Best of BAMkids Film Festival: Ages 9+  

These bold, handpicked gems from last year’s festival explore moments in which brave characters dazzle the world, including in the BAMmie Award winner for Best Live Action Short, Rock Pool Waltz. This screening is perfect for ages nine and above!

Jojo - A Toad Musical (2022)
Dir. Chelsea J. Jolly, 9min
US
In English

This creative and musical portrait follows JoJo Nyaribo, a young nature lover and wildlife advocate, as he explores the meaning of biodiversity and stewardship in his own backyard.

Blèh (2022)
Dir. Tim Alards, 4min
The Netherlands
Nonverbal

In the eyes of an imaginative preschooler, telephone users are like zombies.

Gaps (2023)
Dir. Jenn Shaw, 11min
US
In English

A young girl from a close-knit family finds herself at a crossroads between keeping her gapped front teeth or risking it all for the seemingly “perfect” smile.

One Week To Go - Emilie (2023)
Dir. Eva Krol, 15min
The Netherlands
In Dutch with English subtitles

Emelie has been almost completely blind for six months due to a brain tumor. She really wants to walk to school on her own again. However, she can only do so with a white cane, and she has to cross a few dangerous intersections. Will she be able to walk to school safely all by herself?

Joyce's Neighborhood (2023)
Dir. Richard O’Connor, 3min
US
In English

Mary Mills grew up as an only child in the 60s in a quiet neighborhood near Santa Monica, California. Although Mary didn’t have siblings to play with, she was never lonely. There were plenty of children nearby and they all wanted to be at her house to hang out with Mary’s mother, Joyce Carter Mills.

The Rainbow Dung Beetle (2022)
Dirs. Ellen Mowat & Cole Dupzyk, 7min
US
In English

Accustomed to camouflaging himself with mud to hide from predators, Desmond the dung beetle learns from his new neighbors that his true colors can be used to his advantage.

SHARK or HYENA (2023)
Dir. Britt Dunse, 15min
Germany
Nonverbal

Set on a fictional North Sea island, a young girl sets out on an adventure to look for the invisible elf who guards her family’s farm in this courageous story about the power of trust and magical connection.

The Girl with the Red Beret (2023)
Dir. Janet Perlman, 5min
Canada
No dialogue, singing in French

A girl takes a wild ride on the metro in Montreal.

The Rock Pool Waltz (2021)
Dir. Marlon Denning, 8min
Australia
In English

During Covid lockdown, 14 year old filmmaker Marlon records his affinity with nature to ease his loneliness, which leads to an incredible friendship. Winner for Best Live Action Short.