BE STRONG, BE KIND

70 mins, Belgium, Animation, for all ages

The theme of this film reel is empathy which allows us to understand and share the feelings of others anywhere in the world. Some people have it, while others… Well, let's just say they might need more practice. After watching this year's reel you might learn to appreciate your shadow a little bit more, cover your nose when baking bread, and NEVER throw out a wooden crate!

BAKING WITH BORIS (La Boulangerie de Boris) - Boris bakes the daily bread for his village until - Ahh-CHOO! - his flour allergy threatens the whole operation! To keep his bakery open Boris will find assistance from unexpected helpers. (2023/ 8 min / France / dir. Maša Avramović / non-verbal)

DESERT CRITTER (Wüstentier) - When a desert critter's shadow doesn't match his body, he enters a quest for a new one, finding friends and a new appreciation for being different along the way. (2023/ 8 min / Germany / dir. Lina Walde / in English)

FOREVER SEVEN (Für immer Sieben) - A treasure chest, a magician's bench, a romantic table for two…A simple crate takes on many lives when everyone who encounters it thinks outside the box! (2024 / 9.5 min / Germany / dirs. Antje Heyn, Alexander Isert / in English)

FUR (Vacht) - When a girl's depression grows on her skin like a furry monster coat, her sister tries fiercely to cheer her up. Sometimes being there silently is heard the loudest. (2022 / 5.5 min / Netherlands / dir. Madeleine Homan / in English)

THE NIGHT TUNNEL (Le Tunnel de la nuit) - A quick dig at the beach turns into a far-out adventure when a boy plunges into a sandy portal. (2024 / 9 min / Belgium / dir. Annechien Strouven / non-verbal)

THE SCISSORS (Les ciseaux) - At the sound of cardboard being cut, Annette remembers the first time she cut out animal silhouettes and passes on this talent to her daughter Katia. She is inspired by the Innu culture and the words of the Elders in her community of Mashteuiatsh. (2022 / 3 min / Canada / dir. Katia Kurtness / in French w/English subs)

THE WORLD I LIVE IN - Young girl spends her days alone and glued to her ipad, to the disappointment of her grandfather, until they connect over a shared love of nature. (2024 / 7.5 min / Czech Republic / dir. Ester Kasalová / non-verbal)

And more…!

Location: Gilder Center for the Arts, Wheeler School.