Hoppers Screening Leads New York International Children's Film Festival Line-Up

New York International Children's Film Festival (NYICFF) is back for another year this February and March. The event can usually be relied upon for a decent animation line-up- and this year is no different. After all, this is the festival that led to the founding of GKIDS Films.

The opening night film is Disney and Pixar's latest, Hoppers. The film, directed by Daniel Chong, will be screening ahead of its March 6 wide release. The screening will be preceded by a pyjama party and red carpet during the day, which will be followed by the screening of Shorts For Tots.

Chong's comedy adventure introduces us to Mabel, who uses an advanced technology to 'hop' her consciousness into a lifelike robot beaver, in order to live amongst and communicate with the animals at a nearby pond.

“We’re so excited to be introducing the unique magic of Pixar artistry, as shaped by Daniel Chong’s distinctive vision and wit, to a fresh generation of film fans,” said NYICFF Director of Programming Maria-Christina Villaseñor. “As we’re known for our world class animation slate, it feels fitting to be kicking things off with this highly anticipated new feature that promises not only to delight, but also asks us to consider how we value and respect each other across creature lines.”

This year's Audience Spotlight selection is My Life In Versailles. Holding its US premiere at the festival, the feature is based upon the short of the same name, winner of the NYICFF Grand Prize in 2020. It follows recently orphaned 8-year-old Violette, who leaves her life in Paris to live with her uncle Régis, a caretaker at the Palace of Versailles.

“We are thrilled, both for the filmmakers and our audience, that such a beloved film from a previous festival has made its way back to us as a feature,” said NYICFF Executive Director Nina Guralnick. “And we’re even more excited to be bringing Clémence Madeleine-Perdrillat and Nathaniel H'limi to NYC to premiere their wonderful film and share their vision with our audience.” The film’s directors will also be in attendance at the festival for an audience Q&A.

Other animated features screening at the festival include Belgian/Swiss film Mary Anning (US Premiere), a specially created movie-edit of TV series Moominvalley, Brazilian feature My Grandfather Is A Nihonjin (North American Premiere), Brazilian feature Papaya (North American Premiere), Canada's Space Cadet (East Coast Premiere), and Japan's Whoever Steals This Book (North American Premiere).

Additionally, there are eleven programs of shorts. None are specifically dedicated to animation, but any of which could feature animated shorts. They include Short Films 1-3, Heebie Jeebies, Best Of The Fest, Student Showcase, Girls' POV, Celebrating Black Stories and Native Stories.

More films to be announced. This year's New York International Children's Film Festival runs from February 28- March 15. For the full line-up and to buy tickets, see the festival website.