Free admission

Facets Kids' Film Network is proud to present 10 amazing multi-cultural, short films from the Chicago International Children's Film Festival that challenge, entertain, and engage children's creativity!  Specially selected for children ages five to nine, the Best of the Fest features the 10 short animated and live-action films mentioned below.

Domo-Kun and the Egg (Tsuneo Goda, Japan, 2005, 5 mins.) Domo stumbles upon a strange egg at the foot of a large tree. His godfather, Usaji, disapproves of keeping the egg. But Domo's determination wins out. Domo and Usaji bide their time until, one day, the egg begins to crack. You'll want to see the big surprise that awaits Domo and his godfather!

Luka (Adrienne Michel-Long, Ireland, 2004, 3 mins.) A young boy named Luka steps into a timeless world of mishap and adventure in a moment of distraction as he follows a balloon racing across the sky.

Mondo's Myths: Where Did the Night Come From? (Andres Lieban, Brazil, 2005, 8 mins.) Inspired by the geometric designs of the clay objects made by Brazilian Native Indians, this animation takes us back to a mythological "age of dreams," when objects had life and when a big snake kept the night locked inside a coconut. What would life be like without the night?

Nineteen (Jorg Hiller, Colombia, 2005, 8 mins.) A shy boy named Pipe wins a baby chick in a raffle and names him, "Nineteen," because that was his lucky number. Pipe develops a special relationship with his new pet, who soon becomes Pipe's best friend. But when the chick grows into a rooster, it longs for a life with other chickens. Pipe realizes that he must let his friend go. In the process, Pipe learns of the importance of making friends and connecting with other kids like himself.

Egghunt (Paul Yan, USA, 2005, 4 mins.) This is the tale of a hungry caveman on a quest to fill his stomach. He discovers a nest full of plump eggs just out of reach. He must devise a way to get the eggs or lose them all. Along the way, he discovers a lesson in friendship.

The Mantis Parable (Josh Staub, USA, 2005, 8 mins.) In this moving tale, a caterpillar is trapped in a bug collector's jar and is in need of help. The film presents a classic parable -- a short story with moral, often featuring animals -- in a manner that engages young viewers in figuring out the message of the film.

Do Other Things (Helena Giersz, USA, 2005, 4 mins.) This upbeat story brings two young rabbits waiting for their apple tree to grow. They need the apples so their mother will bake them an apple pie!

The Magic Lion (Charles Githinji, Canada, 2004, 7 mins.) Set in the country of Kenya, a boy goes on a quest to save the life of his grandfather who is very sick. The boy sets out in search of a mysterious village of healers who make special medicines. But on the way, the boy encounters a strange lion, caught in a trap, that takes him on an adventure -- but will the boy be able to get the medicine and return to his grandfather in time?

Confection (Eva Saks, USA, 2003, 4 mins.) Amanda receives a delicious pastry -- one she plans to eat soon. But on a busy New York street corner, Amanda has a change of heart after a poor man applauds her talents. This film leaves viewers with a very good feeling and food for thought.

Little Pig Is Flying (Alicja Jaworski, Sweden, 2004, 10 mins.) Little Pig dreams of being able to fly. She leaves the pigsty and all her friends who tell her that pigs can't fly. On her journey, she meets animal friends who teach her many of their skills. But she doesn't learn to fly... until she meets a pilot with an airplane.