Keeping the kids out of mischief over the summer holidays can be an uphill struggle – with the words, "I'm bored" striking fear into the hearts of mums and dads everywhere. Given the lacklustre state of the British summertime so far, a trip to the cinema is almost certainly on the cards for almost every family in the land. But families in the north-west who’ve had their fill of WALL·E and Kung Fu Panda are in for a treat, thanks to Manchester’s Family Friendly Film Festival.
Running from August 8 to 17, the festival has an impressive amount of depth and caters for teenagers as well as younger children. Best of all, many of the events are free, and the rest are priced at £5 or less.
If you’ve got rugrats to keep out of mischief, they’re sure to get a kick out of First Flicks. This specially selected programme of animated shorts is aimed at the under-fives and features old favourite Pingu as well as Rindin The Puffer Fish and several children’s book adaptations. Comfy cushions and colouring sheets are also supplied and tickets cost £1 a person. Four to eight-year-olds can also get a short film fix, courtesy of Stories On Screen. This showcase, along with several other events in the festival, has been designed to celebrate the National Year of Reading, and features short films inspired by children’s story books. The screening is free and features shorts based on Roberto The Insect Architect and Where The Wild Things Are among others.
Older children will doubtless enjoy fantasy adventure Princess Mononoke - about a Japanese princess raised by wolves.
Teenagers, meanwhile, can take a break from The Dark Knight, for some more offbeat fare. Among the highlights are powerful atomic bomb animation Barefoot Gen (Cert 15). There are also some excellent documentaries to look out for, including the award-winning Mad Hot Ballroom (Cert U) - about New York kids taking on the world of dancing - and We Are Together (Suitable for ages 10+) - which shines a heartwarming spotlight on a children’s orphanage in South Africa.
It’s not just about what’s up on the screen, either, with a whole series of events aiming to get the family involved with film. You can strut out your finest Jack Sparrow at the Pirates Arrrgh Cool! day over at Stockport Plaza on August 10, or head for a Harry Potter Day of free wizarding fun over at John Rylands Library on 17th, which also includes a screening of Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone.
There’s also a chance for budding filmmakers to Make A Film In A Day, try their hand at animation in the Little Big Picture and Claymation workshops or have a go at making their own Manga (with inspiration on hand from a screening of Street Fighter 2).
For full details of the festival and to book tickets visit the official site.
