What better place to watch a story than in a world full of stories? Free Festival library programming is presented in partnership with and support from Media Smart Libraries, Providence Community Library, Warwick Public Library and Providence Athenaeum.
To amplify and broaden the reach of our programming, PCFF collaborates with organizations in Rhode Island that share our mission and vision that ALL youth deserve access to great visual stories that delight and challenge our audiences along with the skills to be their own creative media makers. For more information about the Festival including film schedule, film descriptions, trailers and a full list of community partners, click here.
Film Screening: Gotta Be Me (PCFF Curated Shorts Collection)
@ Providence Athenaeum – 251 Benefit Street, Providence
Tuesday, February 21, 10:30 AM – 11:40 AM
As Henry David Thoreau stated in Walden: “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.” GOTTA BE ME! has stories of people and animals trying to figure out just who their drummers are. Often, the search is as much fun as the beat.
Ages: All ages / Multi-national 2015-2016 / In English or no dialogue / 68 min
Limited space. Pre-registration strongly recommended. Visit www.pcffri.org for details.
Mini Doc Film Screening: Ashley Bryan’s World
@ Providence Athenaeum – 251 Benefit Street, Providence
Tuesday, February 21, 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM – may be followed by Reel Connection program
The mind of this 93-year-old artist from Maine skips and jumps like a child’s. Yet he is a spiritually deep and erudite creative wonder and poet/illustrator of 50 children’s books, who makes magical puppets and beautiful sea glass windows from found objects inspired by his African heritage.
Ages 8+ / USA 2016 / Dir. Richard Kane / 34 min
Filmmaking Workshop: Animate the Library!
@ Washington Park Library (Providence Community Library) – 1316 Broad Street, Providence
Tuesday, February 21, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Share your library love and learn the craft of animated storytelling as you create a collaborative short film!
Ages: 8+ / 120 min. Drop-in. Limited space. Tickets not available online. Please register by visiting the Washington Park Library, calling (401) 781-3136 or emailing Leah Lubman (llubman@provcomlib.org).
All the Wiser (PCFF Curated Shorts Collection)
@ Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick
Wednesday, February 22, 10:30 AM – Noon – followed by Reel Connection programFilm Screening:
Some of the most effective lessons we learn in life are through unplanned experiences. A hedgehog’s fascination with snow, an aspiring kitten witch and an absent-minded father are just some of the characters who grow wiser by the time the credits roll.
Ages: 8+ / Multi-national 2015-2016 / In English or w/English subtitles / 67 min
Limited space. Please register at the Warwick Public Library or WPL website: www.warwicklibrary.org/childrens/events/5428/providence-childrens-film-festival.
Film Screening: Finding Your Voice (PCFF Curated Shorts Collection) – followed by Reel Connection program
@ Knight Memorial Library -275 Elmwood Avenue, Providence
Wednesday, February 22, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
For most people it takes some time to feel confident in who they are or what they do well. This eclectic compilation of stories from around the world follows characters endeavoring to discover what they identify with—with varying results.
Ages: 8+ / Multi-national 2015-2016 / In English or w/English subtitles / 64 min
Limited space. Tickets not available online. Please register by visiting the Knight Memorial Library, calling 401-467-2625, or emailing Melissa Rivera (mrivera@provcomlib.org).
Film Screening: Magic Carpet Ride 2017 (PCFF Curated Shorts Collection)
@ Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick – may be followed by Reel Connection program
Thursday, February 23, 10:30 AM – Noon
Jump on the PCFF magic carpet and get ready to ride! You will witness balancing submarines, sugar-fueled tricycle chases and a piccolo just wanting to be heard. This year’s reel transports you to lands as close as NYC and as far away as Germany, Russia, Japan and Australia.
All ages / Multi-national 2015-2016 / In English or no dialogue / 68 min
Limited space. Please register at the Warwick Public Library or WPL website: www.warwicklibrary.org/childrens/events/5429/providence-childrens-film-festival.
