School Programme Guide: Grades K – 8

Transcription

School Programme Guide: Grades K – 8
School Programme Guide: Grades K – 8
®/™ Toronto International Film Festival Inc.
A Note from TIFF Kids Festival Programming
From April 7 to 19 at TIFF Bell Lightbox, the TIFF Kids International Film Festival™ brings the world
of cinema to Toronto’s young audiences, along with an exciting lineup of filmmakers, guests,
interactive activities, and films created by young people.
Celebrating 18 years of the best in children’s cinema from across the globe, the TIFF Kids School
Programme offers a diverse selection of feature films, documentaries, and short-film programmes
that foster creativity, develop media literacy skills, and encourage critical thinking in areas
including diversity, social justice, and equity.
A field trip to the TIFF Kids Festival offers:
• More than a day at the movies. Films are selected with an educational goal in
mind. Grade recommendations will guide educators in selecting screenings for
their students. Accompanying educator resources connect the films screened
at the TIFF Kids Festival with Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum, bringing
the experience back to the classroom.
• A full day of learning. Films are scheduled to allow teachers to easily plan a
full-day field trip by attending two films, or one film and a guided tour of our
interactive new-media exhibition, digiPlaySpace™.
• Films from over 35 countries. Students can see films that may represent their
own cultural heritage, and learn about customs and traditions that are new
to them. Many of these international films will screen in Toronto only at the
TIFF Kids Festival.
• Post-screening discussions with filmmakers and guest experts. Whenever
possible, the TIFF Kids Festival includes post-screening discussions with
filmmakers and special guests to further explore a film’s ideas, themes,
storytelling techniques, and more.
At the TIFF Kids Festival, real and fictional stories come to life on screen, offering students
the opportunity to see the world through the lens of other young people’s hopes, dreams, and
challenges—and to learn something new about themselves in the experience.
We look forward to seeing you and your students at this year’s TIFF Kids International Film Festival!
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Attending the TIFF Kids International Film Festival
Prices
Lunch space
Film tickets: $8/person
Lunch space can be reserved
digiPlaySpace tickets: $8/person (Members get in free!)
in advance for classes booked
for more than one activity or
Make it a Combo!
screening at the TIFF Kids Festival.
Pair a TIFF Kids Festival film with a visit to digiPlaySpace: $13/person
Space is limited, and allocated on
NOTE: One complimentary supervisor ticket will be issued for every 10 paid admissions.
All prices include HST. Prices are subject to service fees.
a first-come, first-served basis.
Please submit requests to
learning@tiff.net.
TIFF prefers Visa.
How to make a school booking
Phone:
416-599-TIFF or
1-888-599-8433
Press 1 for school bookings
Acquiring financial
assistance
The TIFF Pocket Fund is a subsidy
initiative created to ensure that
children from all circumstances
Email:
learning@tiff.net
have the opportunity to enjoy
the educational and cultural
Payment options include cash, all major credit cards, or school
experiences offered by TIFF.
cheque. Full payment is due upon arrival.
For application information
Tickets for the school programme are issued at the
Steve & Rashmi Gupta Box Office on the day of your visit.
Educators and/or supervisors are responsible for checking
in with the box office prior to the screening’s scheduled
start time. Educators and supervisors are responsible for
distributing tickets to their students. Please note that all
screenings must begin on time; educators should allot extra
contact learning@tiff.net
or visit tiff.net/pocketfund.
TIFF gratefully acknowledges the
Slaight Family Foundation, and the many
other philanthropic donors who have
donated gifts to the TIFF Kids International
Film Festival and to our youth learning and
outreach programmes.
time for ticket pickup.
Address:
TIFF Bell Lightbox
Reitman Square
350 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 3X5
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Educators and Supervisors
All educators and/or supervisors will receive a supervisor
badge upon arrival at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Please wear the
badge at all times and ensure it is returned to the theatre staff
before you leave.
Supervisors are responsible for:
• Ensuring appropriate conduct from students
• Monitoring students' whereabouts at all times
• Monitoring students who leave the premises
individually or in groups
• Ensuring students are never unaccompanied or
unsupervised while on the premises
• Notifying the box office at 416-599-TIFF in the event
of an emergency or potential late arrival
At no time can a TIFF Volunteer or staff member take on
the responsibilities of a school supervisor. While the TIFF
team will ensure that both students and supervisors have
a pleasant experience, Volunteers cannot supervise groups
or individual students at any time, nor can they under any
circumstances be left alone with a student (e.g., escorting
students to the washroom).
Booking Policies
1. A reservation confirmation
form must be signed and
returned to TIFF Learning by the
educator who has booked the
tickets. If the completed form
has not been returned by the
specified date, TIFF Learning
reserves the right to release the
reservation.
2. In the event of cancellation,
TIFF Learning must receive
written notice no fewer than 10
school days before the scheduled
screening/digiPlaySpace visit
or a minimum of 50% of the
estimated total will be charged.
Cancellation due to severely
inclement weather or force
majeure is exempt.
3. TIFF recognizes that class
attendance fluctuates. The final
fee will be calculated based on
the total number of students
present or 50% of the estimated
total (as indicated on the
confirmation form), whatever is
greater. Payment is due in full at
the time of ticket pickup.
Any additional questions can be directed to learning@tiff.net.
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Jump Cuts and Young People’s Juries
Jump Cuts Young Filmmakers Showcase
Jump Cuts presents short films created for young people, by
young people. This exciting event gathers the best work from
Ontario students in grades 4–8, highlighting their creativity,
originality, and unique vision.
All entries must be received no later than 5pm on February 27,
2015. To submit your film, please visit tiff.net/jumpcuts.
2015 Jump Cuts Young
Filmmakers Showcase
School Screenings
Grades 4–6
Friday, April 17 10:00am
Grades 7–8
Friday, April 17 12:30pm
All Jump Cuts school screenings are followed by a Q&A
session with the filmmakers. Prizes for the top films will be
announced at the public awards ceremony on Sunday, April 19
at 3:15 pm.
The 2014 Jump Cuts Prizes
TVOKids Choice Award for Grades 4–6
The Frederick Simpson Award for Best Film, Grades 4–6
The Veronica Herman Award for Best Film, Grades 7 & 8
The Frederick Simpson and Veronica Herman Awards are generously supported by
Garrett Herman.
