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JAN 25, Friday at 8pm
Opening Night Celebration: The Adventures of Prince Achmed
Featuring the world premiere of a new score composed and performed by Miles and Karina

See Lotte Reinger's 1926 animated film masterpiece, The Adventures of Prince Achmed, and hear the world premiere of a new score commissioned by Northwest Film Forum. Tickets are $10 for kids, $15 for adults, and $12 NWFF members.
Recommended for ages 7 and older
Contains scenes which might disturb the most sensitive young viewers

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JAN 26, Saturday
Saturday Morning Pancake Breakfast and Short Film Smorgasbord
Breakfast at 9:30 am, Film Smorgasbord at 10:30 (Cinema 1) & 11am (Cinema 2)

Bring the whole family for our annual children's film fundraiser - an all-you-can-eat pancake and bacon breakfast. Gallons of hot coffee will be on hand for the adults. A $40 per family admission fee includes a special sixty-minute program of short films that are sure to be favorites in this year's festival. This event always sells out, so buy tickets early!

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FEB 3, Sunday at 5 pm
Closing Awards Ceremony and Presentation of Student Films

Experience the glamour of a world premiere and the excitement of an awards ceremony! The program will feature the 2009 Festival Trailer and the films created in Children's Film Festival Seattle workshops, the announcement of the Children's Jury awards and a presentation of several award-winning films from the festival!

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JAN 25, Friday at 8pm; JAN 27, Sunday at 1pm; JAN 31, Thursday at 8pm, FEB 3 Sunday at 1pm
The Adventures of Prince Achmed
(Lotte Reiniger, Germany, 1926, 67 min)
New score composed and performed by Miles and Katrina!

Climb aboard a flying horse and fly away to the kaleidoscopic world of The Arabian Nights! The Adventures of Prince Achmed - the oldest extant feature-length animated film - is a breathtaking work of art. Created in 1926 by 23 year-old German teacher Lotte Reiniger, the film tells the story of an Arabian prince, an evil sorcerer, and a captured princess using silhouette-animation techniques. Northwest Film Forum is proud to have commissioned Miles and Karina (David Keenan and Nova Devonie) to compose and perform a new score - featuring guitar, accordion, and other instruments - for the film. More details, visit http://www.milesandkarina.com. Tickets are $10 for kids, $15 for adults, and $12 for NWFF members.
Recommended for ages 7 and older
Contains scenes which might disturb the most sensitive young viewers

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JAN 26, Saturday at 5pm; JAN 28, Monday at 5pm; FEB 3, Sunday at 3:30pm
The Robber Hotzenplotz
(Gernot Roll, Germany, 2005, 93 min)

When two boys set out to catch the wild robber Hotzenplotz in this fantasy-filled film, the adventures of one of the world's most hilarious thieves come to life. Just think, if Hotzenplotz hadn't stolen Grandma's beloved coffee mill, the boys would never have met a beautiful fairy trapped in the body of a slimy toad, chased after a croco-dog, had to peel mountains of potatoes for the evil blue-eyed magician Zwackelmann, or laid eyes on the world's tiniest castle! Based on the legendary children’s books by Otfried Preussler.
In German with English subtitles
Recommended for ages 6 and up

shows with: Pretend (Temris Ridge, Canada, 2007, 2 min)

A wonderful game on the playground must come to an end when the school bell rings.

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JAN 26, Saturday at 3:30pm; FEB 3, Sunday at 11:30am
Luna: Spirit of the Whale
(Don McBrearty, Canada, 2006, 90 min)

Inspired by real events, this moving film tells the story of Luna, an orphaned Orca who is adopted by an indigenous tribe that realize she embodies the spirit of their late chief. When the government decides to "rescue" the whale, the tribe must fight to protect Luna in a battle that pits political power against spiritual strength. Luna features stunning underwater cinematography and strong performances by a cast that includes Tantoo Cardinal, Graham Greene, and Jason Priestly.
Recommended for ages 8 and older
Contains mild violence, language, and brief scenes of teens smoking and drinking

shows with:
Montrose Avenue (Pat Shewchuk, Marek Colek, Canada, 2006, 6 min)

Explore a vibrant inner-city street in Toronto's "Little Portugal," and find out what makes a healthy neighborhood tick.

