How do you turn an idea into a film, and how do you get your film made and seen? Join Susan and Katherine Procopio, the teenage twins behind Piece of Cake, a new live-action short film that’s sure to be a favorite at this year’s Chicago International Children’s Film Festival. The award-winning team will offer insights and tips on the production process for beginners and seasoned kid filmmakers and share their works-in-progress with their peers. 

Please note: This workshop, originally scheduled for Friday, November 2, has been moved to Saturday, November 3 from 9:30am-11am. 

 

Tribute to Pixar Animation

Saturday, November 3, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., (PG)
Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago)
$9 adults, $6 children, FREE for Facets Members & Family Pass holders 

 

Don’t miss this screening of Pixar shorts and a post-screening discussion with Dylan Brown, Creative Director of Pixar Canada who will share insights from the legendary, Academy Award-winning Pixar Animation Studios. 

 

Tribute to the National Film Board of Canada

Screening & Reception

Saturday, November 3

11am – Reception (for NFBC screening attendees)
1pm – Film Presentation (94 minutes, Ages 9+)

Facets Multi-Media (1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago) 
$9 adults, $6 children, FREE for Facets Members & Family Pass holders 

 

 

Whether celebrating the heritage of the Aboriginal peoples in Canada or the chaotic glory of modern life, these films give us a glimpse into the rich and complex cultures of Canada. In one beautifully animated short, four sisters put their heads together to transform a tedious car ride across the vast northern landscape into one amazing family adventure. Next, a would-be accordionist whimsically reflects upon the lost optimism of his youth. Finally, our friends from Wapos Bay are back in one of the defining episodes from this landmark children’s series that aired on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. As the tribe’s youngsters strive to fulfill their responsibilities, they discover that taking the easiest path might not be the most rewarding experience. Come enjoy the quirky humor and creative diversity that has come to define our neighbors up north!

Hothouse 5: “Wiggles and Giggles” (Canada) 2 min 
The Bear Facts (Canada) 4 min
Jeu (Canada/Switzerland) 4 min
Engine 371 (Canada) 9 min
Big Drive (Canada) 10 min
Private Eyes (Canada) 12 min
The Necktie (Canada) 13 min
How People Got Fire (Canada) 16 min
Wapos Bay: “Self Improvement” (Canada) 24 min     

 

Tribute to French Animation
Screenings & Reception

Saturday, November 3

3pm – Film Presentation Zarafa (75 minutes, Ages 10+)
5pm – Reception (for Zarafa & The Painting screening attendees)
7pm – Film Presentation The Painting (78 minutes, Ages 9+)

Facets Multi-Media (1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago) 

$9 adults, $6 children, FREE for Facets Members & Family Pass holders 
Tickets must be purchased for films individually. 

Zarafa (France, 75 minutes, 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.

 

The Painting  (France, 78 minutes, Ages 9+)

 

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. 

 

The Painting with Special Q&A – Art Institute of Chicago

 

A special screening of The Painting will also be held at the Art Institute of Chicago in conjunction with the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival and the French Consulate. For more information on this special screening and optional workshop for ‘tweens ages 9-12, visit the Art Institute of Chicago’s website .  

Tickets to this screening and workshop are only available through the Art Institute of Chicago. Festival accreditation will not be valid for this screening and workshop. Please visit the Art Institute’s Website for more information. 

 

Closing Night Awards Presentation

Sunday, November 4
6:00PM – Awards Presentation
7:00PM – Film Presentation*
8:15PM – Reception

Facets Multi-Media
1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago

RSVP Required: For FREE tickets, call 773-281-9075 ext. 3011 or email kidsfest@facets.org

And the winner is…!   Feel the anticipation at the Closing Night Awards Ceremony for the 29th Annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival. This exciting night of surprises promises to be one to remember with over 30 awards announced. After the ceremony, stay for a special screening of award winning short films* and reception. Meet the filmmakers while we close the curtains on the 2012 Festival!

The Montgomery Foundation presents the Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Prizes for Best Film by an Emerging Director and Best Child-Produced Film.

 

*Films shown may contain profanity, violence or mature themes. Films will be presented in their original languages and subtitles will not be read aloud.