Fest Selects: Watch 5 Award-Winning CICFF Films for Free
Watch five international, award-winning films for every age, hand selected by CICFF Festival Director, Ann Vikstrom.
Take a break and leave the curation to us. These films not only screened at a past festival, but they made such an impact on our expert jurors that they were awarded a top prize! Now you can watch them at home for free.
(1) Island AGES 2+
Directed by Max Mörtl and Robert Lobel, Germany, 3 mins.
Creatures gather to make music in Island (2017).
CICFF35 BEST PRODUCTION FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AWARD
On a colorful and exotic island, a quirky ensemble of creatures brings their plops, hoots, rattles and snaps together to create an imaginative musical masterpiece.
Ann’s Take
Even if you cannot carry a tune you can still enjoy music fun together. Island (2017) is a quirky and charming stop-motion and 2D short film that enjoyed wide success on the festival circuit. Winner of our Best Production for Early Childhood Award at the CICFF for 2018, this short was also at the Ottawa International Animation Film Festival as well as the prestigious animation film festival in Brazil, Anima Mundi.
Themes to Discuss
- Identity, respecting diversity and each other
- Making art as an individual and in collective group
- Taking time to listen to one another
(2) Mogu and Perol AGES 5+
Directed by Tsuneo Goda, Japan, 9 mins.
The characters Mogu and Perol (2018) in their titular roles.
CICFF35 CHILDREN’S JURY 2ND PRIZE BEST ANIMATED SHORT AWARD
On Yummy Island, talented home chef Mogu loves making kitchen creations with care and sharing with neighbor Perol, but what happens when the two friends have an argument?
Ann’s Take
From Tsuneo Goda, the creator and director of the extremely popular Japanese series Domo, comes the stop-motion animated short film that was awarded our 2018 children’s jury second prize. The film is an excellent example of stop motion animation and a celebration of friendship and food.
Themes to Discuss
- Sharing your talent extends the fun
- Strategies for getting along
- Fun in the kitchen
(3) One Small Step AGES 9+
Directed by Bobby Pontillas and Andrew Chesworth, USA, 8 mins.
Luna dreams of becoming an astronaut in One Small Step (2018), Taiko Pictures.
CICFF35 PROFESSIONAL JURY 1ST PRIZE BEST ANIMATED SHORT AWARD
Luna, a Chinese American girl, dreams of becoming an astronaut. Supported by her humble father, she endeavors to make her dreams come true.
Ann’s Take
After winning the top animated short prize from the Professional Jury at CICFF in 2018, this film went on to garner an Oscar nomination in 2019. Our festival is one among very few where films can qualify for the Academy Awards. The same year One Small Step was nominated, it was accompanied by three other CICFF films. It’s always exciting to see films go from Chicago to the Academy Awards!
Themes to Discuss
- Girls in STEM
- Managing aspirations, educational and career goals
- Identifying and recognizing family support
(4) Ways of Giants AGES 11+
Directed by Alois Di Leo, Brazil, 12 mins.
Oquirá learns about the cycle of life in Ways of Giants (2016).
CICFF33 BEST OF THE FEST AWARD + CICFF33 PROFESSIONAL JURY 1ST PRIZE BEST ANIMATED SHORT AWARD
In a forest of gigantic trees, Oquirá, a six-year-old indigenous girl, challenges her destiny and learns to understand the cycle of life in this poetic exploration of Andean culture.
Ann’s Take
Peruvian-born Brazilian animator Alois Di Leo carried away the Best of Fest Award, as well as the Professional Jury Animated Short Film top prize. Way of Giants (2016) was at the prestigious Annecy, Anima Mundi, and Clermont-Ferrand film festivals that season.
Chicago tip: Alois was commissioned by Sesame Studios after his Chicago visit to create a series for the littlest ones.
Themes to Discuss
- Indigenous cultures and family life
- Roles and respect within nature
- Passing down of Andean music tradition
- Life cycles
(5) Scent of Geranium AGES 13+
Directed by Naghmeh Farzaneh, USA, 5 mins.
A bowl of flowers is placed in Scent of Geranium (2016).
CICFF34 YOUTH JURY 1ST PRIZE BEST ANIMATED SHORT
A young woman reflects on her experiences as an Iranian immigrant to the US. Remembering her mother’s advice, she realizes that every adjustment takes time before new growth can start, and she can “bloom” again with strong roots.
Ann’s Take
This impactful and uplifting animated documentary is a reflection from Naghmeh Farzaneh, an Iranian-born filmmaker now residing in Chicago and teaching at DePaul University. Scent of Geranium (2016) took the Youth Jury animated short film award at the 2017 Fest, after participating at other great festivals, including the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen, and the Animateka Festival.
Chicago tip: Naghmeh served as art director on the CICFF 2019 TV short, Upside Down (Sesame Studios). We screened it for the littlest ones last season.
Themes to Discuss
- Immigration, not losing meaningful personal connections to culture
- Maintaining identity, standing out while fitting in
- Manage expectations, taking time to make adjustments
To get more resources like this, sign up for Facets’ newsletter. Sign up now
Support Facets: Help us sustain our mission during the COVID-19 pandemic by becoming a Facets Member for $10/month or by giving a tax-deductible donation today.