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JAN 27, Sunday at 7pm; FEB 2, Saturday at 5:30pm
Hansel and Gretel
(Anne Wild, Germany, 2006, 80 min)

Don't miss this haunting and evocative live action version of the classic fairy tale. Steeped in the original story's sinister tone, this new adaptation features brave and ingenious children, an evil stepmother and feckless father, and a truly creepy witch. Outstanding cinematography captures the fable's eerie atmosphere and lush settings. With nail-biting scenes and fantastic performances that convey the seriousness of the children's situation, this film is certain to charm, thrill and delight.
In German with English subtitles
Recommended for ages 9 and up due to some sinister scenes

shows with: Chasing Game (Jordan Stead, USA, 2007, 2 min)
Dimension (Hadley Hillel, USA, 2007, 6 min)

These youth-directed films will put you in a spooky mood, while also reminding you that fairy tales are famous for their happy endings.

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JAN 27, Sunday at 3pm; FEB 3, Sunday at 1:30pm
Desmond and the Swamp Barbarian
(Magnus Carlsson, Sweden, 2006, 68 min)

Things have gone missing in Raspberry Wood, and Desmond the pig and his animal friends must find these prized possessions. Desmond is convinced that the thief is none other than the Swamp Barbarian, but is that fearsome creature just a figment of his overactive porcine imagination? This delightful film features adorable characters, gorgeous animation, and giggle-inducing plots twists that will charm viewers of all ages.
In Swedish with English subtitles
Recommended for ages 3 and up

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JAN 26, Saturday at 3pm; JAN 28, Monday at 1:30pm; FEB 2, Saturday at 5pm
From the Heart of Sweden: Animation with a Global Reach
(Various directors, Sweden, 69 min)

Aston's Stones (Lotta Geffenblad, Uzi Geffenblad, 2007, 9 min)
Garantia and the Shooting Star (Rebecka Llerena, Ella Johansson, 2007, 8 min)
Holly Gets Even (Marika Heideback, Sweden, 2007, 14 min)
Poison Arrow Frogs (Johan Hagelback, 2007, 9 min)
Willy and the Wild Rabbit (Lennart Gustafsson, Yiva-Li Gustafsson, 2006, 29 min)

For decades, films from Sweden have been a mainstay of children’s film festivals worldwide. This year, we celebrate Sweden's incredible contribution to the children's film canon with this special program of brand new animated films. In these tender, touching, and visually dazzling films, you'll meet a little boy who fills his pockets with friendly stones, a mermaid doll who goes on a deep sea dive, a girl who learns to forgive when her feelings are hurt, a child who outsmarts a dangerous frog, and a very tame rabbit who discovers thrills, chills, and new friends deep inside the forbidden forest.
In Swedish with English subtitles
Recommended for all ages

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JAN 27, Sunday at 5pm; JAN 28, Monday at 7pm; FEB 2, Saturday at 3pm
Meet Will Vinton at the Feb 2 screening!
Animated Genius: Films of Will Vinton
(Will Vinton, USA, 60 min)

Legacy (1979, 7 min)
The Creation (1981, 9 min)
Mountain Music (1976, 9 min)
A Christmas Gift (1980, 8 min)
Rip Van Winkle (1978, 27 min)

