Film tips from the the International Film Competition for Children under 11 Section
This week we also bring you some tips for films that children under 11 should not miss at the cinemas. However, this border is only a reference point; selected films will captivate viewers across generations with their story.
Wolfwalkers (IRL/USA, 2020, Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart)
In a time of superstition and magic, novice hunter Robyn Goodfellowe travels with her father to Ireland to exterminate the last pack of wolves. While exploring the forbidden area behind the city walls, Robyn befriends the free-spirited girl Mebh, who belongs to a mysterious tribe. It is said that after dark its members turn into wolves. In search of Mebha's missing mother, Robyn reveals a secret that opens the door to the vicious world of Werewolves. However, she risks turning into what her father was tasked with destroying.
You can watch trailer here.
Kids Are Fine (KOR, 2021, Ji Won Lee)
Da-yi is used to doing everything himself because his mother is sick and his father is constantly busy. In order to be able to visit his mother in the hospital every day, the family moves closer. Although Da-yi is in a new neighborhood and school, he does not feel lonely while he is with his mother. He visits her every day and spends time with her. He gradually gets used to the new school, where his classmates Yu-jin and Min-ho become his best friends. As he spends more time with his friends, he thinks less of his mother. However, when her condition worsens, she is taken to a more distant hospital, and Da-yi fears that he will never see her again. Therefore, together with his friends, he sets out to find her.
You can watch trailer here.
Spaceboy (BEL, 2020, Olivier Pairoux)
A gifted 11-year-old boy, Jim, and his father move to a new city. Here he and his new classmate Emma are to take part in a competition for young scientists. Jim tries to convince Emma to secretly build a real gas balloon together. In an effort to realize her father's dream of a trip into space, Emma is eventually thrilled with a project in which they will experience unforgettable adventures together.
You can watch trailer here.
Martin and the Magical Forest (CZE/SVK/GER, 2021, Petr Oukropec)
Martin (or "Mazel") is a city boy attached to his phone; nature and the forest are anathema to him. He has to go to a summer camp in the woods where phones are forbidden; he's never experienced anything like it. A big camp game starts, which every team wants to win. Mazel isn’t doing too well, but while on night watch, he discovers that the forest is full of mysterious creatures: elves and other creatures of various shapes and characteristics. The forest creatures need a few of Mazel's things in order stop the nearby miners and their test drillings. Helping Mazel, they turn him into an experienced woodsman, leading his team to victory. But it is not advisable to play too much with ancient forest creatures; water disappears from the forest, tensions with the miners grows, and people become suspicious of Mazel. An inconspicuous camp adventure leads to a finale where the fighting creatures of the forest stop hiding.
You can watch trailer here.
Sisters: The Summer We Found Our Superpowers (NOR, 2020, Arild Østin Ommundsen, Silje Salomonsen)
Nine-year-old Vega and her restless five-year-old sister Billie embark on a night expedition through the Norwegian forests. The long-awaited trip does not only bring with it amazing adventures and feelings of happiness. When their father falls into a mountain rift and can't get up because of a sprained ankle, Vega and Billie have to go get help. The journey is a huge endeavor for the lost girls at first, but thanks to magical and mysterious encounters in the forest, they eventually enjoy their mission perfectly! They bravely overcome their worries and fears, discover their superpowers and, most of all, become each others huge support!
You can watch trailer here.