TIFF Kids Jury Awards
As part of our commitment to engage children and youth in
the critical discussion of films, TIFF Kids juries and audience
awards provide a forum in which our youngest audiences’
voices can be heard.
There are two feature-film juries representing two different
age groups: Jury 1 for students aged 8–10; and Jury 2 for ages
11–13. Each jury selects a winning feature film. Additionally,
one jury for students aged 9–13 selects a winning short film.
The TIFF Kids Young People’s Juries Contest has closed for 2015.
Please check back in Fall 2015 for contest details regarding the
2016 TIFF Kids International Film Festival.
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How to get to TIFF Bell Lightbox
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A parking garage entrance is
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$12/day
(Rates are subject to change. TIFF does not
own or operate the parking facility.)
UNION
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School buses are not permitted
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By TTC
TIFF Bell Lightbox is a short walk west of St. Andrew subway
station, on the northwest corner of King and John Streets.
The King streetcar runs both east and west and stops at John
Street in front of TIFF Bell Lightbox. Please check in with a
TIFF representative, who will greet you outside the building.
By school bus
TIFF Bell Lightbox is located at Reitman Square on the northwest
corner of King and John Streets (350 King Street West).
From the Gardiner Expressway From the 401 westbound:
eastbound:
• Take the Spadina Avenue exit
• Turn left onto Lower Spadina Avenue
• Turn right onto Adelaide Street West
• Turn right onto John Street
• Turn right onto King Street West
• Take the 404 exit
• Keep left and follow signs for Don
Valley Parkway South/Downtown
• Merge onto the Don Valley Parkway South
• Take the Gardiner Expressway west
• Take the Spadina Avenue exit
• Turn right onto Spadina Avenue
• Turn right onto Adelaide Street West
• Turn right onto John Street
• Turn right onto King Street West
Please have your students remain seated on the bus and a
TIFF representative will meet you.
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Reading this guide
Grade Recommendations
Films with Readers
All non-English-language films
are presented in their original
language with English subtitles
All programmes are listed with grade recommendations;
unless otherwise indicated.
content advisories are noted where necessary. These
At some screenings, subtitles
recommendations are based on our experience and
are read aloud by an
knowledge, but we recognize that children respond to films
experienced reader.
in different ways. We leave the final decision to you and we
Look for the
encourage you to choose the films that you feel are most
indicating which subtitled films
suitable for your class.
will be read aloud.
reader
icon
Special Guests
At TIFF Kids, we encourage dialogue about issues that are
important to students. Special guests will introduce films
and be available for question-and-answer sessions following
select screenings. Please inquire upon booking.
Visit tiff.net/kids for updates on our guests for 2015.
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digiPlaySpace: Adventures in Interactive Learning
digiPlaySpace is an interactive exhibition and playground
Classes will be guided through
located on the ground floor of TIFF Bell Lightbox. Now in its
digiPlaySpace in a one-hour tour.
fourth year, digiPlaySpace is bigger and better than ever: it
Tours are available in French
features new installations, learning-centric games, mobile
or English.
apps, creative tools, and production activities, all designed by
Grade-appropriate learning
acclaimed children’s artists from around the world.
opportunities and curriculum
digiPlaySpace is designed to promote students’ critical
connections will be highlighted
at each activity. Educators
thinking and creative problem-solving, while supporting
are provided with learning
accessibility and different learning styles.
resources to continue the
learning in the classroom.
Featured Installations
Build-a-Bot
Artist: Modular Robotics Incorporated
Supported Curriculum:
science, social studies, math,
language, media literacy, the arts
Use the innovative new MOSS Robotics system or digiPlaySpace
favourite Cubelets to build a humongous hodgepodge of robots
that drive, squiggle, crawl, bend, and glow!
Forest
Artists: Micah Scott and the New Media program at
Ryerson University’s RTA School of Media
Explore a luminous forest growing from floor to ceiling and navigate
your way through twisting organic strands and interactive paths
where bubbles of light slosh and flow, in this large-scale interactive
light sculpture that encourages play, curiosity, and collaboration.
Six-Forty by Four-Eighty
Artists: Marcelo Coelho and Jamie Zigelbaum, with the assistance of Joshua Kopin
Step into a screen and unleash your creativity with this new
form of digital graffiti! Become part of the artwork as you use
your body to rearrange and transfer colours across these
incredibly smart pixels to create patterns and animations.
Visitor
Artist: Tangible Interaction Design
Commissioned by TIFF for digiPlaySpace 2015 and the
digiPlaySpace travelling exhibition, Visitor is an interactive
interactive LED sculpture designed to elicit a sense of wonder
and discovery through open-ended group play.
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
FEATURES
Maya the Bee Movie
dir. Alexs Stadermann
Australia/Germany, 2014 | 79 min. | English | G | Toronto Premiere
Conformity rules in the beehive, but unlike her fellow worker bees
Maya just can’t seem to find a way to do what she’s told, when she’s
told. Her boundless curiosity and wonder continually put her at
odds with the rest of the hive, and lead to a conflict with its strict
royal advisor, Buzzlina. Fleeing on a journey of self-discovery with
her best friend Willi in tow, Maya uncovers Buzzlina’s plot to steal
the Queen’s royal jelly in order to frame the bees’ rivals, the hornets,
and get them permanently banished from the meadow. Will Maya
be able to save the hive before Buzzlina overthrows the Queen? This
exciting adventure celebrates being true to oneself, even in the face
of adversity.
Thursday, April 16 10:30am
Themes: acceptance, individuality, growing up, adventure
Content Advisory: young bees get bumped and fall as they learn to fly,
hornets and other animals may frighten the youngest viewers
Pappu’s Path
Pappu Ki Pugdandi
dir. Seemaa Desai
India, 2014 | 90 min. | Hindi w/ English subtitles | G | World Premiere
Pappu, a nine-year-old boy from the hills above Manali, Northern
India, transfers to a prestigious town school focused on English
instruction. Struggling with the new language, teased by his peers
and embarrassed by his house, his old friends, and his father—
an out-of-work engineer who spends his days building toys and
gadgets out of repurposed objects—the normally enthusiastic
Pappu begins to withdraw at home and school. When a genie
suddenly appears in his treehouse, Pappu believes his problems
are solved—but the genie insists that the boy must rely not on
magic, but his own inner strength. This heartwarming comedy
demonstrates that there are no shortcuts when it comes to finding
one’s own identity and a path to happiness.