Not many filmmakers kick off their careers by winning an Academy Award. Even fewer go on to breathe life into characters that become icons of animation. Fewer still achieve stunning commercial success with inventions like the California Raisins and M&M's "Red & Yellow." Will Vinton has done all that, in addition to founding and managing one of the most respected animation studios in history, Will Vinton Studios. Join us for this retrospective of early films by Will Vinton, and you'll see why this boundlessly energetic and creative animator from Portland went on to win virtually every film and television award given to filmmakers. Northwest Film Forum is proud to salute Will Vinton - a world renowned Claymation pioneer who has created some of the most innovative animation in history, and who continues to break new ground under the banner of his new company, Freewill Entertainment.
Recommended for ages 7 and up

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JAN 27, Sunday at 11:30am; JAN 28, Monday at 3:30pm; FEB 2, Saturday at 3:30pm
Make a Leap! Films About Growing Up
(Various directors, 73 min)

When I Grow Up (Michelle Meeker, USA, 7 min)
Western Spaghetti (Joseph Procopio, Canada, 2007, 7 min)
What Makes Me Happy: Mahmoud's Film (Munia Mustafa Dweik, Palestine, 2005, 10 min)
Chinese Whisper (Oliver Rauch, Germany, 2007, 3 min)
Paper Tulips (Tricia Lee, Canada, 2007, 6 min)
Wormhead (Manauvaskar Kublall, USA, 2006, 13 min)
What Makes Me Happy: Jungie's Film (Linfeng Xue, China, 2006, 10 min)
Dandelion (Jackie Liao, 2006, Taiwan, 5 min)
What Makes Me Happy: Ranjita's Film (Tsering Rhitar Sherpa, Nepal, 2005, 10 min)
Ubuntu (David Serota, USA, 2007, 3 min)

Sometimes it seems like kids grow taller overnight. Other times, growth isn't measured in inches, but in how young hearts and minds expand. In this program of international films, you'll get to see how resourceful kids in China, Nepal, South Africa and Palestine solve their problems. You'll also meet students who must overcome the small cruelties of their classmates, style-conscious girls who learn to love a new hairstyle, a boy who embraces his heritage, and a child who discovers that her beloved Grandpa will always be with her.
Recommended for ages 8 and up

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JAN 26, Saturday at 1pm; JAN 28, Monday at 10am; FEB 2, Saturday at 11am
Meet Lara Jo Regan, director of BIG TOP WINKLE, and Mr. Winkle, Jr at the Jan 26 screening!
Best Friends Forever
(Various directors, 71 min)

Pound (Evan Bernard, USA, 2006, 2 min)
Rindin the Puffer (Len Simon, USA, 2007, 8 min)
Miriam's Theatre (Priit Tender, Estonia, 2007, 5 min)
What Makes Me Happy: Tommy's Film (Annie Gibbs, UK, 2005, 10 min)
Multi From Mushnaka (Michael Monteleone, USA, 2005, 4 min)
The Little Shooting Star (Kai Hafemeister, Germany, 2006, 5 min)
Big Top Winkle (Lara Jo Regan, USA, 2007, 37 min)

Best friends laugh with us, listen to us, and help us to discover what is best in ourselves. This collection of animated and live-action films introduces you to unforgettable new friends: an adorable mutt who saves a ragtag circus, a little boy who invents a friend from outer space, a shooting star that reminds us why being last is sometimes best, and other warm and wonderful characters.
Recommended for all ages

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JAN 26, Saturday at 1:30pm; JAN 28, Monday at 5:30pm; FEB 2, Saturday at 1:30pm
Meet Stephen Sotor, director of PEACE, at the Jan 26 screening!
Can-Do Kids
(Various directors, 82 min)

For All the Marbles (Kris Booth, Canada, 2006, 11 min)
What Makes Me Happy: Hashi's Film (Delon Weerasinghe, Sri Lanka, 2005, 10 min)
Swimming Lesson (Ellen Raine-Scott, Canada, 2006, 7 min)
What Makes Me Happy: Amran's Film (Aida Ashenafi, Ethiopia, 2005, 10 min)
Mare Copoeira (Paola Leblac, Brazil, 2005, 15 min)
Peace (Stephen Sotor, Trace Gaynor, USA, 2007, 18 min)
Water Detectives (David Springbett, Canada, 2007, 11 min)

