Cozy Up to Children's Film Festival Seattle

“I love the look on kids’ faces when they see something they’ve never seen before,” gushes Elizabeth Shepherd, Director of Children’s Film Festival Seattle. “We value kids, and we want to reach out to them and offer high quality experiences. We want to show them the world.”

Finding engaging, thoughtful, affordable and international experiences for children can often be a tall order. Travel is expensive; kids often aren’t adventurous eaters. So how does a parent help share a multicultural point of view with their little tykes? By taking advantage of events like the 6th Annual Children’s Film Festival Seattle, which is gracing the screens of Northwest Film Forum from January 28 through February 6.

One of the largest children’s film festivals in the country and the only event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, this festival is jam-packed with animation, short films, feature length flicks, live performances, snacks and more. It is seriously the place to be for any youngster (or cool big kid for that matter). And to help pump you up for the festivities, we, with the help of festival director Elizabeth Shepherd, offer a guide to a few of this year’s highlights as well as a super fun trailer:

The Ugly Duckling (Russia, 2010, animated by Garri Bardin). “This is my favorite fairy tale,” explains Shepherd. “It has such an important message.” This Russian adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale uses beautiful stop-motion and Tschaikovsky scores. Animator Garri Bardin has spent six years on the film, his first feature length movie in a long career.

A Little Princess (USA, 1917, directed by Marshall Neilan). This rarely seen Mary Pickford flick allows kiddos to enjoy the timeless heartwarming story as well as silent cinema. It also features a newly composed score by local harpist Leslie McMichael.

Opening Night Pajama Party with Caspar Babypants. Join Chris Ballew (of The Presidents of the United States of America) and his rockin’ children’s band, Caspar Babypants for a pajama party celebrating the festival’s opening night. You can also rub fuzzy elbows with the Film Festival crew. Shepherd beams, “I bought new, fun pajamas for the party! They have bubblegum and candy on them!” A sneak preview of some of the fest’s animated films will be shown, and Trophy Cupcakes will be provided. Stuffed animals welcome.

Pancake Breakfast and Short Film Smorgasbord. The Children’s Film Festival always begins with a tasty pancake breakfast. You can stuff your face with all-you-can-eat breakfast at Central Lutheran Church, then walk off the calories in a parade back to NWFF. Plus, a screening of Tally Ho! Films that Fly High, a program of international animation, can soothe overstuffed bellies.

“Children are great consumers of media,” Shepherd told us. “But that’s not the same as experiencing the community of a theater.” In a time when cineplexes are the most popular (in some areas, only) venue for film viewing, Northwest Film Forum and the Children’s Film Festival wish to emphasize the art of filmmaking. Not only is the Children’s Film Festival an avenue for international awareness or a fun weekend activity, it’s a set of “very sweet programs” offering the “cozy, warm feeling of cinema experience for families.”

Tickets are going fast! Go here for ticket info and schedules. See you there!

January 28-February 6 // Northwest Film Forum // $6.50 (kids), $9 (adults), $6 (NWFF members)