Filmmaking Workshop: Stop-Motion Animation
@ Wanskuck Library (Providence Community Library) – 233 Veazie Street, Providence
Friday, February 24, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Stories come to life at the library! Our library animation workshop includes a screening of animated shorts to inspire, and hands-on time to create your own stories while learning about film animation. Drop in, stay as long as you like. Due to limited space, pre-registration is recommended.
All ages / 120 min
Limited space. Tickets not available online. Please register by visiting the Wanskuck Library, calling (401) 274-4145, or emailing Molly Osborne (mosborne@provcomlib.org).
Special Screening + Discussion: The Power of the Documentary
@ Providence Athenaeum, 251 Benefit Street, Providence
Saturday, February 25, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM – Reel Connection program
Special screening and discussion geared for professional filmmakers, educators, students and documentary fans.
Ages 10+ / 90 min
FREE! PCFF Cinema Passports Travel the world with Providence Children’s Film Festival! We invite youth to explore new places, discover fresh ideas and make real world connections while watching movies. HOW TO USE PASSPORT: Track your film travels and record your ratings and opinions about the stories you watch. Get a stamp for every feature film or shorts program you watch.
PLUS SPECIAL SCREENING: My Life as a Zucchini (Ma vie de Courgette)
Saturday, February 25, 4:15 PM – RISD Auditorium, 17 Canal Walk (across from RISD Museum), Providence.
TICKETS REQUIRED ($8 Youth / $10 Adults). Details: www.pcffri.org
Presented in partnership with Media Smart Libraries in partnership. MSL supports public programming events emphasizing the use of film and media texts to promote expanded literacy in the 21st century. This Festival screening of MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI, hopes to bring awareness that libraries are key agents of change in advancing the digital media literacy of children, teens, and families in their communities. (Download Film Guide)
ABOUT THE FILM: Arguably, this French-language claymation cuts closer to the reality of the foster home experience than live-action melodramas like ANNIE or MATILDA ever did. Director Claude Barras tells a simple story simply, drawing power from Zucchini’s point of view as the troubled 9-year-old recounts his stint in a group home following the death of his alcoholic mother. The kids living in this home all have pasts shaded with tragic circumstances including suicide, abuse and drugs. The story could have been devastatingly dark, but it addresses issues with subtlety and delicacy that neither condescends to nor scars younger audiences. The clean and simple animation style works in wonderful contrast to the difficult subject matter, and the characters’ expressive faces give us hope for the innocence and resilience of children. MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI is authentic, empathetic, and ultimately uplifting. Golden Globe nominee for Best Animation 2016, Switzerland’s Official 2016 Academy Awards Entry for Best Foreign Language Film.Ages: 13+ (coarse language, discussion of sex, mention of abuse and suicide) / Switzerland, France 2016 / French (w/English subtitles) / Dir. Claude Barras / 66 min
- 2017 Academy Award Nomine for Best Animated Feature
- Golden Globe nominee for Best Animation 2016
- Switzerland’s Official Academy Awards Entry for Best Foreign Language Film 2016
Please join us in celebrating #GivingTuesday on November 29.
We believe in the power of visual storytelling to transform how we think about the world and our place in it. By giving voice to people of many cultures, PCFF’s international films encourage Rhode Island children and families to embrace a global perspective—and find themselves reflected on the screen.All #GivingTuesday donations will support our free programming for children.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE
Every gift makes a difference. Thank you for your generosity on this global day of giving!
Warmest regards,
Anisa Raoof & the PCFF Team
EXPLORE NEW WORLDS…
8th annual Festival to be held February 17-26, screening 14 feature-length and 75 short films from around the world, and including workshops, free activities and presentations.
The Providence Children’s Film Festival presents the best of independent and international children’s cinema to inspire, delight, educate, and connect a diverse community of children and families from Rhode Island and throughout New England. The 8th annual Providence Children’s Film Festival takes place February 17-26, 2017 at main venues within walking distance of downtown Providence and at satellite venues across Rhode Island—bringing a world of film to even more Rhode Island youth and families—with over ten days of screenings, filmmaking workshops, and free activities, along with post-film presentations that help deepen the film-watching experience.