Some days are easier than others, but life's challenges can show us what we're made of. The kids in these films remind us that sometimes we have to jump in the deep end, whether we're ready or not. Learn to outsmart a bully, master the Brazilian art of Mare Copoeira, take care of an animal friend, and conquer the wind with your own handmade kite! The program concludes with two remarkable documentaries by and about real kids who are making a difference in the world.
Recommended for ages 8 and up

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JAN 27, Sunday at 5:30pm; JAN 28, Monday at 1pm; JAN 31, Thursday at 10am, FEB 3, Sunday at 3pm
Out of This World
(Various directors, 66 min)

Piano Lesson (Erahm Christopher, USA, 2007, 6 min)
The Mantis Parable (Josh Staub, USA, 2005, 8 min)
Cookies for Sale (Wes Kim, USA, 2007, 3 min)
Shhhh... (Fumio Obata, Scotland, 2007, 3 min)
Counting Sheep (Dave McKenna, UK, 2005, 3 min)
Capt. Cumulus (Melissa Choong, James Hing, UK, 2007, 3 min)
Funglasses (Matthias Daenschel, Germany, 2006, 7 min)
Banking On Escape (Molly Porter, UK, 2007, 3 min)
Moonman (Friedrich Bohm, Germany, 2007, 29 min)
The Crane and the Giraffe (Vladimir Beillini, Argentina, 2006, 2 min)

Have you ever imagined a place beyond the sunset, or a parallel universe where the rules don't apply and dreams come true in the most unusual ways? This program of animated and live action films is for you! You'll encounter runaway piggy banks, gargantuan sheep and helpful grizzlies, picture books with people trapped inside, eyeglasses that work like movie screens, piano teachers that burst into operatic arias, and a girl scout who goes to supernatural lengths to sell cookies. All this, plus a glowing parable about a caterpillar trapped in a collector's jar, and the thrilling story of a young girl who befriends the man in the moon!
Recommended for ages 7 and up

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JAN 26, Saturday at 5:30pm; JAN 29, Tuesday at 10am; FEB 2, Saturday at 11:30am
Meet Jeanne McKinney, director of CITY OF GOLD, at the Jan 26 screening!
Legends to Live By
(Various directors, 69 min)

Story Tree (Stephanie Sim, Canada, 2006, 3 min)
Ming (Bright) (Sijun Zhou, Australia, 2004, 4 min)
Apple Tree (Julia Ocker, Moritz Schneider, Germany, 2006, 4 min)
The Spirit Child (Elinor Geller, UK, 2006, 8 min)
City of Gold - An Eagle Is Born (Jeanne McKinney, USA, 2006, 3 min)
Obara and the Merchants (Manauvaskar Kublall, USA, 2007, 9 min)
Memento Mori (Espen Ellingsen, Martha Friedrich, UK, 2006, 3 min)
Ciscalo Ciscalo Diablo Panzon! (Amanda Wallace, Antonio Cerdan, Canada/Mexico, 2006, 6 min)
The Dragonslayer (Franziska Poike, Germany, 2007, 4 min)
Giving Thanks (Longhouse Media, USA, 2007, 2 min)
Raven Tales (Chris Kientz, USA, 2006, 23 min)

Have you ever heard a story so strange that you knew it couldn’t possibly be true, but still found yourself believing it? We present these kinds of tales in this collection of legends, myths, and fables from all over the globe. Find out why the eagle is bald, why lightning always comes before thunder, and what grows on a story tree. Dive into the daily drama of 16th Century Mesoamerica, take part in a traditional Mexican holy week celebration, cheer on a dragon slayer, travel to Africa to learn how one person can feed an entire village, and fly away to magical and spooky lands far beyond this earthly plain!
Recommended for ages 7 and up

