Metro Philadelphia
Grab some popcorn, Philly.
This fall, cinéSPEAK is launching cinéKIDZ, a free monthly film series for children ages 3 to 10 and their caregivers. The new program will bring international films, music, art, food and hands-on activities into neighborhood libraries.
The inaugural season kicks off Saturday, Sept. 19, with a celebration taking place at the Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library in West Philadelphia.
From noon to 3:30 p.m., the library grounds will become a playground for creativity and imagination — complete with a DJ, live music, art projects, story time, food and a rotating selection of short films from around the world.
Cue the creativity
DJ Courtnee Owens will set the soundtrack beginning at noon, playing family-friendly music. And Philadelphia artist Kah Yangni will lead children in creating their own colorful Philadelphia rowhouses using drawing, cutting, collage and other techniques.
Then, at 12:30 p.m., Ants on a Log will take the stage for an interactive performance combining music, humor, singing, dancing and plenty of opportunities for kids to join in.
Families can grab complimentary food and drinks from local businesses, including Blkberry Juice Bar, while exploring a looping program of short films.
And finally, at 2 p.m., Cobbs Creek children’s librarian Ms. Christina will gather families for a special story time.
Movies from around the world
According to organizers, the film lineup is designed to introduce children to the wide-ranging ways filmmakers can tell stories and play with moving images.
The international program includes two early children’s films by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, ‘Colors’ (1976) and ‘So Can I’ (1975), as well as Albert Lamorisse’s Academy Award-winning classic ‘The Red Balloon’ (1956).
The program also features a collection of Canadian animation and experimental shorts.
Rather than a traditional sit-down screening, the shorts will play on a loop throughout the afternoon, allowing children and families to watch, explore, make art, dance, eat, and return to the films at their own pace, organizers said.
That idea will continue throughout the season as cinéKIDZ partners with local artists, organizations and facilitators to create programming around each film.
More movie days
On Oct. 17, the series heads to Kingsessing Library for a screening of Pixar’s ‘Turning Red,’ presented in partnership with YES! Your Empowered Sexuality. The program will use film, story time, art and interactive activities to explore topics including friendship, self-love, embarrassment and changing bodies in an age-appropriate setting.
Then, on Nov. 21, cinéKIDZ returns to Kingsessing Library for Studio Ghibli’s ‘Earwig and the Witch,’ presented in partnership with Philly Childcare Collective.
Additional programs will continue throughout the 2026–27 season.
For more information and a complete lineup of events, visit cinespeak.org
MORE: 6 kid-friendly restaurants to try in Philly
Keywords
cinéSPEAK,
cinéKIDZ,
Philadelphia libraries,
family activities,
kids activities,
free events,
movies,
West Philadelphia,
Kingsessing