There are four animated films in the "For Children" selection, which will take child audiences, who make up a significant part of the festival followers, on different adventures in colourful worlds.
Each of the films will be screened in a dimly lit theatre and at a low volume so that children and young audiences with autism spectrum disorders can watch the films comfortably. At the same time, the audience will be able to bring food and drinks with them and move around the theatre as they wish.
Carousel (La Calesita):
A beloved Argentine carousel operator brings joy to neighbourhood families in this warm story... The change in the streets over time has also affected the neighbourhood carousel. But can the love and happiness shared in the past somehow reappear and overcome time?
Directed and written by Augusto Schillaci, the film won the Canal J Award at the 2022 Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
Fur (Fur):
A little girl takes her older sister out in a crowded city. Her sister has turned into a horned creature with grey fur. The girl has a hard time understanding how her sister turned into the creature she is today. She tries to destroy this fur that spreads and grows on her sister like a moss, but it is useless. That day, the girl realises that some things are not as easy as they seem.
Directed and written by Madeleine Homan, the film won the KersVers Competition at the 2022 Assen International Film Festival.
Luce and the Rock:
Luce lives in a peaceful town. The only thing that scares her is the darkness, but fortunately Luce feels safe with little light sticks. One day a giant rock creature disturbs the peaceful life in the village and destroys everyone's house, including Luce's! Luce is angry and determined to take Rock back home. But Luce may have more in common with Rock than Luce realises...
Directed and written by Britt Raes, the film won the Children's Jury Special Mention Award at the 2022 Berlin International Film Festival, the IndieJunior Audience Award at the 2022 IndieLisboa International Independent Film Festival and Best Sound Design Award at the 2022 London International Animation Festival.
Paolo's Happiness:
Paolo is a happy man who lives with his cat and loves to cry. Because tears mean everything to him. When he is sad, his tears make him feel relieved, and when he is happy, they make him even happier! One day the townspeople are amazed to see red flowers growing wherever Paolo's tears fall. The townspeople are very excited and everyone hopes to get some tears from him.
Directed by Thorsten Drößler and Manuel Schroeder, and written by Thorsten Drößler, the film won the PLAY Public Award at the 2023 Lisbon International Children Film Festival and the Audience Award at the 2022 Animatou Geneva Animation Film Festival.