Kids will be taking over the home of the world famous Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Bell Lightbox from April 10 to 22, 2012. Formerly known as Sprockets, this freshly re-named festival is touted as one of the most important film festivals in North America with films from over 41 countries.
A jaw-dropping 130 films will be shown at this festival from countries including Canada, U.S., Japan, India, Spain Germany and more. Suitable for children ages 3 to 13 and their families, this festival offers some exclusive screenings with International, North American, Canadian and Toronto Premieres in a variety of suitable themes including family, diversity, friendship, acceptance, sports, dance, drama, and perserverance to name a few.
The 15th annual TIFF Kids International Film Festival opens on Friday, April 13 with the Canadian Premiere of DISNEYNATURE’S feature film CHIMPANZEE. ~ a stunning, adorable and a must see leading into Earth Day. Bill Wallauer, Principal Photographer of Chimpanzee will be in attendance on Opening Night. *Visit the website for the trailer!!!
The TIFF Kids International Film Festival will feature many in-person appearances from filmmakers and special guests who will introduce their films and answer questions from the audience after the screenings.
Not only will there be a dazzling array of feature films and shorts to choose from, TIFF has included interactive installations in the TIFF Kids digiPlaySpace; tutu decorating (to commemorate the National Ballet of Canada’s 60th Anniversary); autograph sessions and dance parties. The digiPlaySpace will boost children’s new media skills with some emerging and innovated hands-on creative technology.
Here are some noted feature film picks…
Chimpanzee: (U.S.A.) DISNEYNATURE. Canadian Premiere, Opening Night
Follows the true life adventure of Oscar, a playful and curious young chimpanzee, deep in the African Forests. Oscar’s family is confronted by a rival band and is forced to fend for himself until a surprising friend steps in and changes his life forever. Recommended ages 8 and up.
The Crocodiles: All for One (Germany) Toronto Premiere. English Subtitles.
The gang of detectives is back in the action packed final installment of the multi-award winning Trilogy. It’s summer vacation, and the Crocodiles are celebrating a birthday when a terrible accident happens. It’s a life saving thriller with a race against time conclusion. Recommended ages 10 and up.
Cool Kids Don’t Cry (The Netherlands) Toronto Premiere. Dutch with English Subtitles.
Grade 8 student Akkie has only two concerns: going to high school with her best friends and winning the soccer championship. Tough-girl Akkie never backs down from a challenge or lets the class bully Joep target her friends. Her class is shocked when she’s diagnosed with Leukemia, yet she faces the disease with much courage. Turns out that she must rely on Joep, the one person that could help her with her dilemma. Based on the best-selling Benelux novel by Jacques Vriens, this film will leave viewers inspired. Recommended ages 11 and up.
The Pirates! Band of Misfits, 3D: (UK/USA) Canadian Premiere *Sneak Peek
Hugh Grant stars in his first animated role as the bearded Pirate Captain-enthusastic but less-than-succesful terror of the High Seas. With an odd crew at his side they confront rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) for the coveted Pirate of the Year Award. Recommended ages 7 and up.
Some other feature films include ….(check for full schedule and descriptions on the website)
Wapos Bay: Long Goodbyes, (Canada) English
Emilie Jolie, (France). French with English Subtitles. Toronto Premiere.
First Position, (USA) English, Spanish, France, Hebrew with English Subtitles. *this was the first runner up in the Cadillac People’s Choice Documentary Award at TIFF 2011.
Salaam Dunk, (USA/Iraq) in Kurdish with English Subtitles. Toronto Premiere.
Snowflake – The White Gorilla, (Spain) dubbed in English. North American Premiere.
Kiwi Flyer, (New Zealand) English. International Premiere.
Havanastation, (Cuba) Spanish with English Subtitles. Canadian Premiere.
There are MANY great opportunities for the young film lovers and future film makers to go beyond the screen. Check out the films schedules, trailers, workshops, events and ticket information on the official website at TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Awesome! Just looked at the list of movies! Can’t wait to take the kids!
TIFF Kids is a real gem of a festival that draws international attention! But now that you’re Vancouver, you may be interested in checking out Real to Reel Film Festival for Youth. It runs April 13-20. http://www.r2rfestival.org
One of the things that I miss MOST since leaving Toronto for Vancouver last August is Sprockets (now TIFF for Kids). I have a six year old daughter and it was FAB last year to introduce her to my love of foreign film at Sprockets. It’s so worth it!