The fourth annual Bay Area International Children’s Film Festival consists of two days of movie watching and hands-on workshops that encourage family members to act, animate, and pixilate. Called “A Playdate for the Imagination,” the festival will take place at the restored Art Deco Movie Theater in the former Alameda Naval Air Base from Saturday, January 28 to Sunday, January 29. Doors open at 9:30am and the screen lights up at 10:30am.
The films shown over these two days are a feast for the imagination and a great way for kids to learn about other cultures and traditions. This year’s films include "Paddle to the Sea," an Academy Award-nominated catalog of a toy canoe’s journey to the Atlantic Ocean from the Great Lakes; and "Circus Dreams," a documentary about young circus performers. Take a break from your mainstream media options to explore original filmmaking with inspiring messages for your future movie buffs, script writers, directors, and set designers.
If you’ve never been to the Bay Area International Children’s Film Festival before, here are some insider’s tips to help you get the most from this family outing:
Insider’s Tips:
-Little ones are early birds by nature, and parents with the youngest kids should come during the morning hours, when short films geared toward all ages will be playing. Come see how an entire plot can be condensed to as little as two minutes!
-If you don’t think your pre-schooler will last into the afternoon, purchase a half-day pass for $10 per person, saving $5 per ticket.
-Worried about your little one’s movie manners? Relax, the theater will be full of kids, who will be chattering down the aisles between movie breaks. While the theater stays impressively quiet during show times, young voices will intermittently break the silence to express their enthusiasm.
-Food will be on hand, but not the hot dogs and candy that typically fill concession stands. The inspiration for the international film festival is cultural exchange, so it’s fitting that the food will consist of healthy, international eats provided by local vendors. Empanadas, tacos, and stuffed, vegan flaxseed cones are among this year’s menu choices. Save your appetite for the lunch break between films, when live music from St. Paul’s Episcopal School will be playing.
-Hands-on workshops led by a Pixar animator will take place throughout both festival days for kids ages 6 and above. Be prepared to pay a fee on top of your entrance price. Also, workshops sign-ups have been open for weeks prior to the festival, so don’t be surprised if some time slots are fully booked.
-The foreign films in the series hail from lands of France, Norway, Mongolia, Japan, and more. If your child has never seen a foreign language film, prepare him or her to expect subtitles for select features and shorts.
-Enter West Alameda from the Posey Tube, and stay on your right lane to make the first exit into Alameda Point. If you’re driving in, parking is plentiful and free.
Online: baicff.com
With so many awesome films and workshops presented at this film festival, don't be surprised if your kiddos leave a little starstruck.
--Renee Macalino