Themes: creative problem-solving, reusing/recycling, acceptance
Content Advisory: children falling down a hill, physical fighting
(comedic), bullying/teasing, magic, urination
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
Tuesday, April 7 12:15pm reader
Tuesday, April 14 10:00am reader
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
FEATURES
A Little Game
dir. Evan Oppenheimer
USA, 2014 | 92 min. | English | G | International Premiere
Happy at her New York City public school, 10-year-old Max reluctantly
transfers to Blackstone Academy, an uptown private school, for the
different opportunities it will provide. Yet she has difficulty fitting in;
when one of her teachers suggests that she join the chess club, Max
is so embarrassed about not knowing how to play that she leaves
school. Walking home through Washington Square Park, she notices
the chess games in progress and approaches the grumpy Norman in
hopes of receiving a crash course. Norman grudgingly agrees to help
Max, and sends her on a series of missions to find representations of
each chess piece in her own life. The result is far more than a chess
education, as Max learns to persevere and embrace change.
Themes: chess, education, character development, strength,
decision-making, family
Content Advisory: death of a grandparent, grief (child continues to
speak to deceased loved one), bullying
Wednesday, April 8 12:15pm
Friday, April 10 10:15am
Wednesday, April 15 12:15pm
Mr. Twister on Stage
Mees Kees op de Planken
dir. Barbara Bredero
Netherlands, 2014 | 72 min. | Dutch w/ English subtitles | G |
North American Premiere
Themes: perseverance, intergenerational relationships, theatre
Content Advisory: adults kissing, one instance of implied strong
language (a rhyme is left unfinished), reference to digestive functions,
repeated references to head lice
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
Mr. Twister may not yet be a certified teacher but the students of
6B love having him as a substitute while they prepare to take their
qualification test and move on to high school. When the class is
assigned to perform a play at the local retirement home, the students
are unexcited—until Mr. Twister suggests they perform their own
interpretation of the story. Everyone loves his idea except the author,
Headmistress Dreus, who insists the class performs her beloved
script the way she intended. With Mr. Twister’s position at risk, will
the class—and the retirement-home residents—be able to save his
job and restore the play they put so much work into? This tale of
perseverance and intergenerational relationships demonstrates that
sometimes the most important lessons are learned outside of the
classroom.
Thursday, April 9 10:15am
Thursday, April 16 10:00am
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
FEATURES
Paper Planes
dir. Robert Connolly
Australia, 2014 | 96 min. | English | G |
Official Selection, Toronto International Film Festival 2014
Following the death of his mother, 11-year-old Dylan is largely left
to look after himself, as his dad is overcome with grief. After he
unexpectedly wins a school paper-plane contest, Dylan dives into his
new hobby and qualifies for the Australian national championships
in Sydney. Motivated by his friendship with the Japanese junior
champion Kimi—who teaches him that a paper plane should be as
beautiful as it is fast and strong—Dylan earns a spot at the World
Paper Plane Championships in Tokyo. As his friends, neighbours and
eccentric grandfather work to raise funds for his trip, Dylan realizes
he must accept his father’s sadness and commit to creating the most
beautiful plane he can—whether it wins or loses.
Themes: creativity, science, friendship, perseverance
Content Advisory: discussion of parental death, children playing with
fire and launching a rocket
Tuesday, April 7 10:00am
Thursday, April 9 12:15pm
Thursday, April 16 10:00am
T.I.M.
dir. Rolf Van Eijk
Netherlands, 2014 | 80 min. | Dutch w/ English subtitles | G |
Toronto Premiere
Bullied at school, 11-year-old Tibor can depend only on his outdated
house robot T.I.M. (The Incredible Machine), who has been with him
since he was young and shares stories of Tibor’s late mother. But
T.I.M. is breaking down and can only be repaired by his creator, the
elusive Hector Sammler. With only a crumpled photo of a lighthouse
to guide them, Tibor and T.I.M. visit the robot’s previous owners to
gather clues to Hector’s whereabouts. Along the way, they encounter
Kiki, a young girl who gives Tibor the confidence he needs to continue
on his quest and save his lifelong friend. Exploring themes of selfsacrifice and hope, this touching film will remind audiences of the
true meaning of friendship.
Themes: innovation, the future, friendship, technology, hope
Content Advisory: bullying (verbal and physical), parental death
discussed, child is chased by adults, individuals are threatened with an
axe, adult is hit in the head with a rock, minimal strong language
Wednesday, April 8 10:15am
Friday, April 10 10:00am
Friday, April 17 12:15pm
Following the screening, a subject matter expert will be on hand to
discuss the themes explored in the film.
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
FEATURES
Labyrinthus
dir. Douglas Boswell
Belgium, 2014 | 95 min. | Dutch w/ English subtitles | PG |
Official Selection, Toronto International Film Festival 2014
Fourteen-year-old Frikke is a good student, loyal to his friends, his
family, and his beloved dog. Yet his life takes an unexpected turn
when, on his way home from school, he discovers an odd-looking
camera that transports its photographic subjects directly into the
labyrinth of a mysterious videogame. Frikke begins to play and soon
meets Nola, a girl trapped inside the game. As the pair work to escape
the game’s villain—who has vowed to harm Nola if Frikke quits or
loses—Frikke’s best friend Markus also appears in the labyrinth. Now
Frikke must free his friends by solving the labyrinth’s secret code and
finding its evil creator—but can he do it in time?
Themes: perseverance, gaming, friendship, intrigue
Content Advisory: limited strong language, threat of violence,
depiction of urine
Tuesday, April 7 9:45am
Friday, April 17 9:45am
Friday, April 17 9:45am
Following the screening, a subject matter expert will be on hand to
discuss the themes explored in the film.
