Let’s face it, life was sweet when you could legitimately spend your Saturdays watching cartoons. Which is why we’re more excited than we probably should be about a bunch of short animated flicks for kids screening this weekend at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
The Reel Rascals series, part of TIFF Kids International Film Festival, is an international compilation of animated shorts aimed at TIFF’s youngest fans.
Tomorrow (April 21) is the Moovin’ and Groovin’ collection, which offers 13 shorts that are aimed at the three-to-six-year-old crowd (but, y’know, there’s no shame in adults watching cartoons, too). From a sleep-deprived South African firefly to a peace-seeking French tadpole, a world of characters are featured in this set of short films. The collection will tackle such thought-provoking issues as what a ballet of unhatched chicks might look like, the precise nature of disco-dancing Australian beets and what would happen if you left a mouse in charge of a bunch of hens.
The flicks in this lively compilation range in duration from two to about 11 minutes. Taken together, the program runs 61 minutes. Whenever possible, screenings include an opportunity for the audience to engage in discussions with filmmakers and special guests to further explore the film’s ideas, themes and storytelling techniques.
TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W., 416-599-8433. April 21, 12:15 p.m.