Grades 4-6 International Shorts
Filiz in Flight
Director: Sylke Rene Meyer
Germany, 2006
14:30 min.
Nine-year-old Filiz goes to the Thuringia Forest for holidays. Her cousin Cem welcomes her at the railway station. Filiz likes to roam through the forest on a bike with Cem, but is uncomfortable around Melanie, a local girl who finds pleasure in mobbing newcomers. One day Filiz has a strange vision in the woods: alien like creatures climbing a hill. They are ski jumpers in their summer training. Now all Filiz wants to do now is ski jumping -- it's like flying. Cem puts a damper on her enthusiasm: ski jumping is for men only, not for girls. But then Melanie, of all people, helps Filiz's dream come true.
Awards: Giffoni Film Festival 2007, European Broadcast Union Silver Gryphon (best film).
Moustafa’s Secret (Le Secret de Moustafa)
Directed by: Joline Robichaud
Canada, 2008
11:30 min.
Moustafa is on a long journey in the desert. Hidden on his cart is a mysterious object that seems to be at the centre of his quest. It’s precious enough for him to undergo all sorts of dangers, including thirst and ghosts. A classic tale blending mystery and humour.
Jabbawaki
Director: Sean Conly
Canada, 2009
11 min
In this imaginative animation, Jabbawaki, a monster with a fondness for frightening humans, falls in love. To prove his adoration, he embarks on a trip far into the wild, discovering magical lands and meeting mythical creatures that teach him no journey is just a destination.
A Pickle
Director: Karen Nielsen
Canada, 2008
13 min.
Eleven-year-old Charlie follows a wayward baseball into an old house and finds Mack, an old man whom time forgot. Together, they embark on a journey of friendship, which leads to the ultimate pickle for Charlie.
Awards: Best of Reel to Real International Film Festival for Youth BC Award 2009.
Kick Like a Girl
Director: Jenny Mackenzie
USA, 2008
25 min.
The story of what happens when "The Mighty Cheetahs,” an undefeated Third Grade girls' soccer team, competes in the boys' division. With humour and honesty, this documentary reveals the reality of the boy-girl issues and what "Kick Like A Girl" really means on and off the playing field.
Awards: Danville International Children’s Film Festival
(Best Short Film); Newport International Film Festival (Best Children’s
Short).
His Good Will
Director: Cayman Grant
Canada, 2008
11:19 min.
A touching story set in 1950 about a young boy struggling against poverty in a small town, and how his innocence and optimism, in the simplest of ways, touch those around him.
Awards: Official Entry, Academy Awards 2008 (Live Action Short Film); 5th Annual
NYC Downtown Short Film Festival 2009 (Best Cinematography and an Honorable Mention
for best Film Overall)
Reel 2 Real Film Festival (Most Inspirational Short Film).
Wings of Epoh
D irector: Peter H. Raynolds
USA, 2008
8 min.
Written by famed Holocaust survivor and author, Gerda Weissmann Klein, and lovingly illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, "Wings of Epoh" tells the amazing story of an autistic boy who takes a journey with an unlikely friend, a butterfly named Epoh (hope spelled backward). A teacher from Nebraska writes about her experience with the video, "Wings of Epoh."
Because You’re Gorgeous
Director: Brent Dawes
South Africa, 2007
5 min
Warthog takes pride in his lion-esque head of hair. He struts around boldly until one lock of hair mysteriously springs out of place. This simply will not do, but the stubborn hair refuses to fall back into place. Warthog does everything he can to regain his pristine looks; but the more he tries, the worse it gets.