The Outlaw League
La gang des hors-la-loi
dir. Jean Beaudry
Canada, 2014 | 90 min. | French w/ English subtitles | PG |
Toronto Premiere
Grieving the recent death of his father in a fishing accident, 12-year-old
Nicolas finds a much-needed distraction—and an escape from family
tensions—playing baseball with his friends. When the local playing field
is selected to become their seaside town’s newest garbage dump, the
children must band together to reclaim their beloved diamond. The
tenacious Nicolas turns to his grandfather Jérémie, a former baseball
coach, for help, but there’s another problem: Nicolas’ mother blames
Jérémie for his father’s death, and Jérémie remains wracked with guilt,
leading him to drink too much at times. This inspiring film demonstrates
how forgiveness and understanding have the power to unite generations
in overcoming practical challenges as well as profound traumas.
Themes: sports, forgiveness, determination, civic action
Content Advisory: smoking, consumption of alcohol, empty alcohol
bottles, limited strong language, cultural stereotyping
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
Wednesday, April 8 10:00am
Tuesday, April 14 10:15am
Friday, April 17 12:30pm
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
FEATURES
Rainbow
Dhanak
dir. Nagesh Kukunoor
India, 2015 | 103 min. | Hindi w/ English subtitles | PG |
North American Premiere
Orphaned siblings Pari and Chotu live with an aunt and uncle who are
not always the best caregivers. Ten-year-old Pari assumes the role
of mother, guide and best friend to her eight-year-old brother, who
lost his eyesight when he was four. The only things the two disagree
on are their favourite film stars: Pari’s hero is Shah Rukh Khan,
while Chotu prefers Salman Khan. After spotting a poster of Shah
promoting eye donation, Pari beleives she has found a way to restore
Chotu’s eyesight. When they hear a rumour that the actor is filming in
a neighbouring city, the children set out on a journey of hope that will
change their lives forever.
Themes: siblings, perseverance, film culture, journey
Content Advisory: parental death discussed, adults smoking a hookah
and drinking alcohol, sleeping pills administered to children without their
knowledge, foul language, physical violence depicted and threatened,
depiction of religious symbols, gun pointed at a person, children
hitchhike
Thursday, April 9 12:15pm
Wednesday, April 15 9:45am
The Island of Secrets
dir. Taavi Vartia
Finland/Greece, 2014 | 86 min. | Finnish, Greek w/ English subtitles |
PG | International Premiere
Afraid of the ocean, 14-year-old Toni is less than enthusiastic about
spending his vacation in the Greek Islands with his newly blended
family. It’s bad enough that he doesn’t get along with his stepmother,
but he finds his younger stepbrothers, Aleksi and Veeti, just plain
annoying. It’s only when he meets Adriana, a gifted free-diver, that he
begins to open up about his feelings. When Toni realizes that a group
of dangerous smugglers are transporting national treasures from an
underwater cave and are forcing Adriana to help them, the boys must
put aside their differences in order to save her. Can Toni overcome his
greatest fear—and accept the help of his stepbrothers—before it’s
too late?
Themes: family, history, mystery, travel
Content Advisory: presence of guns, kidnapping, limited use of strong
language, young people in bathing suits at the beach
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
Wednesday, April 8 12:45pm
Thursday, April 16 12:30pm
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
FEATURES
Operation Arctic
Operasjon Arktis
dir. Grethe Bøe-Waal
Norway, 2014 | 89 min. | Norwegian w/ English subtitles | PG |
Toronto Premiere
Children of parents in the military, thirteen-year-old Julia and her
eight-year-old twin siblings, Ida and Sindre, move to a new town
with their mother while their father is on assignment. When Sindre
gets into a fight at his new school, the twins run off to the nearby
army base, with Julia hot on their heels. Desperate to see their
father in southern Norway, Ida and Sindre stow away on a helicopter
along with a reluctant Julia, but the helicopter is ordered to change
course and the children find themselves accidentally left behind
on uninhabited Halvmåneøy (Half Moon Island) in Arctic Norway
instead. Faced with bitter cold, storms, starvation, and wild animals,
can Julia use her resourcefulness to keep her siblings alive?
Themes: family, friendship, bullying, perseverance, environment
Content Advisory: use of guns for survival and protection, wild animals
exhibiting threatening behaviour, fire, some scenes may frighten young
children
Friday, April 10 12:30pm
Monday, April 13 9:45am
Opposite Field
dir. Jay Shapiro
USA, 2012 | 115 min. | English, Luganda w/English subtitles | PG |
Canadian Premiere
Filmed over three years, director Jay Shapiro’s documentary follows
a baseball team from Kampala, Uganda as they struggle to become
the first African club in history to qualify for the Little League World
Series. Coach George Mukhobe and his group of preteen hopefuls
are more than just a sports team: off the field, they come together
to offer one another support and encouragement in their home and
school lives. When the team hosts the Pearl of Africa Series and faces
competition from Langley, British Columbia, the true pride that they
hold for their country is revealed. Throughout their journey, the boys
forge friendships and a greater understanding of each other as they
quash stereotypes and overcome cynicism.
Themes: sport, friendship, determination, persistence, documentary
Content Advisory: discussion of death, war imagery
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
Thursday, April 9 9:45am
Friday, April 10 9:45am
Tuesday, April 14 9:45am
Thursday, April 16 12:00pm
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
FEATURES
Top Spin
dirs. Mina T. Son, Sara Newens
USA, 2014 | 80 min. | English | G | International Premiere
Ping-pong is a casual pastime for some, but for the three young
Olympic hopefuls at the centre of this exciting documentary it’s
a serious sport. Aged just 16, Ariel Hsing is already a two-time US
Women’s Table Tennis Champion. Close on her heels is 15-year-old
Lily Zhang, ranked second in the world in her age group—a first for
any American-born player. Seventeen-year-old Michael Landers has
returned from training in China with plans to attend university, and
competes while prepping for his SATs. Balancing gruelling training
schedules with pressure from school, friends, and parents, these three
athletes must battle on and off the ping-pong table to make it to the
top without losing themselves to the demands of their sport.
Themes: sports, documentary, pressure, following your dreams
Tuesday, April 7 10:15am
Wednesday, April 15 10:15am
Landfill Harmonic
dir. Graham Townsley, Brad Allgood
USA/Paraguay, 2014 | 84 min. | Spanish w/ English subtitles | PG |
Canadian Premiere
Themes: perseverance, documentary, music, recycling
Content Advisory: mention of parent who drinks too much and acts
violently, damage to homes caused by natural disaster, youth in difficult
living situations
Following the screening, a subject matter expert will be on hand to
discuss the themes explored in the film.
