Opening Night! NY-SF International Children's Film Festival October 21, 2011

The San Francisco Film Society and the New York International Children’s Film Festival present a three-day celebration of diverse, enlightening, inspiring and entertaining films for kids and teens ages 3–18 and their families. This special showcase includes short, feature, animated and documentary films from around the world with filmmaker guests, an Opening Night party and a school outreach program.

Friday, October 21 Opening Night
Premier Theater, Letterman Digital Arts Center

5:00 pm Sammy’s Adventures: The Secret Passage
Ben Stassen (Belgium 2010)
This delightful eco-adventure is an immersive 3-D experience, taking you on an animated undersea journey with Sammy, a sea turtle embarking on a 50-year odyssey around the world—and a lifetime of adventure. Vibrant visuals are accompanied by a lively soundtrack featuring pop songs by Bruno Mars and Michael Jackson. 85 min. In English. Preceded by short The Deep. Recommended for all ages.

6:00 pm Opening Night Party
Palm Room, San Francisco Film Centre, 39 Mesa Street, The Presidio
A fun-filled party with face painting, butterfly tattoos, shadow puppets, music, kid-friendly food, drinks and complimentary grown-up grape juice that film-and-party ticket holders can attend either after Sammy’s Adventures or before Tales of the Night. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume, like the costume-changing characters in Tales of the Night.

7:30 pm Tales of the Night
Michel Ocelot (Les contes de la nuit, France 2011)
Renowned French animation auteur Michel Ocelot marks his first foray into 3-D animation using his unique shadow puppet style to tell six different fables each unfolding in an exotic locale. History blends with fairy tale in enchanted lands full of dragons, werewolves, sorcerers, captive princesses and brave warriors. 84 min. In French with subtitles. Preceded by short Don’t Go. Recommend for ages seven and up.

Official Website: http://sffs.org/Screenings-and-Events/Fall-Season-2011/NY-SF-International-Childrens-Film-Festival.aspx