During the Festival, PCFF will screen 14 feature-length and more than 75 short films created by filmmakers from around the world, including a film classic, live-action, documentaries, animations and experimental. Films are selected for their compelling stories with a global perspective that challenge young audiences to better understand the world. PCFF believes in providing enriching shared film opportunities for youth from an early age, inspiring and cultivating a new generation of filmmakers, storytellers, and engaged citizens.
Some of the places Festival attendees will travel to through film include the Philippines (Blanka), Korea (The World of Us) and Iran (Sonita). This year’s film lineup also includes a series of mini documentaries that explore a range of topics, such as summer camp for gender diverse kids (Rainbow Day Camp); two teen sisters conjoined on the head (Chenelva & Sheneeva); and Norwegian skateboarders using a beach to build ramps (Northbound).
“… a fantastic tradition. I enjoy going with my family and seeing familiar faces each year. Love your community emphasis. You don’t talk down to kids but offer wonderful films for kids and adults of all ages.”–PCFF Festival patron
In addition to its screenings, PCFF is offering filmmaking workshops, including claymation and green-screen, for children ages 6 to 14 on the weekend of February 11 and 12. PCFF will also host a juried Youth Filmmaker Showcase on February 23 and 26 to nurture and promote the work of young, international filmmakers. The two admission-free sessions will be held at RISD Museum’s Metcalf Auditorium Chace Center and include Q&A sessions with the RISD Art Circle Teen Jury and several youth filmmakers.
The Festival continues its focus on community outreach this year, partnering with the Media Smart Libraries, Providence Community Library, the Providence Athenaeum and Warwick Public Library to host free moving screenings and workshops February 20-25.
Additionally, the Festival’s ongoing partnership with RISD Museum provides free screenings of select films on February 19, 23 and 26. The RISD Museum provides FREE museum admission to Festival attendees on February 17, 18, 19, 25 and 26 upon presentation of a Festival ticket stub.
“We believe in the power of visual storytelling to transform how we think about the world and our place in it,” said Anisa Raoof, Executive Director of PCFF. “By giving voice to people of many cultures, PCFF’s international films encourage Rhode Island children and families to embrace a global perspective—and find themselves reflected on the screen.”
Bringing the world to Rhode Island and fostering film literacy. In just eight years, PCFF has become one of the nation’s top multi-day film festivals dedicated to programming for young audiences, now rivaling children’s film festivals in New York, Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
Kids are part of the Jury! At PCFF, youth have a voice from beginning to end in the selection of films. At most children’s film festivals, children only serve on award juries, but PCFF’s Junior Jury is composed of young film enthusiasts ages 5 to 17 who have a unique opportunity and responsibility: working alongside an adult committee to select the final Festival program from among hundreds of films submitted each year.
All children attending the Festival will receive a free Cinema Passport to document the real world connections made while watching films. The Festival also offers clear parental guidance for attendees as PCFF-curated films may not be appropriate for all ages. To help parents make informed decisions about what their children see and to provide context for discussions, PCFF film listings include recommended ages, notes on thematic elements, and descriptions of potentially challenging content.
PCFF offers clear parental guidance. PCFF-curated films are not always appropriate for all ages. To help parents make informed decisions about what their children see and to provide context for discussions, PCFF film listings include recommended ages, notes on thematic elements, and descriptions of potentially challenging content.
Tickets for the 8th annual Providence Children’s Film Festival will be available beginning January 20. Prices are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for youth (under 18) and seniors (65 and older). New for this year is a Film Fanatic Pass (10 films for $75.00), providing attendees flexibility and excellent value. School and group discounts are also available. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call (401) 209-7585 or visit www.pcffri.org.