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
Built on a massive landfill site, the community of Cateura, Paraguay,
has such limited resources that many of its citizens make their
living by selling items recycled from the trash. But among this
struggling population stands a beacon of hope: The Recycled
Orchestra. The youth orchestra began with few instruments, so
founder Favio Chávez turned to the self-taught instrument maker
Cola to repurpose oil cans, scrap metal, wood and bottle caps into
working instruments. The orchestra travels the world with their
recycled instruments, sometimes accompanying famous artists and
appearing on television. Life seems hopeful—until trouble strikes at
home. This inspiring documentary follows young people who make
unbelievable music while living the motto: “The world sends us
garbage… We send back music.”
Friday, April 10 12:45pm
Wednesday, April 15 10:30am
Friday, April 17 10:30am
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
FEATURES
Bite Size
dir. Corbin Billings
USA, 2014 | 90 min. | English | PG | International Premiere
This thought-provoking documentary follows four young Americans
from diverse backgrounds—Davion (12), Emily (13), Moy (11), and
KeAnna (13)—as they deal with everyday struggles while also learning
how to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Facing both bullying
and health-related challenges, the four protagonists look to their
friends, family, educators, and even a specialized weight-loss school
for help; however, their loved ones aren’t always ready to change their
own long-established behaviours, and some unwittingly hamper the
young people’s success. When one in three American children live
their lives overweight, will Davion, Emily, Moy and KeAnna be able to
achieve self-acceptance and a healthy lifestyle despite the obstacles
in their way?
Themes: health, community, documentary, perseverance
Content Advisory: personal struggles with weight addressed,
videogame violence, football tackling, bullying, physical fight between
children, skin prick/blood visible in the treatment of diabetes, death of a
parent discussed, speaker recounts suicidal thoughts to a group of teens
Wednesday, April 8 12:30pm
Monday, April 13 12:15pm
Following the screening, a subject matter expert will be on hand to
discuss the themes explored in the film.
Celestial Camel
Nebesnyj Verbljud
dir. Yury Feting
Russia, 2015 | 90 min. | Russian, Mongolian w/ English subtitles |
PG | North American Premiere
A diligent sheep herder, 12-year-old Bayir also cares for his family’s
two camels, a mother and her calf. Bayir and his siblings revere the
light-coloured young camel, the birth of which their grandfather
declared a good omen, so they’re devastated when their father sells
it to pay off a debt. When the calf’s distraught mother flees, Bayir
sets out to find both camels amidst an ongoing drought. Embarking
on his mission with just a few supplies and an oversized motorcycle,
he encounters some helpful allies—and great danger. Bayir is
determined to make his family proud, and his story provides the
audience with a thought-provoking look into a different way of life.
Themes: animal welfare, perseverance, family, friendship
Content Advisory: religion and spiritual practices depicted, some strong
language, discussion of violence towards animals, threats uttered to
animal and child, child is wrongfully arrested, references to cannabis,
culturally insensitive comments, weapons (knives), alcohol consumed,
intoxication, explosion/fire
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
Friday, April 10 10:15am
Tuesday, April 14 12:30pm
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
FEATURES
When We Were Boys
Il était une fois les boys
dir. Richard Goudreau
Canada, 2013 | 106 min. | French w/ English subtitles | PG
It’s Christmastime in Quebec, 1967, and small-town friends Stan,
Jean-Charles, Méo, Bob, Fern, and Marcel—all of them between
13 and 15 years old—are preparing for the annual holiday hockey
tournament. While their team has a lot of heart, their efforts aren’t
always reflected in the final score. Off the ice, the boys’ spirits are
hampered by all manner of challenges: fights at school, problems
at home, and an obnoxious rival team that mocks them at every
turn. But as the pressure mounts, an unforeseen tragedy causes
the teammates to reconsider the importance of the game and
realize, through shared experience, that their strength comes from
standing together.
Themes: hockey, teamwork, perseverance, coping with grief
Content Advisory: coarse language, sexual innuendo, sexualized
portrayal of women, sexual harassment in the workplace, limited nudity
(on trading cards), parents commit adultery, physical fighting, death of a
young person
Friday, April 10 12:15pm
Thursday, April 16 9:45am
Following the screening, a subject matter expert will be on hand to
discuss the themes explored in the film.
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
SHORTS PROGRAMMES
The Little Blue Balloon
O Balãozinho Azul
dir. Fáuston da Silva | Brazil, 2014 | 18 min. | Portuguese w/ English subtitles | Canadian Premiere
This modern homage to Albert Lamorisse’s classic 1956 short The Red
Balloon tells the story of a girl whose life is brightened by a blue balloon
that never leaves her side. Exclamation Mark
dir. Virginia Wilkos | USA, 2014 | 6 min. | English
With help from others, an exclamation mark learns that one can fit in
and stand out at the same time.
The Light and the Little Girl
The Little Blue Balloon
Give and Get
Even the youngest of protagonists in our Primary-level
programme face challenges making friends, fitting in, or
finding the courage to stand out. Through this collection
of shorts, young viewers are presented with thoughtprovoking scenarios that will prompt discussions in
character education and problem-solving.
Thursday, April 9 10:00am reader
Monday, April 13 10:15am reader
Wednesday, April 15 10:00am reader
dir. Guy Pooles | USA/United Kingdom, 2014 | 7 min. | No dialogue | Canadian Premiere
A young girl loves playing with a sunbeam that moves through her
home, but when’s unable to capture the ray of light in a jar, she learns
that we can’t always keep hold of things we cherish.
The Elephant and the Bicycle
Le Vélo de l’éléphant
dir. Olesya Shchukina | France/Belgium, 2014 | 9 min. | No dialogue | Toronto Premiere
An elephant attends to his job as the town’s street cleaner, spending
each day’s earnings on his favourite treat: bananas. After seeing a
billboard ad for a bicycle, he saves his earnings for what is sure to be
the ride of his life!
Bunny New Girl
dir. Natalie van den Dungen | Australia, 2014 | 6 min. | English | Canadian Premiere
Seven-year-old Annabelle arrives for her first day at a new school wearing
a homemade rabbit mask. It takes the empathy of a new friend to give
her the courage to remove the mask and be seen just the way she is.
