I'm Going! - 2021 Virtual New York International Children's Film Festival

New York International Film Festival

Like everything over the past year, the 2021 New York International Children's Film Festival is going virtual and I'm excited to share that I'll be covering this year's event as press!  The event takes place from March 5 - March 14 with most of the films / shorts available to watch at your convenience.  Throughout the festival window there will also be Q&A opportunities and watch parties with some of the talent behind these movies.  

The New York International Children's Film Festival will be my first event of this size and I can't wait to see the amazing films that will be a part of this festival.  I'll be sharing details about A LOT of films and A LOT of shorts, but here are just a few highlights of my festival schedule!

If you're interested in purchasing your own festival pass, check out the NYICFF website here!

Opening Night Spotlight - City of Ghosts

City of Ghosts releases to Netflix on March 5th - the same day as the opening of the festival.  Festival attendees will have a special watch party opportunity and live Q&A with writer/director Elizabeth Ito and other members of the creative team at 8PM ET.  You can find more about City of Ghosts here.

Opening Spotlight - Nahuel and the Magic Book

On Saturday, March 6th, festival attendees will have the chance to experience the North American premiere of Nahuel and the Magic Book.  A Q&A with director Germán Acuña will follow the premiere.  Check out more details about this film here.

Live Q&A - Flora & Ulysses

I was so excited to screen and share the release of Flora & Ulysses to Disney+ with my friends from Disney Studios.  Now, the NYICFF has the chance to talk with author Kate DiCamillo and director Lena Khan.  Check out my review of Flora & Ulysses here and my favorite quotes from the film!

Closing Spotlight - Raya and the Last Dragon

Raya and the Last Dragon releases to theaters and Disney+ premiere access on March 5th.  Attendees of the NYICFF will be able to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at making this movie and a special festival viewing will take place on Friday, March 12th at 8PM ET.  You can find my preview of Raya and the Last Dragon here as well as a special sneak peek of the film and the music of the movie!

Sneak Peek - The Mitchells vs. The Machines

Festival attendees will be able to have a sneak peek at The Mitchells vs. The Machines which will be releasing later in 2021.  This film was previously titled Connected, but was recently acquired by Netflix.  I'm excited to hear more about the movie and it's upcoming release during the sneak peek on March 14th at 5PM!

About the New York International Children's Film Festival

New York International Children’s Film Festival was founded in 1997 to support the creation and dissemination of thoughtful, provocative, and intelligent film for children and teens ages 3-18. The Festival experience cultivates an appreciation for the arts, encourages active, discerning viewing, and stimulates lively discussion among peers, families, and the film community.
 
The flagship New York City Festival has grown from one weekend of films into the largest film festival for children and teens in North America. Screened over the course of four weeks at venues throughout NYC, the Festival program – narrowed down from roughly 2,500 international submissions – is comprised of approximately 100 short and feature films, filmmaker Q&As, retrospective programs, parties, and premieres. Audience members of all ages vote on the Festival-winning films. The Festival is an Academy Award® qualifying festival, one of only four film festivals in New York State – and only two children’s film festivals in the country – to hold that honor. Winners of the Festival’s juried prizes are eligible for consideration at the annual Academy Awards®. In addition to presenting the annual event, New York International Children’s Film Festival is a multifaceted arts organization that offers year-round engagement.

Find out more about purchasing your own festival pass and all of the fun here!