The Providence Children’s Film Festival is made possible by grant funders, sponsors and community partners: Carter Family Charitable Trust; Entelco Foundation; Hasbro, Inc.; June Rockwell Levy Foundation; Providence Tourism Council; Rhode Island State Council on the Arts; Avon Cinema; Bottlerocket Design Group; BankRI; CVS Health; COX; Campus Fine Wines; Jake and Company; Embee Studio; Flatbread Company; Kidoinfo; New Harvest Coffee Roasters; Neighborhood Health Plan of RI; Media Smart Libraries; Providence Athenaeum; Providence Children’s Museum; Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau; RISD Museum; RISD FAV Department; Seven Stars Bakery; The Media Education Lab at URI; The Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School; Rhode Island Office of Library Information Services; and Warwick Public Library, with special thanks to school partners Gordon School; French American School of RI; Moses Brown School; and Wheeler School.
More about PCFF
Our mission is to present the best of independent and international children’s cinema to inspire, delight, educate, and connect a diverse community of children and families from Rhode Island and throughout New England.
The Providence Children’s Film Festival (PCFF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 2009 to bring high-quality, independent and international children’s films, animation and documentaries to New England, and to present them as shared theatrical experiences for the community. The Festival organizers include artists, educators, librarians, and nonprofit administrators who see value in introducing children to film as a way to help them make connections to both their own and other cultures. The new PCFF FILM HUB connects the community year-round with a collection of resources—including a film directory of past festival films and film guides with discussion questions and activities activity reel with—designed to promote film education and access to the best of independent and international children’s cinema.
Providence Children’s Film Festival Announces 2016 Awards
The Providence Children’s Film Festival (PCFF) wrapped up its seventh festival season by announcing Audience Choice and Special Jury Awards, along with a new Hasbro Inc. Special Hospital Jury Award. This year’s festival included 16 feature-length films (including 10 Rhode Island premieres) and over 75 shorts from around the world.
In the category of Audience Choice Awards, Best Feature Film went to LANDFILL HARMONIC, (USA-Paraguay, 2015 / Spanish (w/English subtitles) / Dir. Brad Allgood, Graham Townsley). Second Place went to PAPER PLANES (Australia, 2014 / Dir. Robert Connolly) and Third Place went to RAINBOW (India, 2015 / Dir. Nagesh Kukunoor).
The award for Best Short went to SUPERSONIC (United Kingdom, 2015 / English and sign language / Dir. Samuel Dore). Second Place went to BEAR STORY (Chile, 2015 / Dir. Gabriel Osorio Vargas) and Third Place was awarded to THE PRESENT (Germany, 2014 / Dir. Jacob Frey).
In the category of Special Jury Awards, Best Feature went to T-REX (USA, 2015 / Dir. Drea Cooper, Zackary Canepari) and THIS TIME IT’S SHOPPING (USA, 2015 / Dir. Chek Wingo) received the Best Short award.
New this year, PCFF brought the film festival experience to hospitalized children through a new pilot program with funding received from the Hasbro Children’s Fund, the grantmaking arm of Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS). The “HASBRO INC. Film Festival Jury” is uniquely designed for hospitalized children to participate in the Festival, giving young patients the opportunity to watch and review a curated selection of films and choose a winner for the 2016 Hasbro Inc. Special Hospital Jury Award. The film receiving the first-ever Hasbro Inc. Special Hospital Jury Award is the short film HANSEL & GRETEL (USA, 2014 / Music / Dir. Soyeon Kim).
The 2015 Festival is just around the corner and we’re planning over ten days of fabulous films that will take us on journeys around the world!
PCFF film ticket gift certificates make the prefect holiday gift and are available in any amount you choose.
In just six years, PCFF has become one of the nation’s top multi-day film festivals dedicated to programming for young audiences. This year’s programming is as international as ever and brings to area youth a wide range of storytelling and experiences from around the globe, including France, The Netherlands, China, Brazil, U.K., Sweden, Denmark, Japan, and Germany. The Festival will also feature a variety of genres and forms-classic cinema, live action, animation, and documentary-paired with an expanded offering of “Film Talks,” PCFF’s own brand of post-screening discussions that aim to deepen understanding of subject matter and foster critical thinking skills.