Papa
dir. Natalie Labarre | USA, 2014 | 6 min. | No dialogue | Toronto Premiere
An overzealous father thinks that he can invent the perfect guardian for his
daughter—but it turns out no invention can replace this father/daughter duo.
Ahmed & Mildred
dirs. Adam Horton, Joe Horton | United Kingdom, 2014 | 5 min. | English | International Premiere
Themes: friendship, acceptance, courage
Content Advisory: bullying, teasing, child wets her bed
This programme is rated G.
Ahmed and Mildred become fast friends when they notice they’re
both carrying action figures of the same crime-fighting superhero duo.
When Ahmed loses his beloved toy, friendship and fate lead Mildred to
ensure he gets it back.
Zebra
dir. Julia Ocker | Germany, 2013 | 3 min. | No dialogue | Toronto Premiere
Running carefree across the plains, a zebra notices a change in his coat
and realizes that being unique is something to be celebrated.
My Big Brother
dir. Jason Rayner | USA, 2014 | 3 min. | No dialogue
Big and small, short and tall: life sure gets interesting when your BIG
brother stands over 20 feet high!
Balloons
dir. Sitora Takanaev | USA, 2014 | 5 min. | English | Canadian Premiere
After experiencing some teasing at school, a young girl finds an abandoned
bouquet of balloons and resolves to make her city a happier place.
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
SHORTS PROGRAMMES
Jack
dir. Quentin Haberham | Netherlands, 2013 | 3 min. | No dialogue | Toronto Premiere
A curious creature searches a junkyard in the hope of locating a missing
piece of his frame—but what he finds instead proves far more valuable.
Pierre and His Backpack
Pierre e a Mochila
dir. Iuli Gerbase | Brazil, 2013 | 10 min. | Portuguese w/ English subtitles| Canadian Premiere
On his first day at a new school, Pierre is grouped with three strongly
opinionated girls to complete a class project: a musical about Thomas
Edison. Through creativity and collaboration, the classmates learn
that four heads can be better than one.
Jack
Decorations
dir. Mari Miyazawa | Japan, 2014 | 7 min. | No dialogue | Canadian Premiere
Imagination Inspiration
The following short films celebrate the creativity of
filmmakers while inspiring audiences to reimagine
discarded objects, celebrate difference, and approach
problems with inventive solutions.
Tuesday, April 7 10:00am reader
Thursday, April 9 12:30pm reader
Monday, April 13 12:30pm reader
Tuesday, April 14 12:30pm reader
Late at night in a quiet kitchen, an icing bag gets to work decorating a
three-tiered cake. As the cake design reaches completion, the icing bag
moves on to create other lifelike confections.
The Last Leaf
dir. Gwyneth Christoffel | Canada, 2014 | 2 min. | No dialogue | Toronto Premiere
An ant takes advantage of a caterpillar’s creative efforts in order to
secure the very last leaf.
Broken Wand
dirs. Michael Altman, Anne Yang | USA 2014 | 3 min. | No dialogue | Canadian Premiere
A retired magician tries to reignite his grandson’s creative passion after
the boy grows preoccupied with an electronic gaming device.
Super Girl
dirs. Vaani Arora, Hemant Gaba | India, 2014 | 16 min. | English, Hindi w/ English subtitles | Canadian Premiere
Yearning to become a real-life superhero, Nadia recruits her grandfather to help her build a super rocket car. But when she encounters
problems with her design, Nadia learns that there’s more to being a
superhero than just being able to fly.
Granddaughter
Nieta
dir. Nicolás Villarreal | Argentina, 2014 | 5 min. | No dialogue
Themes: recycling, reusing, creative problem-solving, inventing
This acclaimed Argentine short takes the viewer on an imaginative
journey of self-discovery as a little girl learns to navigate the world in a
creative new way.
Content Advisory: presence of magic/magician, discussion of
parental loss
Mommy
This programme is rated G.
Mami
dir. Che Espiritu | Philippines, 2014 | 18 min. | Tagalog w/ English subtitles | World Premiere
In order to create drawings of what they believe their mothers look like,
two best friends explore their neighbourhood looking for inspiration in
the faces they see.
Pass It On
dir. Teresa Cruz | Portugal, 2014 | 3 min. | No dialogue | North American Premiere
The robots in a modelling-clay factory are all tasked with producing
the exact same pieces—but when one robot makes a change, his fellow
workers decide to get creative too.
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
SHORTS PROGRAMMES
Munya in Me
Munya in mij
dir. Mascha Halberstad | Netherlands, 2014 | 20 min. | Dutch w/ English subtitles |
Toronto Premiere
In this poignant stop-motion animation, 10-year-old Munya tries without much success to avoid her bullies on her daily trip to the Turkish
supermarket—until one day when her creativity and love of music
help her realize that she has no reason to hide and should be proud of
who she is.
The Magic Shoes
At the Crossroads
Peer pressure, whether implied through passive
comments or applied overtly through bullying, can
motivate young people to act in ways they had never
considered before. The protagonists in this collection of
shorts must decide whether to be loyal to themselves
and their loved ones, or to attempt to satisfy social
expectation from peers.
Tuesday, April 7 12:30pm
Thursday, April 16 12:45pm
Class Trip
Åka Utför
dir. Jonatan Etzler | Sweden, 2014 | 14 min. | Swedish w/ English Subtitles |
North American Premiere
Eight-year-old Elin attempts to fit in at her new school, where her classmates prepare for a ski trip. She soon notices that their home lives are
different from hers and, unable to afford a shiny new pair of skis, she’s
not sure she will be accepted. Will Elin overcome her fear of not fitting
in, and join in the fun instead?
The Cut
La coupe
dir. Geneviève Dulude-De Celles | Canada, 2013 | 15 min. | French w/ English subtitles
Fannie’s dad has agreed to let her give him a haircut, but this
charming moment between father and daughter is interrupted by
a phone call that forces Fannie to decide whether she’ll stay at her
dad’s for popcorn and a movie or take advantage of a spontaneous
invitation from a friend.
The Magic Shoes
dir. Sahand Nikoukar | USA, 2014 | 19 min. | International Premiere
Themes:
bullying, peer pressure, desire to fit in, decisions
Content Advisory:
bullying, name calling, suggested financial struggle
Following the screening, a subject matter expert will be
on hand to discuss the themes explored in the films.
