Film | Kids
From the Heart
Virtual
In partnership with Northwest Film Forum
These heartwarming films are filled with friendship, family, and characters following their dreams. Prepare to be inspired and filled with warm fuzzies! Featuring films from Canada, Estonia, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States.
Includes films with English subtitles.
For additional questions or clarifications please contact info@bam.org.
Dir. Julia Ocker, 4min
Germany
Nonverbal, Animation
The squirrel mother is busy gathering nuts, so she doesn’t have any time to look after her kids.
Dir. Kayla Borecky, 7min
Canada
In English, Animation
East Coast Premiere
Balloom is a fourth year thesis film about a clown who struggles to accept the inevitable demise of his balloon animals but gains a new perspective on life thanks to those around him. It is a heartfelt story about the importance of appreciating the present and coming to terms with the difficulties of loss.
Dir. Giulia Martinelli, 5min
Switzerland
Nonverbal, Animation
A special family of moon guardians lives on a tiny island where they deal with the ups and downs of their everyday life and of the tide. The film depicts the delicate balance between the characters and the environment in which they live.
Dir. Damaris Zielke, 7min
Germany
In English, Animation
Greta has the most boring grandma in the whole world. When she falls asleep on the sofa, Greta gets the idea to play “funeral” with her grandma, which raises some questions they hadn’t asked themselves before. What remains when you have to leave life behind?
Dir. Martin Clerget, 3min
France
In French with English subtitles, Animation
A bear is awakened in the middle of hibernation by a thieving rabbit. From this sparkling and unique night, a friendship and a ritual of wonder will be born.
Dir. Meelis Arulepp, 10min
Estonia
In Estonian with English subtitles, Animation
New York Premiere
This is a bittersweet story about a small bug called Peter, who has a dream to perform in front of the big crowd at the Zoo. He leaves home to make his dream come true. Unfortunately, he is not noticed by the people due to his small size… But all’s well that ends well: at home he finds an audience his own size.
Dir. Toko Shiiki, 3min
US
In English, Live Action
New York Premiere
Animator Rachel Reid talks about how to be an animator and encourages others to follow their dreams.
Dir. Bret Parker, 6min
US
In English, Animation
“Pete” is an animated short film based on a true story about gender identity, Little League Baseball, the people who inspire change by trying to be themselves, and the superheros who allow that change to happen.
Dir. Camrus Johnson, 6min
US
In English, Animation
Every sunrise, Gerry dreams of a magical world where life feels as joyful as it once was. But when she wakes up, her great-nephew must find ways to remind her of the joy that’s still there.
Dir. Zoey Martinson, 11min
US
In English, Live Action
What is the most important thing on the last day of school? If you’re Mia, Natalie, and Jabari, it’s finding a date for Ms. Cheryl, the most beloved bus driver of all time! This love letter to New York’s essential workers captures the whimsical comedy of a children’s imagination as they try to save Ms. Cheryl from a lonely summer void of school children, destined to a life on the sofa surrounded by cats.


Meet different critters and kids whose fun adventures help them learn lessons of friendship and being yourself in this colorful collection of animated films.

Characters embark on journeys big and small—from building a monster to going to the dentist—in these animated and live action shorts from around the globe.

This collection of narrative and documentary films celebrates characters who are determined, courageous, and trying to forge their own path.

Let your imagination soar with films that transport you into magical rainforests and mysterious gardens filled with delightful animal friends.

Any star is within reach in these stellar films where kids, cats, and even candles stretch themselves to achieve the impossible.

Enjoy a free family-friendly carnival featuring walkabout performers, live performances, games, and hands-on activities at the 25th Annual BAMkids Film Festival!