Families in Ann Arbor will have the opportunity to experience award-winning children’s cinema from around the world this summer when Michigan & State Theaters presents four curated programs from the New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) at the Michigan Theater Screening Room on Sunday, July 26.
The lineup includes
- NYICFF: Little Kid Flicks at 11pm
- NYICFF: Big Kid Flicks at 12:30pm
- NYICFF: ¡Hola Cine! at 2:30 pm
- NYICFF Kid Flicks: Pride at 4:30pm
Each program features a collection of animated, live-action, and documentary short films designed to inspire imagination, curiosity, and conversation among young viewers and their families.
Not a typical children’s movie experience
According to Tara Calligan, director of marketing and creative for Michigan and State Theaters, the screenings offer far more than a typical children’s movie experience.
“What makes the ‘Kid Flicks’ programs so special is that they are much more than a standard children’s movie screening. Instead of one feature film, audiences experience a carefully curated collection of animated, live-action, and documentary shorts from around the world. The programs introduce young viewers to different storytelling styles, artistic approaches, languages and perspectives they may not otherwise encounter. They are imaginative, emotionally intelligent, visually inventive and designed to spark curiosity and conversation between children and families long after the screening ends.”
The New York International Children’s Film Festival has earned national recognition for showcasing innovative and award-winning films that celebrate diverse voices, cultures, identities, and artistic styles. Through its touring programs, communities across the country gain access to films many families might not otherwise encounter.
Cinema that builds empathy
For Calligan, that international perspective is one of the festival’s greatest strengths.
“It’s incredibly important for children to experience films and animation from different cultures because cinema builds empathy. These films allow young audiences to see both the uniqueness and the universality of people’s experiences around the world. International storytelling encourages curiosity, compassion, and openness while also exposing children to creative styles and traditions outside of mainstream American entertainment.”
The screenings also reflect the growing sophistication and creativity of modern children’s animation. Calligan noted that contemporary family filmmaking has evolved dramatically in recent years, embracing emotional complexity, distinctive visual aesthetics, and stories that trust younger audiences to engage with meaningful themes.
“Young audiences tend to connect strongly with themes of friendship, belonging, identity, courage, family, and self-expression,” Calligan said. “What’s remarkable about children’s films is that even very imaginative or whimsical stories often deal with deeply human emotions in ways that feel accessible and honest for younger viewers.”
Four programs, four distinct experiences
Each of the four programs offers its own unique tone and focus. “Little Kid Flicks” is designed for younger audiences with playful and imaginative shorts, while “Big Kid Flicks” introduces older children to adventurous and emotionally resonant storytelling. “¡Hola Cine!” highlights Spanish-language and Latin American stories and filmmakers, while “Kid Flicks: Pride” celebrates identity, inclusivity, and self-expression through family-friendly films.
Calligan believes Ann Arbor audiences will especially appreciate the range and creativity of the lineup.
“Programs like ‘¡Hola Cine!’ and ‘Kid Flicks: Pride’ offer opportunities for audiences to experience stories and perspectives that feel both globally expansive and deeply personal. At the same time, ‘Little Kid Flicks’ and ‘Big Kid Flicks’ are packed with humor, adventure, and imagination that families can enjoy together.”
A natural fit for the Michigan Theater
The partnership between NYICFF and Michigan & State Theaters reflects the Michigan Theater’s long-standing commitment to independent cinema, arts education and community engagement.
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“Michigan & State Theaters and the Michigan Theater were a natural fit for this programming because our organization is deeply committed to independent film, arts education, cultural exploration, and community-centered experiences. We love introducing audiences to films and filmmakers they may not otherwise discover, and these programs align perfectly with that mission. The Michigan Theater is also a magical environment for children to experience cinema on the big screen together as a family.”
She also emphasized the unique experience of seeing these films collectively in a historic theater environment.
“One important thing to note is that these are not passive moviegoing experiences. Short film showcases like these invite conversation, imagination, and discovery. In a time when so much media is consumed individually and on small screens, there is something meaningful about children laughing, reacting, and experiencing stories together in a historic theater filled with other families.”
Inspiring curiosity and conversation
For families attending the screenings, the experience promises not only entertainment but connection, creativity, and conversation.
“We hope children and families leave feeling inspired, curious, and excited about storytelling. We want kids to experience the joy of discovering something new while also realizing that there are many different ways to see the world and tell a story. We also hope families create lasting memories together at the theater.”
NYICFF screenings take place Sunday, July 26, in the Michigan Theater Screening Room in downtown Ann Arbor.
