Adventures in Bravery (Ages 9+)

These films follow children from around the globe as they navigate their world, discover their identities, and connect with others, showing courage, resilience, and imagination. From family life and personal growth to celebrating differences, these stories offer a window into the diverse ways kids face life’s joys and challenges across cultures.

Includes films with English subtitles.

Mountain Roots (2025)
Dirs. Carrie McCarthy, Mark Pedri, 18min
USA
In English and Italian with English subtitles
East Coast Premiere

A 9-year-old climber travels from Wyoming to the Italian Alps with her grandfather to scale a mountain together, embarking on a journey to reconnect their family after more than a century of separation.

Kapsur Julian in Yukon (2025)
Dir. Ania Jamila, 15min
Canada
In French with English subtitles
US Premiere

Julian, a curious and joyful child full of energy and imagination, lives in Whitehorse at the heart of Yukon, a wild and majestic land in northern Canada. Always ready for a new challenge, he surprises us with his boldness, whether jumping into an icy lake or snowboarding down a snowy slope. Of French and Italian heritage, Julian speaks fluent French and knows his way around homemade pasta. Passionate about animals, he takes us to a unique wildlife sanctuary where adventure and nature go hand in hand. With his bright spirit and fearless curiosity, Julian makes us want to discover Yukon and the many secrets it holds.

Jitters (2021)
Dir. Jennifer Wu, 1min
Canada
Nonverbal

You can't stop shaking, your hands are clammy, your heart is racing, and you're about to explode: You're stuck with the unbearable jitters!

Ways to Fly (2024)
Dir. Kirby Marshall-Collins, 14min
USA
In English
New York premiere

When her barrettes mess up her pirouettes, an excitable, hyper-focused Black girl must power through the distractions—and her mother's expectations—to fly like the ballerinas do.

Mom and Dad Live in Different Houses (2025)
Dir. Brad Bischoff, 7min
USA
In English
East Coast premiere

This heartfelt modern portrait of co-parenting is told through the tender eyes of a toddler moving between their divorced parents’ houses one afternoon.

Smile Again (2025)
Dir. Zahra Gholipour, 6min
Iran
In Persian with English subtitles
North American Premiere

In a clinic waiting room, Arshia tries everything to connect with Farbod—smiles, notes, and drawings—but Farbod doesn’t respond. A gentle twist at the end reveals why, showing how small discoveries can change everything.

Paw and Scissors (2025)
Dir. Shamim Shoomali, 4min
USA
In English
New York Premiere

Daisy is the stylist at an animal salon that welcomes all creatures in this delightful animated film that celebrates differences and shows that we are more beautiful together.

Feet Up (2024)
Dir. Olli Ilpo Salonen, 10min
Finland
In Finnish with English subtitles
North American Premiere

When gravity is flipped for all children and their world turns upside down, the ceiling becomes the floor and the floor becomes the ceiling!

GLITCH (2025)
Dir. Bonnie Dempsey, 14min
Republic of Ireland
In English
New York premiere

An isolated girl spends every day staring at her tablet. But when the girl next door gets taken over by a friendly alien, she goes on an adventure and discovers the thrills, fun, and wonder the real world has to offer.