Full film schedule will be announced end of December and tickets go on sale mid-January!
Note: PCFF film ticket gift certificates must be redeemed online.
2015 Ticket Prices:
Youth (under 18): $7.50 per person
Adult: $9.50 per person
20% discount when you purchase 10 or more tickets in one transaction.
Feature Films, Shorts, Workshops, and Presentations
The Providence Children’s Film Festival (PCFF) returns this February for its sixth year showcasing exciting films, workshops and presentations for eleven days between February 12 to 22. Coinciding with the February 2015 school vacation, the Festival presents the highest quality independent films for ages 3-18, but are sure to appeal to all audiences with compelling stories and worldwide adventures. Responding to popular demand, organizers are offering more hands–on workshops for children ages 6 to 14 than ever before on the weekend of February 7th & 8th. On February 16, young filmmakers (up to 12th grade) will share their work with the community at a special public screening and forum. The number of post-film discussions, venues and seats are also increased this year.
Dragon Girls
Bringing the world to Rhode Island and fostering film literacy
In just six years, PCFF has become one of the nation’s top multi-day film festivals dedicated to programming for young audiences, now rivaling children’s film festivals in New York, Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
This year’s programming is as international as ever and brings to area youth a wide range of storytelling and experiences from around the globe, including France, The Netherlands, China, Brazil, U.K., Sweden, Denmark, Japan, and Germany. The Festival will also feature a variety of genres and forms—classic cinema, live action, animation, and documentary—paired with an expanded offering of “Film Talks,” PCFF’s own brand of post-screening discussions that aim to deepen understanding of subject matter and foster critical thinking skills.
Some highlights of the 2015 Festival:
- THE OKEE DOKEE BROTHERS Through the Woods: An Appalachian Adventure (Music Documentary) – All ages.
GRAMMY® Award-winning Americana Folk musicians, the Okee Dokee Brothers, composed the songs for Through the Woods while hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail. Join them on their journey in the wilderness as they hike, camp and compose some foot stomping, knee slapping music.
Okee Dokee Brothers Through The Woods: An Appalachian Adventure.
- ANTBOY (Comic book super hero comes to life.) – Ages 8 and up.
A young boy bitten by a very special ant is suddenly endowed with incredible powers, and learns that with great power comes great responsibility.
- BELLE AND SEBASTIAN (1960’s TV series turned feature film) Ages 8 and up.
Set during WWII in the Snowy Alps, a young boy and a giant mountain sheepdog become friends and have their loyalty to each other and their village put to the test.
- ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL (Cesar Award 2014 – Best Documentary) Ages 8 and up.
Follow four incredibly inspired young students from four different countries as they display heroic effort and overcome physical obstacles to get themselves to school on time each day. This award-winning documentary travels through Kenya, Patagonia, Morocco and India and leaves you in a state of awe.
FINN
- FINN (Family Feature Film) Ages 10 and up.
A young boy mourning the loss of his mother finds solace and a passion for music while his father insists he play soccer. Why?! The answer to this mystery will make you want to watch again.
Films will screen at four venues conveniently located in one neighborhood: Metcalf Auditorium in the RISD Museum Chace Center, 20 North Main Street (returning venue); Gilder Center for the Arts – Wheeler School. 216 Hope Street (new venue); Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts at Brown 154 Angell St. (new venue), and Avon Cinema, 260 Thayer St. (new venue).
Tickets go on sale in mid-January 2015.
Thank you to our 2015 Grant Funders, Sponsors, and Community Partners.
Explore the World at This Year’s Providence Children’s Film Festival, February 12-22, 2015
Click here for more details here.
Explore the World at This Year’s Providence Children’s Film Festival, February 12-22, 2015
Click here for more details here.
Explore the World at This Year’s Providence Children’s Film Festival, February 12-22, 2015
Click here for more details here.
Explore the World at This Year’s Providence Children’s Film Festival, February 12-22, 2015
Click here for more details here.