Thousands of children and their families are expected to gather at REDCAT for the 4th annual REDCAT International Children's Film Festival. An audience favorite, this year's festival looks to all corners of the globe to showcase 86 films from 25 different countries. Film lovers of all ages will be treated to an eye-opening journey around the globe and revel in a treasure trove of unforgettable stories. The festival will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from February 21 through March 8, 2009.
Curated by Elizabeth Shepherd and in partnership with Northwest Film Forum, the three weekend programs include visionary animation, rip-roaring live action and a very special Nickelodeon Family Fun Day. 2009 marks the fourth iteration of the International Children's Film Festival and includes Los Angeles filmmaker Helen Hood's documentary JUMP! -- this year's special opening day feature film. JUMP! chronicles the journey of jump rope teams as they push their physical and psychological limits to reach the World Rope Skipping Competition.
Also featured in this year's festival is a stunning feature-length debut from Chinese director Yalin Zou, titled THE RED JACKET. It is the story of a young girl who yearns for a new jacket that her family cannot afford. Set in the remote Miao Mountains of Southern China, Yalin Zou cast the villagers in his film, taking them and us on a suspenseful journey.
Three decades of animation from Poland are celebrated with Witaj Polsko! This program of Poland's contribution to children's film includes groundbreaking puppet animation. Classic Jazz can be heard infusing Animated Genius: The Films of John and Faith Hubley. The duo broke from traditional styles of animation beginning in the 1950's and made films with a completely unique visual style and poetic sensibility featuring the music of Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald and Quincy Jones.
On March 1, children and families will be treated to a special Nickelodeon Family Fun Day. Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. will preview an advance screening of its highly anticipated series for 2009 and favorite costumed characters Dora the Explorer and Diego will be on-hand with give-aways for all the children.
The REDCAT International Children's Film Festival is funded in part with generous support from Virginia and Austin Beutner and Nickelodeon.
REDCAT, the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater, is located at the corner of W. 2nd and S. Hope Streets, inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex (631 West 2nd Street; Los Angeles, 90012). Seating is general admission. Tickets are $5 per screening. Tickets may be purchased at the REDCAT box office, located at the corner of 2nd and Hope Streets, by calling 213.237.2800, or www.redcat.org.
