Ridgefield Independent Film Festival Presents First Annual Kids Film Fest Saturday, April 27

 

The Ridgefield Independent Film Festival, (RIFF), now in its fourth year, will launch its first ever Kids Film Fest on Saturday, April 27, 2019. An impressive lineup of award-winning films tailored for children, tweens, teens, and families, showcasing imaginative animation, live action, and documentary films from around the world. All films are adult-friendly!

Liyana directed by Aaron Kopp and Amanda Kopp, will be the evening Spotlight Family Feature. This internationally acclaimed South African film is a genre-defying documentary that tells the story of five orphans in the Kingdom of eSwanti (formerly known as Swaziland). The children turn past trauma into an original fable about a girl named Liyana who embarks on a perilous quest to save her young twin brothers. The film weaves her animated journey together with poetic documentary scenes to create an inspiring tale of perseverance and hope. 

Executive produced by Emmy-winner Thandie Newton, and produced by Oscar-winner Daniel Junge, Liyana features innovative animated artwork by Shofela Coker and an original score by Philip Miller. Liyanahas played at festivals around the world, including the British Film Institute's London Film Festival and MoMA's Doc Fortnight, and to date, has won 28 jury and audience awards. London’s The Sunday Times describes the film as “Part documentary, part animation, and pure magic.” Liyana screens Sat, Apr. 27 at 7:00pm at Ridgefield Theater Barn. (Appropriate for ages 10 through adult)

Also featured in the festival is RIFF Redux, two live-action short films created by Ridgefield students in grades four to six, that screened at RIFF in the fall—The Misadventures of Goldilocks and the Three Boys and Let’s Not Forget About Little Red Riding Hood. Former Nickelodeon producers and area residents Dave Goldberg and David Herman oversaw every stage of the film projects from inception to completion. The shorts feature numerous Ridgefield locations, including the Ridgefield Library, Planet Pizza, Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shop, and even a local graveyard. There are also several cameos by familiar faces to people in town. Herman will participate in a post-screening audience Q&A. RIFF Redux will run as part of RIFF RePLAY Sat., Apr. 27 at 1:00 pm at Ridgefield Theater Barn and will include other family favorite shorts from the RIFF archives. (Appropriate for ages 7-12).

Megan Smith-Harris, RIFF Festival Director said: “Exposing children to imaginative, age-appropriate films from around the world is integral to engaging them in the arts, helps to build empathy, and expands their world view.”

In addition to film compilations, the festival will present two East Coast premieres. First, Band Geeks, directed by Canada’s Morgan Elliot, a fun and uplifting documentary about a high school youth marching band preparing for their appearance at the Rose Parade in Pasadena. Next, a narrative short To Remember Me By, by up and coming Mumbai filmmaker, Rahoul Daswani. The film tells the story of family, memory, and buried secrets discovered inside an 8mm camera. Both films screen on Saturday, April 27, at the Ridgefield Theater Barn. To Remember Me By at 3:30pm followed by Band Geeks at 3:45pm.  (Appropriate for ages 8 through adult)

To see the complete line-up of films showing at Kids Film Fest and to purchase tickets visit RIFFct.org


 

Watch the Trailer for LIYANA here (ages 10 - adult)

 

Watch Trailer for BAND GEEKS  here (age 8 +)

 

 

NYICFF Kid Flicks Tour 2018

K
Submitted by Katonah, NY

Become a Local Voice in Your Community!

HamletHub invites you to contribute stories, events, and more to keep your neighbors informed and connected.

Read Next