Screenies is an international film and media festival for New Zealand children. The annual three to four-day festival features a variety of the best high quality international short films curated by Little Big Shots in Australia, a successful children’s festival that tours around Australia as well as a selection of features from New Zealand and around the world.
Screenies aims to bring a diverse cultural cinema and new digital experiences to Kiwi children by creating a space where they can see stories from around the world and is much loved by audiences.
“The short films were amazing and very engaging. Had my 6-year-old thinking!” Napier Festival goer, April 2018
The past two festivals have been a success in Auckland. Festival Director Janette Howe hopes this year’s programme of international children’s films will encourage young people to seek out and experience the positive aspects of other cultures. Events are accessible to all with some offered as entry by gold coin donation.
“Media today is a challenging environment for kids so it is important to offer a choice of films in a safe environment where they can experience different cultures, worlds and storytelling techniques. Stories are an essential part of growing our imaginative horizons and understanding of each other and a festival is one way to celebrate this.”
The past two festivals have been held in Auckland at TAPAC (The Auckland’s Performing Arts Centre). This year, for the first time, Screenies Film Festival extended its wings and was held at Napier’s MTG Century Theatre, the centre of art and culture in Napier. “Great mix of short movies It allows the children to think and use their imagination” – Napier Festival goer.
Highlights include a total of 15 film sessions for children and their families to view over the three-day festival. Sessions include a behind the scenes with Thunderbirds are Go and new digitised favourite stories from Hairy Maclary. International shorts like the Moon and You suitable for ages 3+ and Kindness is Important for older viewers.
For more information about Screenies, the films featuring in the festival and Screenies events, visit www.screenies.nz or email hello@screenies.nz.