European Children's
Film Association
Association Européenne du Cinéma
pour l'Enfance et la Jeunesse
Two iconic characters from the world of children’s films soon celebrate their return to the big screen. It is up to new generations to get to know them, or older viewers to reminisce about previous encounters. Both characters are situated in the horror sphere, although there is a world of difference between the gentle universe of the little ghost Laban and of Nelly Rapp’s horror fantasies.
Founded in Vilnius in 2001 by Lithuanian producer Rasa Miškinytė, ERA FILM is known for producing international documentaries. They (co-)produced more than 30 films, with partners and broadcasters from around the world, and in doing so, they didn’t lose sight of the young audience. (Photo: BREAD WITH NAIL)
In the “Honouring the Greats” ceremony at the Zlin Film Festival, two striking personalities from the children’s film sector were rewarded for their years of inspiration and were welcomed to a minutes-long standing ovation. Not only do Jo-Anne Blouin and Felix Vanginderhuysen stand for a long career in young audience cinema and an outspoken opinion and knowledge of all facets of this industry, but each in their own way (through CIFEJ and ECFA, respectively) was instrumental in the cradle of the strong international cooperation that characterises this sector.
THE SECRET DELIVERY chose its international premiere with care. This World War II winter adventure, directed by Ján Sebechlebský, will soon be presented to families and festival audiences during the Kids Screenings at the prestigious Locarno International Film Festival.
Continue reading “THE SECRET DELIVERY finds suitable international premiere”
Those who have been in the business for a long time remember the excitement that every new animated film by Attila Dargay generated in the 1970s and 1980s. He is one of the icons In the Hungarian animation gallery of the all-time greats. With Hungary being in the focus at this year’s Annecy festival, a tribute to Dargay was not to be missed. But there was more…! Based on his old plans and preliminary designs, THE QUEST was made, both a tribute and a completion of his creative legacy.
Continue reading “THE QUEST, in remembrance of Attila Dargay”
Producers from four countries (MAUR film, Czech Republic; Artichoke, Slovakia; ZVVIKS, Slovenia; Vivement Lundi!, France) collectively fell for OF UNWANTED THINGS AND PEOPLE, a book by Arnošt Goldflam. In each country, the adaptation of one short story was launched, then brought together in a narrative framework. The enchanting result premiered in the Berlinale’s Generation competition under its new title TALES FROM THE MAGIC GARDEN.
Photography has been Karl’s favourite pastime for years, and when he invites Lea into his improvised ‘bathroom laboratory’, she is impressed by his ‘light magic’. But is that enough to win her heart? A dramatic scene at the end of the film shows them sitting side by side on a bench; the space between Karl and Lea is physically so narrow, but actually it’s huge… unbridgeable. Director Bernd Sahling: “You see how she’s looking at him, he’s looking at her… and then he just stands up and walks away without saying a word. That’s how love sickness works.”
This summer, the 14-year-old girls Malak, Celia and Jae travel with their respective parents to a campsite in the south of France. Great expectations and strong desires await them there. This year, it just might happen: their first steps in love. Documentary makers Anneke de Lind van Wijngaarden and Natalie Bruijns wonder whether reality can match those dreams. In SWEETIES, they observe the girls in their daily walk around the campsite, and talk with them about dreams and deeds.