Deborah A. Fields (Assistant Professor, Utah State University)
1:00pm – 2:30pm
Meet the Buyers
This session offers an opportunity for delegates to connect directly with buyers of children's entertainment content, including Canadian broadcasters, film distributors and online platforms that serve a wide range of audiences.
- Patricia Ellingson (Creative Head, TVO Kids)
- Jessica Labi (Vice-President of Acquisitions, Phase 4 Films)
- Sarah Haasz (Production Executive, Family Channel, Disney XD Canada, Disney Junior Canada)
- Zac Reeder (VP of Content Strategy & Acquisitions, SpiritClips from Hallmark)
1:00pm – 2:30pm
Workshop: Finding and Building an Audience Online
This workshop will present strategies for building audiences for online entertainment properties for children. If you’re releasing your videos on YouTube or on your own website, this workshop is for you!
3:30pm - 5:00pm
Workshop: Reaching Young Audiences Through Film and Digital Media
The final session of the TIFF Kids Festival Industry Conference explores both new and existing ways of reaching young audiences through film and new digital media, whether for content creators, funding agencies or curatorial organizations. Our international panel of industry experts will provide insights into existing funding and outreach structures in Canada, the Netherlands and the UK. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the current state and future possibilities of engaging with young audiences by encouraging the creation of engaging stories, empowering programme curation and a kids-centric approach to funding.
Facilitators:
- Justin Johnson (Specialist Programme & Project Advisor for Young Audiences, BFI)
- Monique Ruinen (Film Consultant, Screen NL - Feature Film)
Industry registration is now open and delegates can find information at tiff.net/industry. Industry professionals have a choice in the type of pass they can purchase: our TIFF Kids Industry Pass ($225) and TIFF Kids Conference Pass ($150).
About TIFF
TIFF is a charitable cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world through film. An international leader in film culture, TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival in September; TIFF Bell Lightbox, which features five cinemas, major exhibitions, and learning and entertainment facilities; and innovative national distribution program Film Circuit. The organization generates an annual economic impact of $189 million CAD. TIFF Bell Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including Founding Sponsor Bell, the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation and RBC. For more information, visit tiff.net.
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