International Children's Film Showcase on June 1: Movies Originating from Various Global Locations
International Children's Day Celebrations: A Glimpse into New Films for Young Audiences
Tomorrow, June 1st, marks the International Children's Day, a day that has been celebrated since the first Conference in 1924, focusing on children's health and wellbeing. Across the globe, children usually receive gifts, visit parks, or attend movies on this special day.
KION's online cinema critic, Sergei Khazhin, has curated a selection of new films that delve into the lives of contemporary children and teenagers.
Among the picks is "Not Alone at Home" (6+), a film about a Russian 5th-grader, Masha Khamentova. The movie unfolds when Masha's parents depart for a business trip, leaving a nanny to care for her. However, the nanny harbors a sinister plan. Masha, initially depicted as a pampered girl, gradually reveals her feelings of loneliness as she turns to virtual entertainment for solace. Will a reported criminal plot with the nanny alter Masha's perspective on life?
"Not Alone at Home" boasts a cast of actors, musicians, and bloggers, including Milana Khamentova, DAVA, Ravshana Kurkova, Aleksei Maklakov, Yulianna Mikhnevich, and Alexander Golovin.
Another film to watch is the family comedy "Super Dad" (6+), set in Belgium. An 8-year-old boy receives a seemingly empty notebook as a gift from his father, who claims that any dream written in it will come true. The ensuing plot details the various consequences of these dreams.
In "The Lost Compass" (6+), a 13-year-old American boy named Champ discovers a mysterious compass in the woods. Champ invites his friends on an adventurous time-travel expedition. This fantasy film underscores the importance of friendship, a characteristic often overlooked in today's tech-savvy children.
The family fantasy "Help, I Shrunk My Friends!" offers insights into the lives of German schoolchildren through its main characters Melanie and Felix. The story revolves around Felix's frustration with his friends, leading him to shrink them using a magical orb. When Felix seeks to reverse the spell, he realizes that the orb has vanished, along with Melanie.
Regarding children’s films specifically about life in Germany and the Magadan region, there are limited direct references for ages 6+. Filmmakers in Germany often explore themes of daily life, family, friendship, and social-emotional learning in their productions. In the Magadan region, specific films are scarce in mainstream international media. However, parents and educators seeking such content should explore children’s film festivals, cultural programs, or Russian regional film archives for relevant and educational films about these regions.
On International Children's Day, alongside movies, KION's online cinema critic, Sergei Khazhin, has also curated home-and-garden themed videos that showcase living spaces designed for young audiences, promoting a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle. Additionally, for those interested in entertainment beyond films and TV, KION's lifestyle section offers a variety of informative and engaging articles on home decor, gardening tips, and more.
