posted by Milan on August 14th, 2012

We know what you're thinking: "A Milwaukee Children's Film Festival? In addition to the totally awesome film festival you're already putting on from September 27 - October 11? That's amazing!"

It's true. The Milwaukee Children’s Film Festival (MCFF) is a selection of family-friendly films nestled within the Milwaukee Film Festival itself. It's the perfect way to introduce your kids or grandkids or neices or nephews or any young people you know to the power and possibility of cinema. In addition to some really wonderful screenings, the MCFF will feature discussions with the filmmakers, hands-on activities, and take-home materials discussing the films and filmmaking in general.

Educational screenings for school groups are also available on weekdays during the Film Festival. You can get more info about that on our Education page. 

The 2012 Milwaukee Children's FIlm Festival Line-up:

Alfie The Little Werewolf – (all ages)
Shy, sweet Alfie morphs into a fluffy, howling werewolf the night of his seventh birthday. Swathed in the full moon’s glow, he chases ducks through the neighborhood. Though he returns to normal the next morning, he vows to hide his wolfy ways as another full moon approaches. An excellent choice for young viewers and fans of Halloween, this live action film based on a book by Dutch author Paul
van Loon imparts valuable lessons about being oneself.

Le Tableau – (ages 9 & up)
A wildly inventive animated film built around an unfinished painting and the three kinds of characters who live in it: The complete Allduns, the half-finished Halvies, and the undeveloped Sketchies. Convinced of their superiority, the Allduns assert their power over the other two groups. But a band of misfits, desperate for harmony leave the painting in search of The Painter who made them. Le Tableau is French director Jean-Francois Laguionie’s fourth feature film.

Tales of the Night – (ages 10 & up)
Magic, humor, and ironic twists spring from bright, kaleidoscopic backdrops in this animated fantasy by Michel Ocelot (Azur & Asmar, MFF 2010). Like shadow puppets, three black silhouettes—a boy, a girl, and an elderly cinema technician—stage six fables from Tibet, the Aztec kingdom, and other faraway lands. Suitable for ages 10 and older, these exciting tales teem with monsters, princesses, and a huge talking bee.

The Princess Bride – (Rated PG)
Rob Reiner’s star-studded 1987 cinema classic based on William Goldman’s hilarious book of the same name, The Princess Bride tells the Renaissance-era tale of noble Westley (Cary Elwes) on a quest to reclaim childhood sweetheart Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) from the nefarious Prince Humperdinck. Along the way he encounters a swordfighter out for revenge (Mandy Patinkin), a helfpful giant (Andre the Giant), rodents of unusual size, a six-fingered Count, and more.
Milwaukee Film is proud to present this in glorious 35mm as part of the film’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Kids Shorts: Size Small - (ages 3 & up)
This program of kids films from around the world are suitable for our youngest film audiences. These animated and live action films are sure to entertain and engage young viewers. Screening as part of this year’s program is The Gruffalo’s Child, the sequel to last year’s beloved The Gruffalo, voiced by Helena Bonham Carter.

Kids Shorts: Size Medium - (ages 6 & up)
These international kids films for young film lovers hit the highs and lows of being a kid. Featured among these shorts are Brad & Gary, the new short by Despicable Me director Pierre Coffin.

Kids Shorts: Size Large - (ages 8 & up)
A sampling of award-winning films from across the globe for young people. This program includes the film fest’s first 3-D film—The Magic Piano—a gorgeous animated adventure.

Milwaukee Youth Show – (all ages)
For the first time ever, the Milwaukee Film Festival is showcasing a collection of films made by Wisconsin filmmakers ages 18 & under!

The Milwaukee Children’s Film Festival is presented by PNC and sponsored by Brewers Community Foundation, Metro Parent, and MilwaukeeMoms.com