International Children's and Youth Film Carnival 2023 to offer fabulous films for families celebrating summer
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The ICYFC is one of the highlights of the International Arts Carnival (IAC). Presented by the Film Programmes Office (FPO) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the ICYFC will screen a selection of feature films, animations and short films from around the world at the Hong Kong Film Archive, Hong Kong City Hall, the Hong Kong Science Museum, the Hong Kong Space Museum, the North District Town Hall and the Emperor Cinemas at The LOHAS in Tseung Kwan O respectively.
Among the 10 feature films selected this year, eight are animations. "Oink" (2022) tells a hilarious story of surprises and twists after the protagonist has received an adorable little pig from her grandfather with a mysterious background. In "Yuku and the Himalayan Flower" (2022), a diva mouse embarks on a journey in search of an eternal flower and makes friends through her lovely singing. In "The Amazing Maurice" (2022), a streetwise cat and his swarm of rats always leave scams and hoaxes in their trail but when they come to a small town, they have to fight against a malicious force. French classic cartoon character Little Nicholas accidentally ventures into the world of his author and illustrator in "Little Nicholas - Happy as can be" (2022).
Another four animated feature films are about protagonists' adventures and growing up overcoming obstacles. In "The Ape Star" (2021), orphan Jonna and a loving gorilla overcome hurdles and build a warm and blissful home. A shy flower fairy and an adventurous butterfly in "Rosa and the Stone Troll" (2023) build a heartfelt friendship by taking a leap of courage together. In "Dragon Princess" (2021), dragon princess Bristle crosses into the human world and learns about the meaning of friendship and the power of solidarity. Saved by an alien girl, the introverted Little Allan starts a friendship that extends across outer space in "Little Allan - The Human Antenna" (2022).
The remaining two feature films centre on friendship. In order to stay together, the protagonist of "Little Nicholas' Treasure" (2021) and his friends pull every stop to prevent his father from getting a promotion and relocating the whole family. In "Tales of Franz" (2022), Franz is a boy of small stature who tries to do anything to become bigger, including turning a blind eye on the advice of his good friends. He only realises his mistake when one of his friends has gone missing.
The "Youthful Encounter" section has specially selected "Nelly Rapp - Monster Agent" (2020). Nelly spends her school vacation at her uncle's home deep in the wilds only to find out that her uncle is a monster agent, keeping the peace between humans and monsters. She also discovers the secret of her family and herself.
This year's "Film Tunnel" section will screen a classic dinosaur animation co-produced by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, "The Land Before Time" (1988). It tells the story of a young brontosaurus, Littlefoot, who loses his mother during a migration. Littlefoot becomes an orphan, makes four supportive friends and embarks on a miraculous journey.
In addition, co-organised with the Hong Kong Space Museum, the ICYFC this year will present a special programme, Dome Show and Stargazing Night, for the first time to screen a dome show, "Hazelnuts - In Search of the Perfect Planet" (2022), at the Space Theatre of the museum. The show features little squirrels Nino and Lilli in their exploration of the universe. After the screenings, audiences, with the accompaniment of assistant curators of the museum, can join the stargazing activity at the rooftop as well as star map-making activities which will be conducted in Cantonese.
Experienced dubbing artists Yip Ka-man and Kinson Lai will perform live Cantonese dubbing for "Oink", "The Ape Star", and "Rosa and the Stone Troll" with no subtitles. "Hazelnuts - In Search of the Perfect Planet" is in Cantonese, with English and French available for selection in the headphone system, with no subtitles. Other films have Chinese and English subtitles.
Apart from the feature films, the FPO has picked an array of animated shorts from around the world to present three "World Animation & Shorts" sections. Two of the sections are for audiences aged 3 or above which are short films easy to understand, showcasing exciting adventures for young movie lovers. There are also short films exploring friendship, mutual understanding and emotion. In addition, there are over 10 short animated films which are a blend of witty, touching and thoughtful pieces targeting audiences aged 6 or above. Professional actor and drama tutor Man Jai (Raymond Chan) will host an introduction in Cantonese during the programmes of "World Animation & Shorts".
Tickets for screenings at LCSD venues priced at $70 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) starting tomorrow (May 19). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For screenings at Emperor Cinemas at The LOHAS in Tseung Kwan O, tickets priced at $90 will be available at Emperor Cinemas at The LOHAS in Tseung Kwan O and the Emperor Cinemas website (www.emperorcinemas.com) tomorrow. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2734 2900 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp/en/listing.html?id=50.
For details of other progranmmes of the IAC, please visit the following website www.hkiac.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, May 18, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:28
Issued at HKT 15:28
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