One of my favourite film festivals in the city is the delightful TIFFKids International Film Festival (April 9 to 21) held in Toronto at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in the heart of the entertainment district. This annual event hosts some of the best films from around the world for the littlest movie lover in your life. Many screenings are world, North American, or Canadian premieres.
Much like the massive TIFF International Film Festival in September, TIFFKids offers a unique opportunity to take the movie going experience further. In many cases, the producers and directors, and sometimes actors descend on the city to not only make their appearances but also to be accessible to industry people and the general public. In fact, they are often seated amongst the general public during screenings so they can experience reactions first hand. Often at first screenings, there are Q&A sessions and I tell you, at TIFFKids the most adorable and inquisitive kids have asked some of the most intelligent questions!
At this year’s TIFFKids International Film Festival there will be 117 films to be screened – 29 Features and 88 Shorts – representing 40 countries. Also, kids can also cast their votes for the Audience Choice Awards for Best Feature Film!
Here are just a few films coming for the young TIFFIES! Make sure you visit the site for the complete listing…
THE LEGEND OF SARILA (La legende de Sarila)
Director: Nancy Florence Savard, Canada. Both English and French language screenings. OPENING NIGHT FILM! Toronto Premiere
Canada’s first 3D animated feature is about three Inuit youths living on the Arctic tundra who go in search of Sarila, a promised land, hoping to save their clan from famine. It is also the story of a fight to the death between two shamans, the young Markussi, who finds his destiny on the journey to the mythical Sarila, and the aged Croolik who feels his power threatened by the young shaman. Voice actors include Academy Award-winner Christopher Plummer as well as rising Canadian talents Dustin Milligan and Rachelle Lefevre. Age recommendation 8 and up.
VAMPIRE SISTERS (Die Vampirschwestern)
Director: Wolfgang Groos, Germany. German with English subtitles. North American Premiere Dakaria and Silvania are 12-year-old half-vampire sisters, with a vampire father and a human mother, who move from Transylvania to Germany, where they try to become accustomed to the conditions of human daily life. They go to school during the day, using a lot of sun block, and fly during nighttime hours only. But the hardest part is making friends, as they need to be careful with whom they share their secret. Age recommendation: 9 and up.
A TURTLE’S TALE 2: Sammy’s Escape From Paradise
Director: Ben Stassen, Belgium. English. Sammy and Ray, leatherback turtles and friends forever, are enjoying life in their tropical paradise, shepherding new hatchlings Ricky
and Ella out to sea. Suddenly, a poacher swoops in and ships the turtles off to be part of a spectacular aquarium show for tourists in Dubai. The kingpin of the place, a seahorse named Big D, enlists them in his plans for a great escape. But with their new friends, Sammy and Ray hatch breakout plans of their own. After a series of thrilling adventures and narrow escapes, our heroes head south to meet up with Shelly, Sammy’s first and only love.
and Ella out to sea. Suddenly, a poacher swoops in and ships the turtles off to be part of a spectacular aquarium show for tourists in Dubai. The kingpin of the place, a seahorse named Big D, enlists them in his plans for a great escape. But with their new friends, Sammy and Ray hatch breakout plans of their own. After a series of thrilling adventures and narrow escapes, our heroes head south to meet up with Shelly, Sammy’s first and only love.
BELIEVE
Director: David Scheinmann, United Kingdom. English. World Premiere
Set in 1984 and inspired by true events, Believe is a tale about the legendary Manchester United football manager Sir Matt Busby, who helps a wayward boy fulfill his dream. An act of petty crime by 11-year-old Georgie becomes a collision of fate as Sir Matt tracks him down, only to discover that the boy is an extraordinarily gifted footballer and captain of a team of unruly talents.
Age recommendation 10 and up.
MIFFY THE MOVIE (Nijntje de film)Director: Hans Perk, The Netherlands. English. North American Premiere
Miffy, her friends Melanie and Grunty and her dog Snuffy set out on a treasure hunt through the zoo. Father and Mother Bunny give them five riddles through a Treasure Hunt Song, about a colour, a shape, a movement, a number and a sound. While discovering animals that answer to the riddles, Miffy and her friends learn how to work together, find creative ways to collaborate and to reward each other for a job well done. And in the end, they are rewarded with a big surprise. Age recommendation 2 and up.
