Mark those calendars, because the Children’s International Film Festival (CHIFF) is making a grand return.

This year, the festival is serving up a delectable smorgasbord of cinematic delights for our little movie buffs (and the young at heart), from 27 May to 12 June 2023. Get ready for a whirlwind tour through the frosty Himalayan peaks, the mind-boggling world of art, and a heart-tugging roller coaster ride of friendships. The CHIFF program is an all-inclusive cinematic feast, featuring 21 never-seen-before-in-Australia titles and one nostalgic retrospective feature. There’s something for every film-loving youngster aged three and up.

And the venues? They’re just as iconic. Sydney’s Ritz Cinemas in Randwick and Melbourne’s Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick, Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn, and Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave, will play host to this year’s filmic extravaganza.

Festival Director Thomas Caldwell is buzzing with excitement. “With CHIFF, Australian children no longer have to miss out on the unique tales and adventures from around the globe. This year’s lineup is truly sensational, with a dizzying array of films that are bound to captivate young minds,” he enthuses.

But it’s not just about the films. CHIFF is all about getting hands-on and interactive. Kids are encouraged to dance the night away with disco lights and glow sticks at Auntie Rita’s Party, bring along their favourite teddy for Hug Me – The Movie, or even don cowboy outfits for Billy the Cowboy Hamster. And let’s not forget the dress-up competition for Dragon Princess – prizes await the best-dressed!

One film we’re all waiting for is the breathtaking The Tiger’s Nest, a tale of bravery set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. The young orphan Balmani’s heart-warming rescue of a tiger cub from evil poachers promises to be a hit.

Fans of Tove Jansson’s Moomins, rejoice! Moominvalley: Lonely Mountain, an Australian premiere directed by Darren Robbie, will introduce three brand new episodes from this beloved series, with the voices of the acclaimed Rosamund Pike, Matt Berry, and Jennifer Saunders leading the way.

Icarus and the Minotaur, the entrancing animated retelling of the myth of Icarus, was Luxembourg’s offering for the Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards in 2023, and it’s part of this year’s line-up too.

Other highlights include Maika: The Girl from Another Galaxy, a Vietnamese science-fiction comedy, Alma’s Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano of Sesame Street fame, and a 25th-anniversary screening of the Australian classic, Babe: Pig in the City.

The CHIFF 2023 program is a celebration of creativity, imagination, and adventure. It’s a chance for our youngsters to experience the magic of cinema from all corners of the world. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets at www.chiff.com.au and let the cinematic adventure begin!

Details: Children’s International Film Festival 27 May – 12 June 2023

Sydney: Ritz Cinemas Randwick;

Melbourne: Classic Cinemas Elsternwick, Lido Cinemas Hawthorn, Cameo Cinemas Belgrave

Tickets: Single Admission $15.00, Member tickets $13.00, Family Pass $52.00

More info: www.chiff.com.au