FACETS 40th Annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF), one of only two Academy Award qualifying international children’s film festivals in the world, announces the dates for the 2023 festival.
The 40th annual festival is presented from Friday, Nov. 3 through Sunday, Nov. 19, with tickets going on sale Monday, Sept. 21, FACETS offers limited in-person screenings as well as a limited festival selection available via national streaming.
The in-person screenings will take place at FACETS, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. with special events happening at other venues around Chicago including Chicago History Museum and AMC New City 14. CICFF showcases films for ages 2 – 18 years old and their families. The full schedule for the CICFF will be available the day of the ticket on-sale, Monday, Sept. 21. General ticket prices are $10 for in-person and $15 for virtual screening, with festival passes and FACETS’ Member discounts available.
CICFF40 Opening Event (Friday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m.): CICFF40’s Red Carpet Opening at Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St.. with live entertainment, a special screening of family friendly short films and reception with birthday cake celebrating the festival’s 40th anniversary.
“My First Movies” Event (Sunday, Nov. 5): A family friendly event at AMC New City 14, 1500 N. Clybourn Ave., geared for the youngest viewers. A screening of age-appropriate shorts for children ages 2-5 years old with special attention paid to what will make their first movie experience a delight. For an added treat, FACETS provides opportunities for hands-on play activities and live music for sing-alongs.
Animation Celebration Event (Saturday, Nov. 11 at TIME): CICFF will celebrate the best animated shorts at Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark St., with some new and some fan favorites, showcasing a variety of animation styles. FACETS also offers an animation workshop for budding animators and festive food offerings.
Award Winners Program (Sunday, Nov. 12): CICFF was the first Academy-qualifying children’s film festivals in the world and is now one of only two in the world. To celebrate this legacy, we will offer a special screening of festival award-winners at AMC New City 14, 1500 N. Clybourn Ave.
Closing Night Award and Anniversary Reception (Sunday, Nov. 12): On closing night, guests are invited to join CICFF for a screening of select festival award winners and a special 40th anniversary reception at FACETS, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave.
Every year FACETS’ Chicago International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF) presents a diverse selection of high-quality films for children and teens from around the world. For the 2023 season, CICFF’s carefully curated selection of several virtual and in-person screenings will fall in five major age brackets:
- My First Movies (Ages 2 – 5 years old)
- Storytime (Ages 6 – 8 years old)
- Tween (Ages 8-10 years old)
- Coming Up (Ages 11-14 years old)
- Edgy Animation (Ages 14 and older)
My First Movies (Ages 2 – 5 years old): CICFF40’s “My First Movies” program strand provides a movie going experience geared towards the youngest viewers, ages 2 – 5 years old, with attention given to high quality content that is diverse and age appropriate. FACETS is intentional in creating an environment that supports the needs and behaviors of young children. They introduce the film program and allow parents to answer questions that may arise while watching, FACETS expect that children might speak out loud sometimes and also expect giggles, belly laughs and a little surprise now and then. No need for embarrassment if children need to get up or walk out to the lobby or spend time in the activity area in the studio space next to the cinema.
Storytime (Ages 6 – 8 years old): Content for this age group tends to focus on stories from around the world. These could be tall tales, legends from different cultures or amazing adventures that stir the imagination. The accompanying activities will be art activities that allow children to respond to what they have seen creatively and imagine what happens next.
Tweens (Ages 8 – 10 years old): For ages 8-10, CIFF provides thoughtful films picked to engage kids in new and surprising ways, focusing on coming-of-age programming that supports growth development and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and empowering films for girls.
Coming Up (Ages 11-14 years old): For ages 11-14 CICFF provides programming that addresses the complexity of coming of age with sensitivity. These young people are coming into their own and the programming assumes that they are the inquisitive, thoughtful and passionate beings they are.
Edgy Animation (14+): The “Edgy Animation” program strand for older youth is presented in partnership with FACETS Anime Club and features a new collection of amazingly stylish, and cool animated films in a variety of styles.
“This year marks the 40th annual FACETS’ CICFF, celebrating the past, present and future of youth cinema from around the world,” said Deirdre Searcy, FACETS festival program director. “We are delighted to shine a spotlight and roll out the red carpet for the best films produced for young people ages 2 – 18 and their families. Join us for opening night at the Chicago History Museum for films and family friendly live entertainment. Be sure to check out films for the very youngest audiences at AMC New City or enjoy a celebration of animation with films and make your own animation workshop at the Chicago History Museum.
ALSO READ: FACETS has launched the Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals
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