8. Whānau Friendly

Children love short films! Introduce the small people in your life to the magic of cinema. This collection of films is suitable for the whole family. Take a wild ride on a tram that is off its tracks without brakes! Discover a meteorite that has crash-landed into Earth. Meet a magician who will teach us his magic tricks. Hop on a pirate ship in search of treasure. Learn the important art of making new friends.

Total length: 56 minutes
Rating: PG Violence & scary scenes.
Best for: 7–12 years and above

Spring

Animation, 8 mins, Netherlands

Dir: Andy Goralczyck
Prod: Francesco Siddi, Ton Roosendaal

Spring is late this year. Covered by a sea of clouds, a valley stands still in the icy grip of winter. A shepherd girl and her loyal dog have to face ancient spirits in order to continue the cycle of life.

O28

Animation, 5 mins, France

Dir/Writ: Otalia Caussé
Dir: Geoffroy Collin, Louise Grardel, Antoine Marchand, Robin Merle, Fabien Meyran
Prod: Philippe Meis

In Lisbon, two married German tourists are riding the legendary Number 28 Tram. But what should they do when the brakes fail and they’re sent hurtling downhill… with a baby on board?

Down To Earth

Sci-fi, 10 mins, Australia

Dir: Nick Crowhurst
Writ: Stephanie Jaclyn
Prod: Jodie Kirkbride
Special message from the filmmaker(s)

Three young misfits venture into the Australian outback to find what they believe is a meteorite that has crash-landed near their country town, only to discover it’s something far more mysterious.

To Gerard

Animation, 8 mins, United States

Dir/Writ: Taylor Meacham
Prod: Jeff Hermann
Special message from the filmmaker(s)

A sprightly elderly man inspires a little girl to follow her dreams through magic.

Kindled

New Zealand Premiere

Animation, 4 mins, New Zealand

Dir: Natasha Bishop
Prod: Antony Thomas

A flame sprite and a wood sprite show that friendship can prevail, no matter the obstacles.

Tobi and the Turbobus

Animation, 8 mins, Germany

Dir/Writ/Prod: Verena Fels
Dir: Marc Angele

When Tobi’s friend on the school bus abandons him, he must learn to make new friends and figure out who his tribe should be. A heartwarming story about growing up and finding your place in the wolf pack.

Prickly Jam

Animation, 6 mins, New Zealand

Dir/Writ/Prod: James Cunningham
Writ: Kathryn Burnett

An end-of-days comedy animation about an amorous cricket and a starving hedgehog who wants to eat the last cricket left in the world.

Oeil Pour Oeil
(An Eye for an Eye)

Animation, 6 mins, France

Dir/Writ: Thomas Boileau, Alan Guimont, Robin Courtoise, Mathieu Lecroq, Malcolm Hunt, François Briantais
Prod: ESMA

A comedic animation about an unlucky one-eyed pirate captain who keeps failing to find the treasure — each time he tries with a new crew of pirates as one-eyed as he is.