Cats, Characters and Circus Dreams: Family Film Festival Starts Tomorrow

Forbidden chocolate, a Parisian cat and backstage at a circus for kids will be highlighted at the 9th annual Family Film Festival with screenings at Watertown’s Arsenal Center for the Arts on Saturday, Nov. 5 and in Belmont Friday, Nov. 11 at the .

The Family Film Festival is part of Belmont World Film.

Called “A Cinematic Kaleidoscope of Cats, Characters and Circus Dreams,” this year's line-up includes stories about self-reliance and acceptance, creativity and imagination, the magic of books and reading, a mysterious cat living in Paris, a war on chocolate, and the chance to go behind the scenes of a traveling youth circus; a kaleidoscope of films for the whole family

“The Family Film Festival offers filmgoers an alternative to the standard Hollywood fare typically found at the multiplex,” says Family Film Festival Director Rebecca Richards.

“By partnering this year with both our longtime venue The Studio Cinema as well as Watertown’s Arsenal Center for the Arts, Belmont World Film aims to expand its audience for the best in international cinema for children and families.”

Sat., Nov. 5

Arsenal Center for the Arts, Watertown

11 p.m.: Animated Best Loved Children’s Books from Scholastic/Weston Woods Studios, Program I

A selection of award-winning shorts for young filmgoers based on favorite picture books, including the Boston premieres of Children Make Terrible Pets, Too Many Toys, and Robot Zot, all animated by Watertown’s own Soup2Nuts studio, and All the World, narrated by actress Joanne Woodward. Returning favorites include Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems and Paul Zelinsky’s The Wheels on the Bus (age 3-9).

1 p.m.: "ELEANOR’S SECRET"

Academy Award nominee Dominquez Monferey’s (Destino) sumptuously animated movie about a special library where characters from classic children’s books come alive. Young Nat is less than thrilled when his late Aunt Eleanor leaves him the keys to her library as a gift, until he discovers that the library is magical. But Nat must first learn to read in order to recite an ancient spell that will keep the library’s many storybook characters alive for future generations—and time is running out. Awarded the Special Prize at 2011 Annecy International Film Festival. From France in English (age 3-10).

2:30 p.m.: 'A CAT IN PARIS'

A beautifully hand-drawn caper that takes place in the shadows and alleyways of Paris. Dino the cat is leading a double-life: by day he lives with Zoe, a little girl who doesn’t speak, but by night, Dino sneaks out the window to work with Nico—a cat burglar with a big heart. The film is a warm and humorous animated love letter to classic film noir. With its cubist drawing style and atmospheric jazz score, it’s a treat for both children and adults. Nominated for Best Animated Film 2011 Cesar Awards. In French with English subtitles (age 7+).

4 p.m.: "CIRCUS DREAMS" preceded by a live performance by members of Circus Smirkus:

Signe Taylor’s heartwarming documentary follows the adventures of a sweet, funny group of 12 to 18 year-olds who are living out their dreams at Circus Smirkus, the world’s only traveling youth circus for performers age 12-18. The film tracks the group from their auditions through rehearsals, culminating in an exhilarating and exhausting 70-performance, five-state circus tour, and captures the young performers’ intense work ethic, passion for performance, deep friendships and budding romances (age 9+).

Friday, Nov. 11

Screenings at Studio Cinema, Belmont

10:30 a.m.: Animated Best-Loved Children’s Books from Scholastic/Weston Woods Studios, Program II

A continuation of the November 5th award-winning shorts program includes the Boston premieres of Kevin Henkes’ Kitten’s First Full Moon (Caldecott Winner)and Children Make Terrible Pets and Too Many Toys, both produced by Watertown’s Soup2Nuts studio. Returning favorites include Crazy Hair Day and Wallace’s Lists, both narrated by Zach Braff, The Happy Owls by Celestino Piatti, and Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann (age 3+).

4 p.m.: "CHOCOLATE UNDERGROUND" 

Imagine a world without candy or sweets. This Japanese anime film by director Hamana Takayuki follows Smudger and Huntley, two teenage friends who stand up to authorities and create an illegal chocolate factory after the country bans chocolate in favor of “healthy foods.” The teens’ “Chocolate Underground” is where “revolutionaries” can indulge in their coveted confections. Features a mix of fast-paced action scenes and Japanese pop-music soundtrack (in English. Ages 8+).

Tickets for the morning screenings are $3; the afternoon programs are $5 for children under 12 and $7 for adults. 

Purchase on day of show at each theater’s box offices. Both the Arsenal Center for the Arts and the Studio Cinema are wheelchair accessible.

For more information and a full schedule of films, please visit www.belmontworldfilm.org or call 617-484-3980.