There are still few short films or original animated films on television, in cinemas, or on DVD, and it is sometimes difficult to find quality short films.
Many beautiful films are available online for free, but the internet is a maze and teachers or parents often don't have time to search. Choosing the right film for children requires having a choice.
How do you search, and where do you find quality films? The tools and method for finding good films.
Also discover what criteria allow you to choose a film, what are the best films for young audiences.
What is a the world of educational films ?
What are the alternatives to traditional media for your search?
One way to uncover new educational films suited to children is to stay tuned to film news, but as with children's literature, music, ideas for children's activities, school or family outings, we don't look to broadcasters or media but directly to creators, filmmakers, film schools, audiovisual production companies and children's film festivals.
Are you looking for new films for your students? Search and find a children's film with the same pleasure as mushroom hunting!
© Wei Weihua, AOKIstudio. A forest of mushrooms
Hunting for films is a real pleasure, a fun, educational ramble. As you make your discoveries, you will map out your favorite spots, places where you are sure to find a good film, well-known corners where you will find interesting films but ones you already know.
Searching for films, a fun and educational ramble
During your stroll, you will also stumble upon new spots, with films whose existence you never imagined. You will learn to recognize edible films suited to your tastes and the educational use you want to make of cinema.
The definition of a poisonous film could be: 'deliberately made for the sole purpose of making money'. This does not mean that all commercially successful films are poisonous.
You will discover the importance of seasons; animation schools put their graduation films online at different times and film festivals are spread throughout the year.
You will certainly experience good and bad days, miraculous catches or empty hands.
© Wei Weihua, AOKIstudio. A forest like a cathedral.
You will eventually invent your own recipes, create film programs suited to students; why not an 'Ecological pot-au-feu seasoned with a pinch of humor'? Time to put on your school aprons!
Many filmmakers make their short films available to watch on the Internet, on paid VOD (video on demand) or for free on video hosting websites like Vimeo, Dailymotion or Youtube.
© The filmmakers.
These hosting sites are a goldmine, but the quantity of films uploaded daily is impressive and searching for talented filmmakers is time-consuming.
We search daily for new films posted online by filmmakers. We watch them all and select short films that fit our editorial vision, and classify them by age and theme. Our selection places particular emphasis on the poetic quality and originality of the visual worlds, to foster children's artistic awakening and personal growth.
Learn more about the news from filmmakers...
Animation and film schools are an essential source of information for discovering original films for children. Each film and animation school has its own distinct identity, shaped by its teaching approach, animation techniques and study themes.
© Animation schools.
Some schools place more emphasis on writing, others on character psychology, animation, and the visual world of films. Graduation films are not made for children, but many are very well suited to younger children.
Find out how to follow the news from film schools...
Browsing the websites of production companies also makes it possible to find new masterpieces. Unfortunately, economic constraints and the power of broadcasters often forces compromises, and companies producing quality films are rare.
We have listed our favorite animation studios to facilitate our search for short films for young people.
Find out how to follow the news from production companies...
Film festivals dedicated to children are an incredible source of discovery.
© Christophe Defaye. Festival International de Films pour Enfants in Busan.
All around the world, children's-cinema enthusiasts select films, organize public screenings, and invite filmmakers and producers to discuss films.
With the aim of sharing a love of cinema, festival directors, often volunteers, do impressive and admirable work to discover new films.
Learn more about News about children's film festivals...