FAME HIGH
Director: Scott Hamilton Kennedy, USA. English.
From the nail-biting freshman auditions to the spectacular graduation performance, Fame High captures the in-class and at-home drama, competition, heartbreak, and triumph of a single year as it follows a group of struggling freshmen and seniors at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Here, both underprivileged and privileged teenagers reach for their dreams of becoming actors, singers, dancers, and musicians. Fame High is where intensely devoted teachers and highly motivated students go about the business of making the best better. But all that talent means a lot of pressure when students are competing for the same roles, the same teachers’ favours, and the same career opportunities, and the favour of the same teachers. They are also struggling with grades, family and young love, while defying complications of race, culture, and economic challenges at every turn. Age recommendation 12 and up.
FAMOUS FIVE 2 (Fünf Freunde 2)
Director: Mike Marzuk, Germany. German with English subtitles.
CLOSING NIGHT FILM! International Premiere
The world’s favourite crew of young detectives is back in this sequel to last year’s TIFF Kids Audience Choice Award winner. On their first camping trip without their parents, the Famous Five gang runs into trouble when their teammate Dick is kidnapped by a band of crooks who believe he can lead them to the Green Eye, the most valuable jewel in the world. The Famous Five are determined to stop at nothing to protect the precious jewel and bring their friend back safe and sound. Age recommendation 9 and up.
You may also be interested in taking in the SMALL AND MIGHTY short films part of this year’s festival. The world’s best short film for children between the ages of 3 to 13 are showcased with each program running between 50 and 90 minutes. Programming can be found on the website at www.tiff.net/tiffkids/festival
NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH SESAME STREET!
Exciting news includes the industry workshops and public activities with the creative teams from Sesame Street. A variety of FREE activities are planned. For example, the Sesame Street Make-a-Film Workshop is for kids ages 6 to 9 on Saturday April 20th! You must pre-registered and do it fast! The workshops will be very popular!
The TIFF Kids International Film Festival takes place at TIFF Bell Lightbox from April 9 through April 21.
Tickets range from Adult $12, Student/Senior $9.50 and Children (12 and under) $8.50. Opening Night $25.00 and Closing Night $15.00 per person. TIFF Kids 10 packs are available for $75.00 (valid for digiPlaySpace and film tickets). Entry to the TIFF Kids digiPlaySpace is $8 or $5 with paid screening ticket to the TIFF Kids International Film Festival and Comic Book Heroes programme, discounts apply for TIFF Members. Some activities are 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.
The site also can help you determine what is recommended for specific age groups. Note that some films have English subtitles.You can also download the programme guide and check out a few trailers as well.
Make sure you make some time to spend at the TIFFKids digiPLAYSPACE an interactive hands-on gallery where creativity and technology come to play together. Located on the main floor of the TIFF Bell Lightbox building, the space brings the latest in film technology from industry leaders to adults and kids alike. Experience several different zones including a virtual weather wall where by the simple gestures and movement you can create a thunderstorm, freeze yourself, kick up a dust storm or even create a tornado.
Kids can have tons of fun experiencing the popular green screen – mine was riding a potbelly pig just the other day! Little kids (okay, and adults too) will love bug splatting and chasing a variety of critters. Check out the digital 3D printer – my 8 year old wanted to take this entire machine home..you know, to create our own toys. The Makey Makey Wall will inspire kids to discover how to make music out of veggies and household items.The AppCade with all the iPads and iPods have some fun games to get those creative minds working! Pretty cool! And there so much more! Totally worth checking out and I would suggest at least an hour of playtime in here. My son LOVED it here! Check for ticket pricing with and without a movie screening **Note: the digiPLAYSPACE is already up and running! Open from March 9th to April 21st!
FOR ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED, VISIT www.tiff.net/tiffkids/festival
Here is a sneak peek at this year’s amazing line up and a special announcement from this year’s exciting partnership with Sesame Street (a few short trailers here)!
So many of those look GREAT, Sonya – wow!!