Children's International Film Festival

Featuring a great mix of some of the most iconic characters in the history of children's stories to introducing new inspiring heroes to kids, the Children's International Film Festival (CHIFF) program promises a viewing experience filled with wonder and incredible stories when it lights up the silver screen in Sydney and Melbourne from 24 May – 10 June, 2019.

Jam-packed with 10 animations and 11 live action feature films, special events and a short film program by Little Big Shots, CHIFF is a first of its kind film festival that offers up world class films for younger audiences that could not otherwise be seen in Australia.

"I am thrilled with the incredible creativity and diverse storytelling of our films in the line-up this year. Our electric 2019 program offers something for both young and old, and is unique opportunity for film lovers to see some of the very best kid's films made from every corner of the globe," said CHIFF Artistic Director, Eddie Tamir.

Feature Films
Classic characters from some of the history's most treasured tales get their big screen premiere at the Festival. Enid Blyton's much loved adventure novels get the big screen treatment in Famous Five and The Valley of Dinosaurs where the intrepid friends go on the hunt for a hidden dinosaur skeleton.

On the 60th anniversary of the much-adored comic book series, Asterix, Obelix and a cast of old favourites go on the hunt for a talented druid to entrust a secret recipe in Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion. Loaded with lashings of wild boar, laugh-out-loud comedy and nonstop action, this timeless tale is a delight for the young and the young-at-heart alike.

Based on the beloved Moomins series by Finnish author Tove Jansson, Moomins and the Winter Wonderland follows Moomintroll as he decides to skip his usual winter hibernation and discover the magic of Christmas. With its wholesome spirit, and its cut-out animation style evoking childlike wonder, Moomins and the Winter Wonderland is sure to bring out the inner child in all

A box office smash in its native Denmark, Checkered Ninja tells the story of Alex, who received a ninja doll made from checkered fabric for his birthday. Possessed by an ancient spirit, the doll turns out to be alive, and the two form a close bond as they set out to help each other out in an adventure that crosses cultures.

The gorgeous, completely dialogue-less animation Minuscule: Mandibles from Far Away takes audiences from the snow-capped valleys of eastern France to the heart of the Caribbean as a group of googly-eyed insects take on an adventure into a great, big and wilder world. Combining live-action photography with 3D animation, this stunning feature is equally as rewarding to watch for adults as it is for kids.

Based on the classic story by Antoine deSaint-Exupery, The Little Prince is a 1974 film that stands the test of time. Directed by Stanley Donen (Singin' in the Rain) and starring Gene Wilder (Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory) and this spectacular Technicolor musical is an enchanting delight for grown-ups and children alike.

The Witch Hunters, the first feature from Serbia's Rasko Miljkovic, looks at 10-year –old Jovan who has cerebral palsy. When new classmate and misfit Milica arrives in town she invites Jovan to join her on an adventure to liberate her father from his new wife, Milica's stepmother, whom she believes is a witch.

Other films in the Festival line up include, the magical Irish stop-motion Captain Morten and the Spider Queen, rumbling Icelandic soccer flick The Falcons, charming rom-com Old Boys, and the touching story of a girl and her horse, Wendy – Best Friends Forever.

Short Films
In 2019, CHIFF collaborates with Little Big Shots to present an extraordinary array of short films from across the globe. With bite-sized stories of adventure, fun, friendship and mystery, the short film program is an accessible and enjoyable way for young film-lovers to experience people and places from all around the world. Two of the short film sessions will also feature the work of talented young filmmakers from Victoria and New South Wales.

Special Events
International and local guests will be on hand at the Festival to share their insights and skills to Festival goers in two special events. With experience at some of the world's biggest animation studios, including Disney and the Jim Henson Workshop, Nicolas Villarreal joins the Festival to run a hands on animation workshop and screening of his recent short film Pasteurized. Villarreal will also join Australian filmmaker Natalie van den Dungen (Sherbert Rosencrantz, You're Beautiful) for a spirited panel discussion on the merits and challenges of making animated and live-action films for younger audiences.

The Children's International Film Festival will take place at Ritz Cinema in Sydney from 24 May – 2 June, and Classic Cinemas, Lido Cinemas and Cameo Cinemas in Melbourne from 24 May – 10 June.

Tickets can be purchased from www.chiff.com.au

MELBOURNE
24 May – 10 June
Classic Cinemas, Elsternwick
June Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn
Cameo Cinemas, Belgrave

SYDNEY
24 May – 2 June
Ritz Cinema Randwick