The Times BFI 53rd London Film Festival [read more]
Films for the family
Catering to film fans of all ages, The Times BFI 53rd London Film Festival is delighted to announce a rich selection of 9 family-friendly screenings, alongside an expanded Education programme that includes a range of stimulating events and 15 free screenings for learners of all ages.
As part of WALLACE & GROMIT’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY, the London Film Festival is delighted to be screening a digitally remastered version of A GRAND DAY OUT, followed by an onstage interview with creator Nick Park. Meanwhile, the new FILM FESTIVAL PROJECT, created in partnership with FILM CLUB, gives 7-14 year olds an opportunity to create their very own film festival in their school with the support of the LFF. Pupils will be able to explore a wide range of films and will have the chance to consult with festival staff and curators in planning their very own festival, culminating in a competition with other schools for a series of prizes. In order to reach and inspire young people around the country, the Education programme will work with the National Schools Film Week to take the festival on tour to schools in selected cities around the UK, introducing new films and learning resources to primary and secondary school children.
There is a diverse program of films from around the world carefully selected for a family audience, including the UK PREMIERE of TOY STORY 2 (IN DISNEY DIGITAL 3D), this year's Family Gala title. One of the classic children’s animated films from the peerless Pixar stable; it is being presented in glorious 3D for the first time, and promises to be sensational, whetting appetites for the third instalment next year. Also introducing family audiences to the wonders of computer animation is ASTRO BOY, the story of a robot boy having to adjust to being different from his fellow children while being tasked with saving the world. The film is voiced by Freddie Highmore (THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES), Nicholas Cage, Bill Nighy and Samuel L Jackson. This is in addition to the LFF’s opening night film, FANTASTIC MR FOX, which will receive a family friendly screening during the Festival.
Recommended for ages 6+ are the UK premiere of FROM TIME TO TIME, an enchanting British family film starring Dame Maggie Smith and Timothy Spall, which tells the story of a boy sent to live with his grandmother in an old country mansion who is visited by ghosts that reveal clues to an old mystery. Recommended for ages 8+ is A SHINE OF RAINBOWS, a moving tale of a lonely orphan adopted by a couple living on the beautiful west Irish coast, who discovers the joy of life while also struggling to be accepted by his new father, and THE EAGLE HUNTER’S SON, the moving story of 12-year old Bazarbi, a Mongolian boy who learns the value of family and tradition when he is forced to go an adventure to find his father’s prize eagle. Continuing the international theme for those aged 8 and above, MAX EMBARRASSING is a warm and confident Danish comedy about surviving life as a teenager.
