The Big Eyes, Big Minds International Children’s Film Festival of Saint Louis is returning to the Saint Louis Zoo for its third year on Saturdays, Feb. 9, 16 and 23. The festival features award-winning films made for kids, about kids and sometimes by kids.
The live-action and animated short films range from 1 to 30 minutes long and are tailored to children 2 to 18 years old; however, adults will find the films equally appealing.
After each screening, the Zoo’s Education Department will offer a short filmmaking opportunity and other kids’ activities related to the featured films. The Wild Wonder Outpost discovery room for young children, located in The Living World, will be free of charge after the 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. screenings.
The mission of the film festival is to provide children with diverse and imaginative works to broaden their view of the world, foster critical thinking and inspire creative expression.
Screenings
Film screenings will be held at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. on Saturdays, Feb. 9, 16 and 23 at the Anheuser-Busch Theater in The Living World at the North Entrance of the Zoo.
Tickets
Admission for each screening is $9 per person for ages 2 and up. Children under age 2 are free. Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by at least one adult. Tickets may be purchased at the door on the days of the event or online at stlzoo.org/filmfest.
About the films
My Friends & Family (46-minute program for ages 2 and up)
In this collection of 11 animated films, you’ll see that friends and family come in all shapes and sizes. Films include: A Bit Lost (France), Wolfie The Bunny (U.S.), Henriyeti: Sock It To Me Yeti (U.S.), Patchwork Rhino (Germany), The Little Bird & The Caterpillar (Switzerland), Island (Germany), Totem Family Song (U.S.), The Pocket Man (France), Tiniest Man In The World: Chopsticks (France), Lion (Germany), Slant the Sapling (Taiwan).
Take the Cake (55-minute program for ages 5 and up)
This collection of eight short films showcases The Highway Rat (UK), with David Tennant, from the award-winning producers of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes, Room On The Broom etc. Other films include: Penguin (Germany), A Priori (Germany), Jubilee (France), Mr. Night Has A Day Off (Lithuania), Chiripajas (Spain), 1 Minute Nature: Pirates (Netherlands), Zoo Story (Czech Republic)
Think Different (61-minute program for ages 7 and up)
These 11 animated films are an inspiration for creative thinkers: Ant (Germany), The Fruits of Clouds (Czech Republic), Lion (Germany), The Gift (Germany/Turkey), Dark, Dark Woods (Denmark), Intruders (Norway), Opiuo – Quack Fat (Australia), Twin Islands (France), Nobody Nose Cleopatra (France), Big Boom (Russia), Mr. Night Has A Day Off (Lithuania).
Out of Place (65-minute program for ages 9 and up)
The characters in these eight films are oddly out of place but find the courage to change things. Films include: The Gift (Germany), Bango Vassil (Bulgaria), Penguin (Germany), The House (Czech Republic), The Butterfly (Canada), Awaker (Czech Republic), Odd is an Egg (Norway), Perched (UK).
#GirlStories (71-minute program for ages 11 and up)
This showcase of six animated, live-action and documentary films features compelling stories about girls from around the world. Films include: Jie Jie (Taiwan), Scrambled (Netherlands), Girl of 672K (Netherlands), Threads (Canada), Intruders (Norway), Girl Against Gravity (Denmark).
Visit stlzoo.org/filmfest for show times and film descriptions.