Storytelling is an ancient practice that continues to bring communities together. In the past 100 years or so film has become a medium for sharing and telling our stories throughout the world. With endless entertainment now at our fingertips it is easy to see why film has lost some of its substance, especially in the realm for children. So the question becomes why should film still be important for kids?
For the past 15 years the Northwest Film Forum has been an asset to filmmaker’s by providing rental equipment, workshops, and even financial sponsorship. Nine years ago the Film Forum began the Children’s Film Festival to delight and inspire Seattle audiences. Elizabeth Shepherd is an active overseer of the Festival, striving to make it better and more enlightening every year.
When asked what she looks for in a children’s film she discussed many important elements, but three major aspects stood out: the ability to inspire, to delight, and for children to learn something new. It is essential that the story is told from a child’s point of view, or at least something child-like. Children are swept away by the challenges and successes of other children whom they can relate to. And different age groups call for different themes. For example, in a program for ages 3-5 Shepherd will include tales of cute animals. Ages 11 and 12 will more likely resonate with stories of growing up. These elements add real substance to a film and go beyond mere distraction.
Children need to be challenged in some way and to think about the lifestyles of other children. That’s why international film plays such a key role in a festival. International films present a new point of view for a child. Providing them with a way to learn and think about a new culture, or land, or language.
That’s why Shepherd is “really excited about [the 2013 Nevada City Film Festival’s] children’s program because it’s really multicultural.” The film Chinti, for example, is the story of the Taj Mahal and India told by a Russian director. Likewise, Tuurngait is the story of an Inuit boy told by a French director. “When you leave you will have gone around the world.”
For children and adults alike, the real magic of film comes with the Theatre Experience. You “stand in line, get your ticket, buy the popcorn, sit down with other people, laugh together, gasp together–it’s a human experience.” Watching a film and learning something new with a community is the magic of children’s film (more than the abra cadabra or the rubbing of a lamp). According to Shepherd, parents should then process these experiences with their kids by talking to them about what they have just seen. “There are endless possibilities once exposing kids to international culture” and it’s “both easy and inexpensive. When you broaden minds, the sky’s the limit.”
Yes, film is an important medium for children because it has the capacity to be full of substance and become a great representation of how connected we are through stories. That is why she’s excited for ours.
The 2013 Nevada City Film Festival is from September 5-8th. The Children’s Program is in on Saturday at 11 at the Miners Foundry, Stone Hall, 325 Spring Street, Nevada City. Tickets at $9/GA, $7/Student & Senior and children are free. For more information go to nevadacityfilmfestival.com
Words Oona O’Neill
The children’s program was wonderful. My granddaughter really enjoyed it and we discussed the films afterwards. Thank you Jesse Locks and everyone involved. I hope this becomes a thriving enterprise.