Feature Films
The annual International Children’s Film Carnival (ICFC) is here again! This year we continue to bring you different kinds of children’s films from all over the world, so you can enjoy them from the ease and comfort of Hong Kong.

Do you like cuddling kittens and puppies? What about lions, tigers and elephants? Travel to Africa with the kids in My African Adventure and meet all kinds of wild animals up close. The more you learn about them, the more you will love them. After the African tiger, what about the blue tiger? In The Blue Tiger, the mythological creature leaps out from simple drawings and teaches us a lesson in conservation.

Next we explore mysterious Peru in Tad, the Lost Explorer and tour a fantastical land in search of the secret of moonstones in Lotte and the Moonstone Secret. A Letter to Momo takes us and Momo to the island of Shio for a sojourn during which we experience the unique culture of the place and see the goblin spirits of Japanese folklore. Despite their demonic appearances, they can be quite kind!

Finland’s Ricky and Nelly are no strangers to audience who have been to the ICFC. Ricky Rapper and Cool Wendy lets you hang out with them at a holiday camp where you can help him defeat haughty campmate Wendy! Some of you may be more familiar with "the Crocodiles" because it’s the third time they appear on our programme! The Crocodiles 3: All for One sees them in a life-and-death situation. Perhaps you can lend a hand!

In Hong Kong, children’s basic rights are protected even though not all kids have materially fulfilling lives. It is hard to imagine the story of Stanley Ka Dabba would happen here, where a child is banned from school because he cannot afford to bring his own lunch. Yet are we grateful for having food, education and the care of loved ones?

Specials for Youth
Youngsters at the start of puberty experience all kinds of rapid physical and psychological changes. Compounding this are situations at home, in school and society which may clash with their own values, triggering anxiety and confusion. The question of how to help young people confront changes and develop a positive mindset has long been a problem for many societies. This year, we have chosen two thought-provoking films relate to youth growth.

In Kauwboy, Jojo’s only consolation in the face of a troublesome home is a tiny jackdaw. Through the special friendship with the bird, he builds his inner strength. The director gives a brilliantly artistic portrayal of the boy’s inner world in this film that shone at film festivals the world over.

Cool Kids Don’t Cry revolves around invincible and optimistic Akkie who discovers that she has leukaemia. Faced with sudden changes in health, she is nonetheless determined to live her life to the fullest. Adapted from a popular children’s novel, the film features a moving performance by the protagonist who played Eva in The Secret Letter last year.

The two films are not only very touching but likely to inspire introspection.

Film Tunnel
I still remember going to cinemas with the whole family as a kid. Watching old films is like revisiting one’s childhood.

The most memorable feature of a musical is often the songs. No matter how many years have passed, music can still bring back the scenes where it first appeared. Our two selections this year are films your parents or grandparents have seen, even if you have not, and the songs featured were once household melodies. Let’s enjoy them once again.

The Sound of Music was inspired by the real story of Maria von Trapp. As the story goes, Maria, a nun in a convent at the Alps, was sent by the head of the convent to the von Trapp family to be a tutor. She later became Mrs. von Trapp and helped Colonel von Trapp to form a choir with his seven children, under the cover of which they left Nazi Germany. Maria recorded her experiences in a book entitled The Story of the Trapp Family Singers, which was later adapted into a musical and several movies. The most famous was the one starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer which was filmed on location in Salzburg, Austria.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a children’s novel written by the author of 007 Ian Fleming for his son. It was initially adapted into a Broadway musical and later into a movie. The Sherman brothers who wrote "It’s a Small World" were recruited to write musical numbers for it, turning it into one of the best-selling musical movies in history. A new musical based on the film is now staging in Australia.

Special Screenings for Parents
The greatest wish of most parents is for their children to grow up in health and happiness. When something disrupts that, they suffer as much as the kids.

Bram is an extremely active child who enjoys kindergarten because it allowed him freedom of movement. Once in primary school, however, his excessive activeness becomes the headache of the school and his family. Fidgety Bram presents the world from the perspective of an over-active child. Adults don’t understand him. Similarly he has no idea why they are always pointing a finger. The film encourages greater understanding of hyperactive children.

In contrast to Bram, Ka can only jump as one of his legs has been amputated due to bone tumour. In Jumping Boy, Ka keeps jumping in the hope of seeing the "Roly-poly", a figure in a children’s book. In the end, dreams prevail and his wish is granted.

Imagination knows no bounds. Sending a rocket to space and landing on the moon were once our dreams. Films with positive vibes inspire children to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams, with the guidance and assistance of their parents.

World Animation & Shorts
This year’s World Animation & Shorts continue to excite and exhilarate.

World Animation & Shorts 1 features five selections from Germany, Sweden and Latvia. Don’t miss them if you want to know about the fascinating encounters of brown bear, a frog, a rabbit, a tiger and little meatballs.

World Animation & Shorts 2 introduces you to a frog in a well, a toy bear and a mouse, and lets you go on an adventure with Mr. Morris and also reveals a thought-provoking story behind the pictograms.

Both programmes feature interactive sessions. See you soon!

All feature films curated and programme notes provided by Karen So
All short films curated and programme notes provided by InD Blue