The third Hong Kong Kids International Film Festival features old favourites and 2019 releases you won't want to miss
From 'The Wizard of Oz' to 'Dora and the Lost City of Gold' and 'Moominvalley', catch some amazing children's movies this summer
This year’s film festival will introduce some new characters, and reunite us with familiar faces, tooAttention cinephiles! The third Hong Kong Kid International Film Festival kicks off on July 28 at Premiere Elements. The week of special screenings will include old classics, new summer blockbusters, and animated features from both local and international filmmakers.
Here are some of our top picks:
The Great Detective Sherlock Holmes: The Greatest Jail- Breaker (Hong Kong)
Local author Lai Ho’s bestselling children’s book series is adapted for the silver screen for the first time. The animated film sees famed detective Sherlock Holmes track down two prison escapees – a thief named Mack, and the notorious Scarface, who later kidnaps Katie, Holmes’ daughter.
When: July 28, 4pm and July 31, 3.30pm
Language: Cantonese with Chinese and English subtitles
The Wizard of Oz (US)
One of the most beloved films of all time, The Wizard of Oz, turns 80 this year! Follow Dorothy and her dog Toto as they travel along the yellow brick road in search of the all-powerful Wizard of Oz. With the help of some new friends, Dorothy must overcome adversity before she can finally return home.
When: August 2, 7.30pm and August 4, 3.25pm
Language: English with Chinese subtitles
Abe (US and Brazil)
Get ready, Stranger Things fans! Noah Schnapp, one of the stars of the hit Netflix show, is moving to the big screen. He plays 12-year-old Abe, the son of an Israeli mother and Palestinian father. Abe’s greatest passion – food – offers him an escape from the family tensions that reflect the generations-old conflict between Israel and Palestine.
When: July 30, 7.40pm and August 3, 3.50pm
Language: English with Chinese subtitles
The Witch Hunters (Serbia)
Ten-year-old Jovan suffers from cerebral palsy. Frequently bullied, Jovan often tries to make himself invisible to others. To escape reality, he immerses himself in his own fantasy world, where he is free to be whoever he wants, and possess any superpower he desires. But Jovan’s (extra) ordinary existence is shaken up when he befriends his new classmate, Milica, and the quest to hunt down her “witch” stepmother begins.
When: August 1, 7.30pm and August 5, 3pm
Language: Serbian with Chinese and English subtitles
Moominvalley (Finland and Britain)
The latest adaptation of writer-illustrator Tove Jansson’s much-loved stories about the creatures, this fantasy film will delight long-time Moomin fans and newcomers alike. It follows Moomintroll and his family on a journey of self-discovery, offering a lesson on humanity, friendships, emotions, and love.
When: July 29, 3.40pm and August 4, 5.50pm
Language: English with Chinese subtitles
Dora and the Lost City of Gold (US)
Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, Dora is woefully unprepared for her most dangerous adventure ever – high school. Ever the explorer, Dora quickly finds herself leading Boots the monkey and her friend Diego on a live-action journey to save her parents and solve the mystery behind a lost city of gold.
When: August 5 at 5.10pm and at 7.20pm
Language: English with Chinese subtitles
Tickets:
Tickets cost HK$70 (HK$100 for adults). Get them at the cinema box office, or online at cinema.com.hk