Editor’s Note: The Children’s Film Festival schedule for Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 2, is now re-scheduled to Saturday, Feb. 8, so that people can watch the big game. Five film programs in total will change their screening date; visit this link for an updated schedule.
The Northwest Film Forum is rolling out the red carpet for the ninth year of Children’s Film Festival Seattle, the largest and most respected film festival on the West Coast dedicated to children and their families, curated especially for kids ages 3 to 14. Opening night is Thursday, Jan. 23.
The 11-day extravaganza celebrates the best and brightest in international cinema for children, and will include more than 130 films from 32 countries, including Azerbaijan, Mozambique, Morocco, Indonesia and Iran. The festival will include live performances, animation, features, shorts and hands-on filmmaking workshops, all crafted to appeal to the next generation of movie lovers.
Seattle’s Child has the inside scoop on what not to miss the first week. To view the full line-up of films, visit the Northwest Film Forum website.
Do the Doktor Doolittle
Thursday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m.
The incredible, hand-cut silhouette animation from the silent film era is pure movie magic – especially when paired with a live musical score from local duo Miles & Karina (David Keenan and Nova Devonie). Four almost never exhibited films by German pioneer animator Lotte Reinger, made in the 1920s, include Sleeping Beauty and Doktor Dolittle, the first screen adaptation of stories about talking animals and the benevolent doctor who understands what they say.
Age recommendation: Everyone ages 1 and older.
Cost: $12, $10 for members, $38 for a family of four.
Run time: 50 minutes.
More info: https://childrensfilmfestivalseattle.nwfilmforum.org/?page_id=1960
Pajama Party with Recess Monkey
Friday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m.
Boogie down to “kindie” rock from Recess Monkey and enjoy free snacks from Cupcake Royale and Honest Kids. Wear your PJs and fluffy slippers, and bring your favorite stuffed animal along. A sneak preview of animated films from the festival, and the latest, greatest music video from Recess Monkey, will play on the big screen.
Age recommendation: Everyone ages 3 and older.
Cost: $12, $10 for members, $38 for a family of four.
Run time: 60 minutes
More info: https://childrensfilmfestivalseattle.nwfilmforum.org/?page_id=1960/#pajama
The Zigzag Kid
Sunday, Jan. 26, 3 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 8, 1 p.m.
This Seattle premiere is a witty, spirited and action-packed adventure about an almost 13-year-old boy and his world of confusions, fears and fantasies. Nono longs to be a good detective like his father, a famous police inspector, but his wild nature constantly gets him into trouble. Two days before his bar mitzvah, Nono is sent off to his uncle’s house. But once he is on the train, the over-imaginative boy seizes on one last chance to prove himself. Together with charming international thief Felix Glick, he travels to the French Rivera and enters a world of disguises and crazy pursuits. A festival favorite worldwide, the film is based on the beloved novel by David Grossman.
Age recommendation: Everyone ages 9 and older.
Cost: $11, $8 senior/child/student, $6 for members.
Run time: 95 minutes
More info: https://childrensfilmfestivalseattle.nwfilmforum.org/?page_id=1901/#zigzag
Mike Says Goodbye
Saturday, Jan. 25, 11:30 a.m.
Mike is finally released from the hospital after a long and severe illness. But when he arrives home, something is wrong and no one is waiting for him. Mike Says Goodbye is full of adventure and emotional truth about a very determined, resourceful and unafraid boy, and the lengths to which he will go to help his troubled mother. This Dutch film is about serious family matters, about getting sick and getting well, and is full of humor with a very happy ending. It will screen with a movie made by a patient at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Age recommendation: Everyone ages 9 and older.
Cost: $11, $8 senior/child/student, $6 for members.
Run time: 93 minutes
More info: https://childrensfilmfestivalseattle.nwfilmforum.org/?page_id=1901/#mike
Talk To the Animals
Friday, Jan. 31, 11 a.m. and Saturday, Feb. 1, 10:30 and 11 am
If you love critters big and small, come watch them soar, roar, creep and race through this action-packed and colorful program of animation from 10 countries. One film has lots of text (in English), but feel free to read aloud to your little ones.
The Little Bird and the Leaf
Age recommendation: Everyone ages 5 and older.
Cost: $11, $8 senior/child/student, $6 for members.
Time length: 65 minutes
More info: https://childrensfilmfestivalseattle.nwfilmforum.org/?page_id=1928/#animals
