WHAT’S THE STORY?
VERY young children are being offered the chance to have their first cinema experience by an innovative Scottish film festival. The Shorts for Tinies event at the Discovery Film Festival in Dundee will include hands-on creative activities delivered by learning specialists.
The initiative joins the festival’s popular Shorts for Wee Ones and Shorts for Middle Ones collections, and the films for teens programmed by Discovery’s Young Ambassadors. To complement the UK and Scottish premieres at Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA), the first solo show in Scotland by Canadian artist Kelly Richardson is being staged in the centre’s galleries.
In the Weather Makers, the galleries are transformed by vast audio-visual installations, creating futuristic dystopian worlds for visitors to immerse themselves in.
“The opportunity for children and young people to see film from all around the world, or perhaps to have their very first cinema experience, is one we’re incredibly proud to offer,” said DCA director Beth Bate. “With Kelly Richardson’s stunning work in our galleries and a series of creative workshops to accompany the films, Discovery is a fantastic family day out that will both inspire and entertain.”
IS IT JUST FOR KIDS?
NOW in its 14th year, Scotland’s International Film Festival for Young Audiences offers the very best films for movie fans aged 0 to 19 (and beyond) from all over the world, accompanied by creative workshops and activities
The festival begins on Saturday with an exclusive screening of Abulele, a joyful story about a young Israeli boy and his furry monster friend that has echoes of ET, and is suitable for ages eight and above. The film will be preceded by a chance for creative youngsters to make their own stop-motion monsters in a hands-on workshop and followed by an opening gala reception with refreshments and monster-themed creative activities.
This year’s programme boasts four UK or Scottish premieres including Not Without Us!, an uplifting, globe-trotting documentary following 16 children from 14 countries around the world on their journeys to school, sharing their thoughts, fears, hopes and dreams for the future.
Fanny’s Journey tells the true story of a young girl who sets out with her siblings on a dangerous journey during the Second World War, while Room 213 is a spooky tale suitable for ages 10 and above which also forms part of DCA’s annual Dundead Halloween horror programme.
WHAT ELSE IS ON?
THERE’S a UK premiere for As You Are, a 1990s-set teen drama that deals with family, friendship and a central mystery that will keep audiences guessing until the end. It was chosen for the festival by the Discovery Young Ambassadors, a group of film-loving 15 to 19-year-olds who are involved with all aspects of the festival, from selecting the films to marketing and introducing them.
Their second selection for this year’s programme, Goodbye Berlin, follows teenager Maik as he waves goodbye to his troubled home life for a road trip to remember with his unconventional Russian classmate.
Other festival highlights include Zip & Zap and the Captain’s Island, a rollicking adventure about a pair of mischievous brothers who made their first Discovery outing in an earlier film in 2014, and a chance to see Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes on the big screen after its appearance on TV last Christmas.
IS THERE MORE?
THE festival will close on November 5 with a preview screening of brand new anime feature Lu Over the Wall, showing in partnership with Scotland Loves Anime. The beautifully animated film tells the story of a friendship between a boy and a magical siren, and comes to Discovery fresh from winning the Best Feature Film award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
A series of creative workshops inspired by films in the programme accompanies screenings. Daily schools screenings run alongside Discovery’s public programme, offering thousands of children across Tayside the chance to experience the magic of cinema.
“We’ve spent a thrilling 12 months searching across the globe for the best new films to bring back to Tayside and the most exciting part is always seeing the reactions of our young audiences to these cinematic gems,” said festival producer Mike Tait. “It’s fascinating to see which films generate the biggest buzz. We look forward to welcoming all the audiences who can make up their own minds.”
For full festival details and listings, visit www.discoveryfilmfestival.org.uk
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