The 29th annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival was a huge success. Luckily, you still have opportunities to make sure your students see the year's best new films before they go on to win Oscars. Given how busy September and October were for Chicago-area teachers and parents, we're extending the Festival's most popular programs until the end of the semester. The films are certifiably great, but the dates and locations are flexible. Book a fun field trip to complement your lesson plans (social studies, foreign languages, fine arts, anti-bullying, etc.), or arrange to have our expert staff bring a screening and discussion right to your school. It's as easy as picking a day!

Dates:
Now – Dec. 7

Locations:
Facets Multi-Media, Music Box Theater, or your school (that's right, no buses)

Contact:
773-281-9075 ext. 3009
or fldtrips@facets.org

Pre-K and K

My Get Along Gang

60 min.
Ages 2+

Who's the real leader of the pack? While walking to a nearby lake, a pig invites his animal pals to join him in a swim. Each one tells him they're unhappy with how they look, but Pig shows them that their differences are what make them special. Mike the Knight is busy getting ready for the parade, but when he lacks squires, two dragon buddies offer to take the job. Can they not be dragon-y and be true assistants for Mike? Ultimately, it takes teamwork to solve any problem, and it is always better to be true to yourself!

Grades 1-3

Tales with Tails

70 min.
Ages 5+

Characters leap from the pages! As we celebrate Maurice Sendak's life this year, we remember what Max the Wolf taught us as we revisit the classic film version of this author's timeless treasure. Then, an oral history from indigenous Pueblo and Navajo tales teaches us to listen to the Wise Wolf, and we have much to learn from our animal brothers and sisters. Finally, the all-star cast is back! This time, it's the Gruffalo's daughter who wants to know if the Big Bad Mouse was just one of Dad's tall tales. Lastly, say "hello" to Daniel Tiger, one of the best-loved friends in the new spinoff of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood! This is an all-English language program that celebrates the love of reading and learning with friends, neighbors, and, maybe, some beasts!

Grades 4-6

Zarafa

France, 75 min.
Ages 9+

Inspired by a true story and the beloved French children's book, Zarafa is an adventure gorgeously animated and beautifully told. Maki, a young African boy, escapes the clutches of an evil slave trader. After outwitting his captors, Maki befriends Hassan, a soldier from Alexandria, and Zarafa, a giraffe from Africa, who help him find his good friend Soula and return to his village in Africa. With the help of old and new techniques, Maki and his friends also attempt to destroy the evil trader and help Zarafa escape from her captivity in a French zoo. The characters in Zarafa perform tremendous acts of courage while crossing Africa and Europe. Together they create a fun and adventurous story that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats!

Screened in French, with English subtitles.

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The Last Island

Spain, 87 min.
Ages 9+

City-girl Alicia returns to her mother's magical roots during her summer vacation on what feels like the last island on Earth! The Last Island contrasts lifestyles when a Barcelona hipster is sent to live in a much slower-paced, remote Canary Island wilderness with her aunt Belinda for the summer. Bored and longing for an electronic connection to civilization, Alicia soon learns to use her imagination in order to create her own fun. Eventually, with help from new friends, Alicia discovers treasures she never would have known to look for on the last island.

Screened in Spanish, with English subtitles.

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Famous Five

Germany, 93 min.
Ages 8+

Join George, Julian, Dick, Anne, and Timmy the dog in the adventure of a lifetime! George has mixed feelings about her cousins coming to stay for the summer, but when the gang arrives, they realize how much fun they can have if they come together to solve a puzzling mystery: what do they have in common? Meanwhile, George's father, a top scientific researcher, is in danger, and it is up to the Famous Five to save him. The clever children (and Timmy!) search for clues to the culprits, and they quickly realize that teamwork and inventive thinking will help them save the day.

Screened in German, with English subtitles.

Grades 6-8

African and African-American Stories

73 min.
Ages 11+

Until now, Zebu and his family had to go through a local third party in order to sell his family's daily catch. Through observation, smarts, and courage, Zebu demonstrates just how far one boy is willing to go to care for his family. Young Ronald won't let his dreams of being a scientist become science fiction in the 1950s South. Then, as troubles start in their Nigerian village, a friendship is put to the test for young Khalid, who is Muslim, and his friend Obioma, who is Christian. Set in 1966, the friendship is put to an even greater test as they learn doing the right thing is the right decision. The remarkable stories in this shorts program are unique and beautifully told.

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Fresh Start

72 min.
Ages 11+

Katrine and Cecilie are twin sisters and best friends. They have done everything together for their entire lives, but have decided to be in different classes this year. Both have their own problems to overcome, but each young lady eventually learns to fit in on her own as well as be together as a unique unit. And in Israel, Ori finds himself next to a huge wall and seemingly endless barrier. There, he finds an unlikely friend and discovers that Palestinian boys are really not so different.

Grades 8-10

The Painting

France, 78 min.
Ages 13+

Enjoy a feast for the eyes and the imagination in this feature-length animated film about an imaginary world where characters in paintings come to life. Meet the impeccably painted Alldunns, who live in a majestic palace, and the Halfies, who are shunned by the Alldunns because the Painter has left them incomplete. Meanwhile, the untouchable Sketchies, simple charcoal outlines, are banished to the cursed forest. Follow the adventures of Claire, a Halfie, and her beloved Ramo, an Alldunn, as they journey to discover what the Painter has in mind for all his creations.

Screened in French, with English subtitles.

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