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Northbrook International Children's Film Festival

This film festival returns to the Auditorium, showcasing short children's films from around the world on Saturday, November 5 from 2:00-3:30pm. Watch the Official Trailer (43 sec.)

Register for the Film Fest

Join us in the Auditorium to watch these award-winning international short films for kids ages 5-10 with an adult caregiver. After watching the films, attendees are invited to vote for their favorite to win "Best of Fest," and are invited to stay for a virtual Q&A with some of the film's directors from around the world! Although the films will appeal to children ages 5-10, even older kids will find something to love.

The whimsical short films accentuate the value of ingenuity and flights of fancy. A young girl finds that music is the perfect outlet for her energy in Kenya’s Symphony (USA), a special toy creates a bond between father and son in Mall (Germany), and an unconventional dancer reveals his skills in Caught Off Guard (Singapore).

Co-hosted by the Chicago-based International Children’s Media Center (ICMC), the festival will teach children how to watch a movie "with their minds awake" and then vote for their favorite film. After the screening, attendees are invited to stay for a virtual Q&A with film directors from around the world. 

This year's films

A-Choo!

South Korea, 2020, 4min. Directed by Lee Bo-reum. A little bird and a frisky squirrel learn a valuable lesson about covering their sneezes. Non-verbal. U.S. Premiere.

Kenya’s Symphony

USA, 2019, 5 min. Directed by Carlos Douglas Jr. A rowdy, playful young girl discovers a passion for music after her mother takes her to hear to a symphony. Non-Verbal.

Rhino

UK, 2020, 3 min. Directed by Bethany Powell. The animals of the savannah are afraid of strong, husky Rhino. But after seeing Rhino’s selflessness and kind heart, they band together to help out their new friend. Non-verbal. Chicago Premiere.

The Peak

Japan, 2019, 5 min. Directed by Satoshi Takahashi. A young girl must overcome her fear of the dark as she embarks on a journey to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Non-verbal.

El Monociclo en Cuba

USA, 2020, 6 min. Directed by Nathan Ward & Kian Ward. A short documentary about a talented young boy who rides a unicycle, taking him on an adventure through the streets of Cuba. In English. Chicago Premiere.

A Cat Called Jam

Ireland, 2019, 8 min. Directed by Lorraine Lordan. A scrappy kitty identifies as a dog until he meets a wise cat who helps him realize his true self. In English. 

Space Girls

UK, 2018, 10 min. Directed by Carys Watford. Four friends use their imagination to leap into the unknown adventures of space. In English. Chicago Premiere.

The Little Bird and the Bees

Switzerland 2020, 4 min. Directed by Lena von DohrenA bird and bees help leaves grow in the spring, but a fox nearby is on the hunt. Non-verbal. Chicago Premiere.

Mall

Germany, 2019, 7 min. Directed by Jerry Hoffman. A young boy tries to steal a mermaid doll while shopping with his family. When he is caught, his father has an unexpected reaction. U.S. Premiere.

Castaway

France, 2020, 7 min. Directed by Marie Gauthier, Léopoldine Perdrix, Margo Lopez, Vincent Carrette, Rachel Bosc-Bierne, Flore-Anne Victor, Simon Fabbri. A lonely girl living in the sky gets an unexpected visit that turns her world upside down. Non-verbal. U.S. Premiere.

Caught Off Guard

Singapore, 2019, 6 min. Directed by Paul Ng. A security guard who dreams of becoming a dancer gets caught dancing on camera by one of his coworkers. Non-verbal. Chicago Premiere.

Sea Shadow

Netherlands, 2020, 10 min. Directed by Vincent Bal & Marlon Nowe. While stuck at home, young Max befriends and helps a shadow man who comes to life from one of his drawings. In Dutch with English subtitles.

Special Thanks to:

Friends of the Northbrook Public Library Library