Screening in Sydney (Ritz Cinemas) and Melbourne (Classic Cinemas, Lido Cinemas and Cameo Cinemas), the CHIFF program features 18 Australian premiere titles, a program of family short films and special events tailored to young filmgoers aged from 3 years old and up.
The 2024 festival line-up includes films in English, as well as a selection of foreign language films with English subtitles.
“The cutest, funniest, and most action-packed film festival in Australia returns in 2024 for a whole month of movies that will have our youngest cinephiles and their families delighted and enthralled,” said Thomas Caldwell, Artistic Director. “More than ever, our program reflects our passion for presenting our audiences with films that represent all corners of the world. From heart-warming family dramas to fantasy, superheroes, and sporting tales, films for pre-schoolers and older kids (and adults!), animation and live action, there is truly something for everyone at CHIFF.”
This year, CHIFF presents two special events that promise unforgettable experiences for attendees. Don’t miss the Family Fun Day featuring Disney+Pixar’s highly anticipated new film Inside Out 2, where newly minted teenager Riley navigates unexpected new emotions; and experience the sensory delight of Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds, where sisters Juliette and Carmen journey into a magical odyssey. This special presentation offers two versions, in English dub and French with English subtitles, ensuring a captivating journey for all viewers.
Several films at CHIFF 2024 are adaptations or inspired by beloved books and stories, capturing essence of beloved literary works and bring them to life on the big screen. A Cat’s Life tells a tender tale of friendship between a young girl and a rescue cat. A Greyhound of a Girl celebrates family bonds and life’s challenges, adapted from a book by Roddy Doyle. Christmas on Cobbler Street brings a heart-warming Christmas tale set after World War II. Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia reunites audiences with the endearing characters in an exciting new adventure. Notably, this film is a sequel to the 2012 film Ernest and Celestine, which was winner of Best Animated Film at the César Awards (the French Oscars) and selected to screen at the Directors’ Fortnight in Cannes 2012.
For beautiful animations that appeal to adults as well as children dive into the captivating adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s timeless shipwreck novel with Kensuke’s Kingdom, featuring the voices of acclaimed actors like Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer), Sally Hawkins (Paddington), and Ken Watanabe (The Last Samurai); or delight in the stunning Chicken for Linda!, a humorous and heartfelt tale that has been winning accolades worldwide.
At CHIFF 2024, the excitement extends beyond the screen with films that encourage dress-ups and offer face-painting fun. A Cat’s Life invites viewers into a story of an unbreakable bond, complete with pre-film feline face-painting at select sessions. New Australian/Irish animation My Freaky Family brings Halloween vibes with a call for audiences to dress up in their scariest costumes for a chance to win prizes. Just Super inspires audiences to don their favourite superhero costumes, enhancing the immersive experience of this fun and gentle superhero story. Check out the CHIFF program online for more special events.
Among the diverse line-up of films are captivating tales that span genres and themes. Extinction follows the thrilling journey of an ordinary boy making an extraordinary difference. Goldbeak brings an exhilarating story of honour and courage in a world of injustice. Hanna and the Monsters takes audiences on an adorable adventure into the secret world of monsters, presented in Spanish language by the Spanish Embassy in Australia and Instituto Cervantes Sydney-Melbourne and also screening in its English dubbed version.
Check out the full program at www.chiff.com.au
THE DETAILS
What: Children’s International Film Festival
Where: Sydney and Melbourne
When:
Sat 8 June – Sun 7 July (winter school holidays)
Melbourne: Classic Cinemas Elsternwick, Lido Cinemas Hawthorn and Cameo Cinemas Belgrave
Sat 15 June – Sun 14 July (winter school holidays)
Sydney: Ritz Cinemas Randwick
Tickets: Single Admission $16.00, Member tickets $14.00, Family Pass $55.00 (Two adults and two children or one adult and three children)
More info: www.chiff.com.au
