OUR SWEET SIXTEENTH YEAR!!

Rochester International Children’s Film Festival

APRIL 12-MAY 9, 2021 - ONLINE & FREE!

Dear Families, Educators, Librarians, Caregivers, Film Lovers and more!

Due to the ongoing pandemic, we have not been able to tour our festival in person to our typical library and educational venues. So instead, we are bringing the 2021 festival to you ONLINE! We encourage you to check out this selection of children’s shorts from around the world -- thoughtfully curated to reflect gentle social themes (diversity, kindness, sharing, etc.), as well as to celebrate artistry, music and other wonderful things! We will offer one short film a day, along with media and literacy suggestions including vocabulary, discussion questions, books, songs, movement, and art activities. In other words, a fun and stimulating way to spend quality learning and art time with your children!

WHEN IS THE FESTIVAL?

• The festival begins Monday, April 12 and runs through Sunday, May 9
• A new film will be available each day Monday-Friday, starting at 7 am
• All 5 films from the previous week will be available on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 7 am

HOW DO I ACCESS THE FESTIVAL?

• Step 1: Click on the dark blue button above
  
• Step 2: A short form will appear; just fill out and then you will receive a link to the film and follow up activities!

ABOUT THE FILMS:

• All films have been chosen by a veteran film programmer with over 20 years of experience, and approved/vetted by a committee of educators, librarians, administrators, and childcare professionals
• Films are appropriate for preschool children on up, but have been well-loved by adults as well over the years (some adults come to our screenings by themselves!)
• Our films come from countries around the world such as Russia, Germany, Lebanon and Jamaica - and some are even made BY kids!
• Our first week of films will coincide with the National Education for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) “Week of the Young Child” celebration. Each film has been chosen to match NAEYC’s chosen themes of: Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Family Friday
• Our entire slate of films is part of the Rochester chapter of the New York AEYC, the only chapter in the country that celebrates the "MONTH of the Young Child!"

ONLINE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE:

• Co-Founders: Connie Valk & Ruth Cowing
• Programming Director: Ruth Cowing
• Co-Facilitators: Connie Valk & Susan Neal
• Follow-up Activities: Sandra Auriemma & Cara Rager
• Book Suggestions: Children's Librarians from the Rochester Public Library, under the direction of Patricia Connor
• Technical Specialist: Marcia DeJesus-Rueff

Other committee members: Patricia Dangler, Marcia Dumka, Sonia Hadchiti, Mary Louise Musler, Ann Marie Stephan