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JAN 27, Sunday at 11am; JAN 28, Monday at 11:30am; JAN 30, Wednesday at 10am; FEB 3, Sunday at 11am
Four-Legged, Finned and Furry Friends
(Various directors, 50 min)

Willy Was a Whale (Justin Roberts, USA, 2001, 3 min)
New Adventures with Jack and Pedro: Papa Pedro / Papa Jack (Steffan Erlandsson, Anna Hansson, Sweden, 2007, 7 min)
Uncle Moondog - "New Goldfish" (Mike McManus, USA, 2005, 3 min)
I'm An Animal (Darragh O Connell, Ireland, 2006, 4 episodes, 2 min each)
Miriam and the Flood (Riho Unt, Estonia, 2006, 5 min)
Seven Blind Mice (Virginia Wilkos and Cha-Pow! USA, 2007, 8 min)
Carrot! (Partel Tall, Estonia, 2003, 7 min)
Giraffes Can't Dance (Weston Woods, USA, 2007, 7 min)
This Pretty Planet (Darrell Van Citters, USA, 2005, 2 min)

Just like our favorite little kids, this animation program is short, sweet, and full of songs! All kinds of critters are the stars here: kangaroos, flamingos, whales, orangutans, hens, mice, giraffes, bunny rabbits, birds, snakes, turtles, and even an adorable goldfish. You'll leave the theater singing about all the wonderful creatures that live on this pretty planet.
Recommended for ages 3 and up

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JAN 27, Sunday at 1:30pm; JAN 28, Monday at 3pm; FEB 1, Friday at 10am
Meet Maniwa Arisawa, director of BUNNY BOWLING, at the Jan 27 screening!
Wild and Wooly
(Various directors, 68 min)

Hip Hip Hooray (Dana Dorian, Scotland, 2007, 1 min)
Dudson's Modern Tales: Arkski (Steven DeNure, Beth Stevenson, Janice Walker, Canada, 2006, 2 min)
Bobbie & Sqweek (Chiew Yuen "Choom" Lam, Canada, 2007, 2 min)
Smile My Friend (Dace Riduze, Latvia, 2007, 11 min)
Miriam's Picnic (Andres Tenusaar, Estonia, 2007, 5 min)
Bunny Bowling (Maniwa Arisawa, Japan, 2006, 1 min)
Hunting (Janis Cimermanis, Latvia, 2007, 9 min)
Little Blue (Bob Svihovec, USA, 2006, 8 min)
The Girl With the Green Hair (Multiple youth directors of La Matatena, Mexico, 2005, 3 min)
Carrot Theatre (Pärtel Tall, Estonia, 2006, 6 min)
Leonardo, the Terrible Monster (Pete List, USA, 2007, 8 min)
Beet Robber (Johannes Hinke, Thomas Kümmel, Germany, 2007, 12 min)
This animation program is full of the unexpected: surfing penguins, girls with green hair, hares that chase after snowmen's noses, and monsters that aren't scary at all. Go bowling with a bunny, rescue some cute forest creatures, go on a great beet heist, and find out who would want to steal a beaver's two front teeth!
Recommended for ages 5 and up

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JAN 27, Sunday at 3:30pm
Play with Projectors + Short Film Program
Presented by Deb Girdwood and Isabelle Harder, Childish Films, Minnesota
(Various directors, approximately 70 min)

This interactive exhibit introduces children to the old school audio/visual equipment many of us grew up with: the slide projector, the overhead projector, the filmstrip projector, and the star of the program - the 16mm film projector. Kids (and grown-ups) can see up close how these various projectors work. After the hands-on demonstration, audience members will take their seats for a special program of rare, award-winning children’s films from a private collection, including The Golden Fish, produced by Jacques Cousteau and directed by Edmond Sechan (the cinematographer of The Red Balloon) in 1959.
Recommended for ages 5 and older