The flagship New York City Festival has grown from one weekend of films into the largest film festival for children and teens in North America.
Screened over the course of four weeks at venues throughout NYC from February 26 through March 20, the Festival program – narrowed down from roughly 2,500 international submissions – is comprised of approximately 100 short and feature films, filmmaker Q&As, retrospective programs, parties, and premieres. Audience members of all ages vote on the Festival-winning films. The Festival is an Academy Award qualifying festival, one of only four film festivals in New York State – and only two children’s film festivals in the country – to hold that honor. Winners of the Festival’s juried prizes are eligible for consideration at the annual Academy Awards. In addition to presenting the annual event, New York International Children’s Film Festival is a multifaceted arts organization that offers year-round engagement.
During four weekends, the Festival invites families to explore the world without leaving NYC — and over 25,000 parents, children, and filmmakers are treated to the best new films for ages 3-18 at venues throughout NYC. Each year, they scour the globe to present a highly selective slate of the best animation, live action, documentary, and experimental film from over 2,500 international submissions.
Highlights include:
Opening Night – The Boy and the Beast: The latest tale from Mamoru Hosoda is brimming with the striking visuals Festival veterans have come to expect from the director of 2010’s Summer Wars and 2013 Audience Award-winner Wolf Children. When Kyuta, a young orphan living on the streets of Shibuya, stumbles into a fantastic world of beasts, he’s taken in by Kumatetsu, a gruff, rough-around-the-edges warrior beast who’s been searching for the perfect apprentice. Despite their constant bickering, they begin training together and slowly form a makeshift family. When a deep darkness threatens to throw the human and beast worlds into chaos, the strong bond between the unlikely pair is put to the test in a final, epic showdown. Can they work together to combine their strength and courage?
Closing Night – The Best of the Fest, Awards & Party: It all comes down to this! After four weekends of great films, they’re counting the votes and picking the winners. Come watch a one-of-a-kind program of the best short films from the entire Festival – as chosen by the audience (that’s you!). After you’ve seen the contenders, you’ll find out if your favorites come out on top when they announce the award winners. Then it’s time to party!
Belle and Sebastian – The Adventure Continues: The sequel to Festival 2015 Grand Prize winning feature Belle and Sebastian places us back in the sweeping panorama of the French Alps. Sebastian and his best friend, Belle, are on a mission to find Angelina, whose plane crash-landed on her return from the battlefields of WWII. Their bravery is in full force as they partner with a mysterious pilot and a gutsy new kid to take on the countless dangers, obstacles, and secrets they encounter in the expansive terrain. With a wink and a nod to classic family adventure films, Belle and Sebastian: The Adventure Continues is true to its title — bound to satisfy returning fans and win over new ones.