Photo:
A still from the film “Ernest & Célestine: A Trip to Gibberitia,” among film picks for families at SIFF 2023.
The Seattle International Film Festival, better known as SIFF, is for grown-up film fans who want to spend days in dark theaters geeking out over obscure foreign films, right? Wrong! Well, it is for those people, but it’s also for everyone else, including kids and families.
Running May 11–21, 2023, at various theaters around town, SIFF’s film offerings are perhaps under most families’ radar. (Even the phenomenal Children’s Film Festival Seattle, which we write about every year, seems to escape the notice of many families.)
So, if a film festival sounds like a weird thing that your family would be reluctant to participate in, rest assured, it’s just going to a movie! Really! Everyone knows how to do that. Just one — no dark theaters for days, we promise. Give it a try.
And in the superhero- and Disney-dominated arena of typical family films, the global films for families showing at SIFF are a cinematic breath of fresh air.
SIFF movie picks for kids
Our friends over at SIFF sent us these three movies that we’re sure you and your crew will love.
“Ernest & Célestine: A Trip to Gibberitia”
Unlikely pals Ernest and Célestine — a grumpy bear and a scrappy mouse — return in a delightful and joyous follow-up to their first Academy Award–nominated adventure. In this animated French film, the pals visit Ernest’s hometown only to find that the magical place that was once full of musicians and joyful music has fallen silent. Can the friends work together to bring back the music? This sweet film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at France’s 48th César Awards.
Director: Jean-Christophe Roger, Julien Chheng
Run time: 80 minutes
Language: In French with English subtitles
Age recommendation: Recommended for ages 7 and older
Where to watch: Catch this film at Shoreline Community College on Saturday, May 13, and at SIFF Cinema Egyptian on Saturday, May 20.
Tickets: $14–$15
“Yuku and the Himalayan Flower”
In this animated adventure tale from Belgium, Yuku the mouse is on a mission! In order to restore her grandmother’s health, little Yuku must locate a fabled Himalayan flower. She embarks on this perilous quest armed only with her ukulele and a song in her heart.
Director: Rémi Durin, Arnaud Demuynck
Run time: 65 minutes
Language: In French with English subtitles
Age recommendation: Recommended for all ages
Where to watch: This film shows at Shoreline Community College on Saturday, May 20, and at Pacific Place on Sunday, May 21.
Tickets: $14–$15
“Mavka: The Forest Song”
In this animated fantasy from the Ukraine, mythical guardian of the forest Mavka must protect her home from an evil lumber magnate. To do that, she faces breaking her own heart, turning away from a human musician she has met. This film celebrates Slavic traditions and culture in beautiful fashion.
Director: Oleh Malamuzh, Oleksandra Ruban
Run time: 90 minutes
Language: In English
Age recommendation: Recommended for ages 7 and older
Where to watch: Watch this film at Pacific Place on Sunday, May 14, and at Ark Lodge Cinemas on Sunday, May 21.
Tickets: $14–$15
