Recharged by Memories
Time may dilute our memories, however some matters are important to remember and reflect on. In the American and Spanish animated film Wonder Park, we meet June, who is starting to forget the imaginary amusement park she dreamt up when she was younger. One day, she re-encounters the marvellous place, but the park is under threat! Reuniting with her childhood imaginary friends, they work together to save it from danger.

Celebrated Israeli director Ari Folman brings us Where Is Anne Frank an animated film that reimagines the well-known story of the young Holocaust diarist through the eyes of Kitty, her imaginary friend. Kitty comes to life in present-day Amsterdam where, unaware of her death, she searches high and low for Anne. Weaving the past into the present, the film leads its young audience through history with humanity and empathy.

Courage
Bravery is a common theme in children’s animations because it encourages kids to step out of their comfort zones and believe in themselves. Renowned Taiwanese filmmaker Yee Chih-yen brings us the winner of Best Animated Film at the 57th Golden Horse Awards, City of Lost Things, which follows the adventures of self-deprecating Leaf, a teenager who exiles himself in a city populated by pieces of junk who gained life. There, he befriends Baggy, an anthropomorphic plastic bag who needs help. Although plunged into conflictive feelings, Leaf eventually steps up to protect his friends.

Meanwhile, Vic the Viking - The Magic Sword is an animated adaptation of a beloved classic character imagined by Swedish writer Runer Jonsson. In this adventure, Vic, the smallest Viking, must use both his smarts and courage to save his mother, who is being held hostage on a pirate boat!

Besides being funny, entertaining and sometimes even sad or scary, films may also be inspiring and challenging for the young audience. These stories on screen will broaden children’s understanding of the world beyond their textbooks encouraging them to think, reflect, overcome difficulties and follow their dreams. Like a lighthouse on a dark, stormy night, cinema guides the way with its bright and shining light.