We’re big fans of the Children’s Film Festival Seattle, especially for its creativity, exposure to films from around the world, and its inspiration. Running July 23-27 at Northwest Film Forum on Capitol Hill, this year’s festival is a leaner, in-person-only experience that feels refreshingly personal and perfectly timed for midsummer family fun.
There are five thoughtfully curated film programs, each with its own theme and personality. One night you’ll be off on a wild ride with “Lights, Camera, Adventure!” and the next, diving into feelings and friendship with “Strength & Resilience” or “Friends & Family.” From animated journeys across the globe to documentaries about identity and growing up, each program invites kids (and their grown-ups) to think, laugh, and maybe see the world a little differently. And in true family-friendly fashion, each program gets two screenings during the week, so there’s no need to panic if bedtime wins one night.
2025 Children’s Film Festival Seattle poster. Photo courtesy Northwest Film Forum
Film festival programs
Lights, Camera, Adventure (1 hour 41 mins): From enchanted forests and icy lakes to distant planets and dusty memories, these stories explore adventure, friendship, identity, and the unexpected connections we make.
Strength & Resilience (2 hours): This powerful collection of films explores the challenges we face, the courage it takes to keep going, and the unexpected strength we find. Whether navigating grief, standing up to pressure, or simply learning how to slow down and problem-solve, each story in this program reminds us that there’s a path forward even in tough times.
Friends & Family (1 hour 30 mins): No matter what life throws at us, good or bad, there’s always someone in our corner, even if we don’t always realize it. These films are all about the people we stick with and the wild, sweet, meaningful rides we take together to find the moments that make it all worth it.
Learning While Living (2 hours): This lineup includes one feature film and 10 shorts that explore how we grow through the people around us and what we learn. Wherever we are in the world, those connections shape us most.
What We’re Made Of (1 hour 17 mins): What makes you you? This short film program dives into what sets us apart, inside and out. Maybe you’re feeling bold, or perhaps you’re still figuring things out. Either way, these stories take you on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and what it means to be yourself.
Film workshops
One of our favorite parts is the workshops the festival provides for youth. Kids 18 and younger can participate in the Youth Cyanotype Workshop on July 26 this year. Participants will get hands-on with 16mm film, light-sensitive paper, and a little creative alchemy to make short films they can premiere for family and friends. It’s a great way to give young storytellers the spotlight.
Know before you go
- Dates: The festival runs July 23-27, 2025
- Location: The Children’s Film Festival Seattle takes place at Northwest Film Forum at 1515 12th Ave. in Seattle.
- Tickets: $15 for adults, $7 for kids, or grab a festival pass ($60 for grown-ups, $20 for youth)
- Special accommodations: Northwest Film Forum offers sensory kits, assistive listening devices, and a welcoming space for all families.