It’s 1992 and nine-year-old Kamron’s family has just moved to Los
Angeles from Iran. Left out of basketball games at his new school,
Kamron fantasizes about impressing his classmates with high-flying
dunks—if only he had the right shoes! His parents can’t afford the Air
Jordans he desperately wants, but Kamron is committed to getting
them at all costs.
This programme is rated G.
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
SHORTS PROGRAMMES
Bhavini – I Just Wanna Dance
Bhavini – ich will nur tanzen
dir. André Hörmann | Germany, 2013 | 15 min. | Hindi w/ English subtitles | Canadian Premiere
Bhavini dreams of becoming a dancer, and while her mother wants to
honour her daughter’s dream, life has been difficult since the passing
of her father. Bhavini remains committed to dance, taking a job at her
mother’s beauty salon to earn money for lessons.
New
Nieuw
Mo’s Bows
Dreaming in Real Life
None of the people we meet in this programme are
older than 13, but all of them dream big. Whether it’s
imagining a better life or a new world of opportunity,
these individuals are committed to the hard work that it
will take for their wishes to become reality.
Friday, April 10 12:45pm
Monday, April 13 12:45pm
dir. Eefje Blankevoort | Netherlands, 2014 | 19 min. | Dutch, English, Swahili w/ English subtitles |
Toronto Premiere
Eight-year-old Tanans has recently arrived in the Netherlands from
a refugee camp in Uganda and is excited about starting his new life.
Unfamiliar with the new culture and language, Tanans makes his best
effort to try to fit in and make new friends.
Faith’s Goal
dir. Elizabeth Lee | Canada, 2013 | 5 min. | English
Even as she takes the ice as a member of an otherwise all-boys team,
Faith remains optimistic about the future of women’s hockey. This
documentary shines a light on the challenges and triumphs of these
inspiring athletes, and features an interview with 2014 Team Canada
Olympian Jenn Wakefield.
Mo’s Bows
dirs. Kristen McGregor, Jennifer Treuting | USA, 2015 | 6 min. | English | World Premiere
Most sixth-graders count their accomplishments in terms of trophies
and medals, but not Moziah Bridges: he tracks his achievements by the
number of bow ties he has sold to local Memphis vendors. Meet Mo in
the early stages of developing his company, Mo’s Bows!
Themes:
human rights, documentary, creative problem-solving,
breaking boundaries, entrepreneurship, arts
The Lion and the Brave Mouse
Content Advisory:
discussion and images of war, bombing, gun imagery and violence
dir. Els Van Driel | Netherlands, 2014 | 20 min. | Dutch, Arabic w/ English subtitles |
International Premiere
Following the screening, a subject matter expert will be
on hand to discuss the themes explored in the films.
This programme is rated G.
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
De Leeuw en de dappere muis
When Nora was nine years old, a missile destroyed her house in Homs,
Syria, prompting her family to establish a new home in Jordan. Months
later, life has still not returned to normal, but Nora finds comfort in her
drawings and dreams of one day opening an art academy for girls.
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
SHORTS PROGRAMMES
An American Piano
dir. Paul Leeming | Japan, 2014 | 20 min. | Japanese, English w/ English subtitles |
Canadian Premiere
Set in Japan during World War II and based on a true story, this film
tells the tale of a young Japanese girl whose love for playing the piano
touched the lives of American soldiers detained as Prisoners of War in
a camp next door to her house.
The Treehouse
dir. Amy Coop | United Kingdom, 2014 | 17 min. | English
The Vow
The Hardest Part
The young protagonists in this collection of shorts must
deal, at a premature age, with circumstances beyond
their control. Each film demonstrates how tragedy, as
seen through the eyes of a child, can provide adults with
some much-needed perspective on the precious nature
of life and happiness.
Friday, April 10 10:15am
Wednesday, April 15 12:45pm
Following a funeral, Connor retreats from his family’s grief to the
treehouse he built with his father. While there, he is visited by Fleur, his
neighbour’s niece. With Fleur’s help, Connor is able to come to terms
with his loss and face up to the future.
The Vow
dir. Lina Roessler | Canada/USA, 2014 | 6 min. | English
Best friends Alice and Kristi work together to trap the mystical drop of
sun they need to free Alice from her harmful home life.
Zone A
Ezor Alef
dir. Dan Ronen | Israel, 2014 | 18 min. | Hebrew w/ English subtitles | World Premiere
Winter, 1991. It’s the middle of the Gulf War and Tel Aviv is under
regular missile attacks, while 10-year-old Omer finds himself caught
in another battle: his parents’ divorce. With conflict both at home and
outside, Omer does his best to convince his parents that despite their
separation, there are larger issues at stake.
When Fish Fly
dir. Lisa Rose Snow | Canada, 2014 | 9 min. | No dialogue
Themes: addressing grief, overcoming hardship, family, empathy
Content Advisory: familial and pet death, grief, war-related
references, actions and images (POW camps, gas masks, air raid
sirens), marriage, allusion to physical abuse, magic
After the death of her mother, nine-year-old Elsie receives a pet fish,
Gus, from her father in an attempt to alleviate her grief. When Elsie
finds Gus floating at the top of his bowl one day, she realizes that it’s up
to her to find the right way to say goodbye.
Due to the mature nature of these films and the difficult
subject matter discussed, a community expert will be available
after the screening to answer audience questions.
This programme is rated PG.
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
SHORTS PROGRAMMES
Andrew with Great Fanfare
Andrew – mit Pauken und Trompeten
dir. André Hörmann | Germany, 2014 | 25 min. | English | International Premiere
Andrew lives with his grandmother in an underserved district of New
Orleans. He has one goal: to become his marching band’s drum major
for the upcoming Mardi Gras. This is no small feat—it takes focus,
strength and courage, and Andrew outdoes himself in rehearsal in
order to display leadership and gain the respect of his peers.
Omid
A Place in the Middle
From My Point of View
These documentaries all share an admirable trait: their
subjects are motivated to take action. Not satisfied with
their own circumstances or the circumstances of those
around them, they strive to make a difference by setting
a goal and working to achieve it. Even in the face of
adversity, these youth are determined to make a change.
