Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Coming Attraction: REDCAT International Children's Film Festival

"China Fantasia" at REDCAT International Children's Film Festival
REDCAT for kids is back! This weekend kicks off the 8th annual REDCAT International Children's Film Festival, and CC and I are looking forward to yet another few weekends of funny, endearing and clever short kids' films from all over the world. More than 30 countries to be exact.

CC loves heading downtown every year to catch the films, and I enjoy seeing the international audience that is Los Angeles. It's fun to hear all of the different languages -- and there are many -- that parents are speaking to their film-loving kiddos.

The festival, which this year screens over three consecutive weekends (May 4-5; May 11-12; May 18-19) instead of just two, features films that will appeal to ages 3-early teens. And, as usual, tickets are only $5 each. Check out the following lineups (descriptions are from the program):

* "Short and Sweet" (Sat., May 4; Sat., May 11; Sun., May 19; ages 2-6) -- This gentle line-up of animated films is a perfect introduction to big-screen wonders for your little one. Meet a dancing bear, play with a mischievous hen, get to know pixies and encounter other lovely, lovable creatures.

* "China Fantasia"  (Sat., May 4; Sun., May 19; all ages) -- Thrill to the artistry, imagination and deep love of Chinese culture on display in animator Joe Chang’s China Fantasia. This sumptuously told tale blends popular Chinese folk music with Chang’s masterful use of traditional Chinese painting techniques, cut-paper and glorious swirling color.

* "Small is Powerful" (Sat., May 4; ages 7+) -- A not-so-silly goose saves the day, a brave girl gets ready to jump into the unknown, and one little red brick makes a big difference in this inspiring series of animated shorts.

* "Animal Kingdom" (Sun., May 5; Sat., May 18; ages 4+) -- This program of beautiful animation is designed to delight kids who love critters both large and small. Enjoy the antics of elephants, birds, foxes, mice, pigs, hedgehogs, dogs and cats, and meet a seriously hardworking ant! 

* "Caleidoscopio" (Sun., May 5; Sun., May 19; ages 8+) -- Co-presented by the Caleidoscopio de Sueños Festival, Bogotá, Colombia. Take a live-action and animated journey to beaches, back roads, jungles and bustling cities throughout Latin America. Get ready to encounter exuberant kids, luminous magic, lively music and surprise endings.

* "Continental Hop" (Sun., May 5; ages 7+) -- Grab your passport for a trip around the world through imaginative animation, captivating documentary and children’s drawings brought to life. Ready, set, go! From the US to Turkey, from Bangladesh to Belize—then soar above Europe atop a magic piano!

* "Path Waves" (Sat., May 11; ages 8+) -- Co-presented by the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and Longhouse Media View the lives of indigenous people in the US, Canada and Australia through the lenses of exuberant young filmmakers and polished professionals. Eleven short films offer Native perspectives through traditional tales, video poems, and stories of family and friendship. 

"Nickelodeon Family Fun Day, featuring Nick Jr. and Nickelodeon" (Sun., May 12; ages 2-6; ages 7+, respectively) -- Nickelodeon showcases the most watched and loved of children’s programming, and at Nick Family Fun Day attendees have the opportunity to meet the costumed characters of Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. favorites—SpongeBob, Patrick, Dora and Diego—and receive giveaways.

"For the Beauty of the Earth" (Sat., May 18; ages 8+) -- The silver screen goes green for this collection of live-action and animated shorts about our ever-changing planet. These humorous and thought-provoking films are designed to make kids think, ask questions and come up with new ways to honor Mother Earth.

* "Shiver and Shake" (Sat., May 18; ages 9+) -- Spend an hour on the edge of your seat with these international shorts—films to make you crack a smile and raise a goose bump or two. If you’re ready to face down floating heads, space aliens, spooky dolls, creepy birds, dark shadows and skeletons, then this program is for you!

REDCAT International Children's Film Festival
The Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater

May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19
631 W. 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Click here to buy tickets ($5)




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