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Milwaukee Film Announces Milwaukee Children’s Film Festival Line-Up
Program spotlights award-quality films for all age groups, offers educational screenings and more
MILWAUKEE – Tuesday, August 14, 2012 – The Milwaukee Film Festival, presented by the Milwaukee
Journal Sentinel, is pleased to announce the second of this year’s festival programs. Presented by PNC,
the Milwaukee Children’s Film Festival (MCFF) is a selection of award-quality features and shorts
appropriate for all ages, nestled within the Milwaukee Film Festival itself. In addition to the screenings, the
MCFF will feature discussions with the filmmakers, hands-on activities inspired by the films, and takehome materials discussing the individual films and filmmaking in general.
”The Milwaukee Children’s Film Festival is an exciting opportunity for families to experience great movies
together,” said Milwaukee Film Education Director Susan Kerns. “Last year’s success allowed us to
increase the number of films we will show this year and do new things like screen a legendary children’s
classic, present our first 3-D film, and host our largest number of children’s filmmaker guests ever.”
Educational screenings for school groups are available on weekdays during the Film Festival. Students
are able not only to see the films, but also to participate in post-screening Q & As with special guests.
Educators will receive curriculum packets with media literacy activities for use in schools.
For more information on educational screenings, visit mkefilm.org/education, or email
[email protected]
MILWAUKEE CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL LINE-UP:
Alfie The Little Werewolf – (all ages)
Shy, sweet Alfie morphs into a fluffy, howling werewolf the night of his seventh birthday. Swathed in the
full moon’s glow, he chases ducks through the neighborhood. Though he returns to normal the next
morning, he vows to hide his wolfy ways as another full moon approaches. An excellent choice for young
viewers and fans of Halloween, this live action film based on a book by Dutch author Paul van Loon
imparts valuable lessons about being oneself.
Le Tableau – (ages 9 & up)
A wildly inventive animated film built around an unfinished painting and the three kinds of characters who
live in it: The complete Allduns, the half-finished Halvies, and the undeveloped Sketchies. Convinced of
their superiority, the Allduns assert their power over the other two groups. But a band of misfits,
desperate for harmony leave the painting in search of The Painter who made them. Le Tableau is French
director Jean-Francois Laguionie’s fourth feature film.
Tales of the Night – (ages 10 & up)
Magic, humor, and ironic twists spring from bright, kaleidoscopic backdrops in this animated fantasy by
Michel Ocelot (Azur & Asmar, MFF 2010). Like shadow puppets, three black silhouettes—a boy, a girl,
and an elderly cinema technician—stage six fables from Tibet, the Aztec kingdom, and other faraway
lands. Suitable for ages 10 and older, these exciting tales teem with monsters, princesses, and a huge
talking bee.
The Princess Bride – (Rated PG)
Rob Reiner’s star-studded 1987 cinema classic based on William Goldman’s hilarious book of the same
name, The Princess Bride tells the Renaissance-era tale of noble Westley (Cary Elwes) on a quest to
reclaim childhood sweetheart Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) from the nefarious Prince Humperdinck.
Along the way he encounters a swordfighter out for revenge (Mandy Patinkin), a helfpful giant (Andre the
Giant), rodents of unusual size, a six-fingered Count, and more. Milwaukee Film is proud to present this in
th
glorious 35mm at The Landmark Oriental Theatre as part of the film’s 25 anniversary celebration.
Kids Shorts: Size Small - (ages 3 & up)
This program of kids films from around the world are suitable for our youngest film audiences. These
animated and live action films are sure to entertain and engage young viewers. Screening as part of this
year’s program is The Gruffalo’s Child, the sequel to last year’s beloved The Gruffalo, voiced by Helena
Bonham Carter.
Kids Shorts: Size Medium - (ages 6 & up)
These international kids films for young film lovers hit the highs and lows of being a kid. Featured among
these shorts are Brad & Gary, the new short by Despicable Me director Pierre Coffin.
Kids Shorts: Size Large - (ages 8 & up)
A sampling of award-winning films from across the globe for young people. This program includes the film
fest’s first 3-D film—The Magic Piano—a gorgeous animated adventure.
Milwaukee Youth Show – (all ages)
For the first time ever, the Milwaukee Film Festival is showcasing a collection of films made by Wisconsin
filmmakers ages 18 & under!
The Milwaukee Children’s Film Festival is presented by PNC and sponsored by Brewers Community
Foundation, Metro Parent, and MilwaukeeMoms.com
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About Milwaukee Film
Founded in 2008 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to hosting Milwaukee’s premiere film festival, Milwaukee Film
provides incredible opportunities to view the best contemporary American and international cinema. The 2011
Milwaukee Film Festival drew over 35,000 attendees with 22 sold-out screenings, which included the Milwaukee
Children’s Film Festival. The organization also supports local filmmakers and gives firsthand experience in film
production to high school students and emerging artist through its Collaborative Cinema education program.
Visit mkefilm.org for information on the film festival and the organization, membership, special events, and to sign up
for the weekly email newsletter (mkefilm.org/newsletter-signup). Connect with Milwaukee Film on Facebook
(facebook.com/MilwaukeeFilm) and on Twitter (twitter.com/mkefilm) and visit the Milwaukee Film blog
(mkefilm.org/theblog).
The 4th Annual Milwaukee Film Festival will be held September 27-October 11, 2012.
About the Milwaukee Film Board of Directors
Milwaukee Film’s independent board is made up of the following members: Donna Baumgartner, Tina Chang, Eva
Chess, Dr. Robert Davis, Jeff Fitzsimmons, Alec Fraser, Bill Haberman (chair), Carmen Haberman, Stacey Herzing,
Patti Keating Kahn, Tracey L. Klein, Mary Ann LaBahn, Steve Laughlin, Emilia Layden, Marianne Lubar, Sara
Meaney, Steve Mech, Barry Poltermann, Bob Pothier, Joseph Rock, Jacqueline Strayer, Julia Taylor, Chad Tessmer.
Emeritus members: Chris Abele (past chair), Tom Barrett.