Tuesday, April 7 12:45pm
Monday, April 13 12:15pm
Friday, April 17 10:15am
dir. Jawad Wahabzada | USA/ Afghanistan, 2014 | 9 min. | Farsi w/English Subtitles |
International Premiere
War has dominated Omid’s life since he was a small child, yet he
remains optimistic that he’ll get to enjoy peace as a teenager. As his
family’s primary breadwinner, he struggles to make ends meet washing
cars outside the US Embassy in Kabul, saving what little money he can
in the hope of one day returning to school and becoming a doctor.
A Place in the Middle
dir. Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson | USA, 2014 | 24 mins. | English, Hawaiian w/ English subtitles |
International Premiere
Ho’onani is not like many other kids at her school. Rather than identify
as male or female, she is accepted by her peers as being “in the
middle”—the ancient Hawaiian tradition of embracing both the male
and female spirit. Told from her point of view, this documentary follows
Ho’onani as she auditions for her school’s all-boy hula troupe.
Gabriel Reports on the World Cup
Gabriel verslaat het WK
dir. Els Van Driel | Netherlands, 2014 | 17min. | Portuguese w/ English Subtitles |
International Premiere
Themes:
perseverance, self-discovery, documentary, music, sport,
determination, gender identity
Content Advisory:
discussion of war, violence, absent parents, drugs
When the FIFA World Cup took over Brazil in 2014, many of the youth
who live in the underserved area of Fortaleza were initially ecstatic—
but one boy, Gabriel, wants people to know that not everything about
the event should be celebrated. Gabriel sets up a blog to document the
ways in which the World Cup has disrupted residents’ lives.
Following the screening, a subject matter expert will be
on hand to discuss the themes explored in the films.
This programme is rated PG.
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
SHORTS PROGRAMMES
Go Daan Go!
Daan durft
dir. Mari Sanders | Netherlands, 2014 | 15 min. | Dutch w/ English subtitles |
North American Premiere
When Daan discovers his mother’s swimming medals in the attic he is
excited to be able to celebrate his own recent racing success with her,
but something is stopping her from sharing in Daan’s enthusiasm for
the sport.
Shades of Gray
Bicycle
This or That
All of us are faced with difficult decisions at times, and
the protagonists in these films are no different. Each of
them must consider the challenge in front of them and
examine their options as they find their way to a solution.
Wednesday, April 8 10:15am
Tuesday, April 14 12:45pm
Ottenky serogo
dir. Alexandra Averyanova | Russia, 2014 | 6 min. | No dialogue | Canadian Premiere
In this animated short, a boy and a girl meet at the Tsarskoselsky
railway station in in Saint Petersburg, but are soon separated. It’s a
twist of fate that brings them together 20 years later.
Kharisma
dir. Shannon Murphy | Australia, 2013 | 13 min. | English
Like many other kids, Kharisma seeks the approval of her father, and
for her this means securing a spot in his annual talent show. When she
fails to make the cut yet again, her jealousy of the show’s star, Mary,
begins to manifest itself in unusual ways.
High Tide
dir. Kimberley West | Australia, 2014 | 10 min. | English | Canadian Premiere
It’s an optimal night for fishing, but as Jamie, his dad, and his best
friend get ready to set out on the open water, Jamie learns that Trudy,
his crush, has agreed to go to the movies with him. Faced with a tough
decision, Jamie figures out a way to do both.
Bicycle
Themes:
perseverance, decision-making, sport, arts
Content Advisory:
child is slapped and pushed by an adult, mild language
This programme is rated G.
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dir. Mailesan Rangaswamy | India, 2014 | 21 min. | Hindi w/ English subtitles | Canadian Premiere
While staring at the horizon, two boys share their dreams: one wants
to be a businessman while the other hopes to travel the world. Risking
his job as a shoeshine on the streets of India, one of the boys makes a
great sacrifice to help his friend’s dream come true.
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TIFF KIDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015
SHORTS PROGRAMMES
Go Straight Home
dirs. Maud Nycander, Iga Mikler | Sweden, 2013 | 11 min. | Bengali w/ English subtitles |
Canadian Premiere
Like many female students in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 14-year-old Reba
lives with the constant fear of being harassed when travelling to and
from school. Worse, her family’s financial troubles may force her into
an arranged marriage and end to her education entirely. This documentary highlights one young woman’s determination to overcome the
daunting obstacles in her path.
Stealth
Hear Me
In this collection of shorts, children deal with challenges
greater than what many adults will ever face. It’s often
easier to turn away from your true self, giving in to bullies
and naysayers. Displaying courage and a strong sense
of self-worth, these young people fight to honour their
identities and achieve their goals.
Thursday, April 9 12:45pm
Monday, April 13 10:00am
Wednesday, April 15 12:30pm
Born With It
dir. Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour, Jr. | Japan, 2014 | 16 min. | Japanese w/ English subtitles |
International Premiere
Living in Tokyo, Keisuke Fujii never really considered the colour of his
skin; but when he and his mother move to rural Japan, the other kids
assume that he is of African descent and therefore must have AIDS.
Unsure of how to address these prejudices, Keisuke sets out to find
answers and confront the cruel rumours once and for all.
Stealth
dir. Bennett Lasseter | USA, 2014 | 22 min. | English | International Premiere
After a troubled year at school, transgendered 12-year-old Sammy is
hoping to make a fresh start. But when she is invited to a sleepover and
reveals her identity to her two new friends, their reaction leads her to
wonder whether she can ever trust anyone with her deepest secret.
Yussef is Complicated
dir. Vaughn Stein | United Kingdom, 2014 | 18 min. | English | International Premiere
Themes: acceptance, self-confidence, equity, social justice
Quiet and withdrawn, Yussef is often bullied by his classmates. After a
schoolyard fight puts him under threat of expulsion, his sympathetic
teacher tasks him with writing about “the day that changed my life”—
and when he presents his assignment to the class, he finally reveals
what it is that makes him so complicated.
Content Advisory: crass language, discussion of violent acts,
online search for “people with AIDS in Africa,” discussion of gender
transitioning, description of war and death as a result of bombing
Following the screening, a subject matter expert will be
on hand to discuss the themes explored in the films.
This programme is rated PG.
S H OWCAS I N G T H E WO R L D ’S B E ST F I L M S FO R C H I L D R E N
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