Metro Philadelphia<\/p>\n
Grab some popcorn, Philly.<\/p>\n
This fall, cin\u00e9SPEAK<\/a> is launching cin\u00e9KIDZ, a free monthly film series for children ages 3 to 10 and their caregivers.\u00a0 The new program will bring international films, music, art, food and hands-on activities into neighborhood libraries.<\/p>\n The inaugural season<\/a> kicks off Saturday, Sept. 19, with a celebration taking place at the Blanche A. Nixon\/Cobbs Creek Library in West Philadelphia.<\/p>\n From noon to 3:30 p.m., the library grounds will become a playground for creativity and imagination \u2014 complete with a DJ, live music, art projects, story time, food and a rotating selection of short films from around the world.<\/p>\n Cue the creativity<\/p>\n DJ Courtnee Owens<\/a> will set the soundtrack beginning at noon, playing family-friendly music. And Philadelphia artist Kah Yangni<\/a> will lead children in creating their own colorful Philadelphia rowhouses using drawing, cutting, collage and other techniques.<\/p>\n Then, at 12:30 p.m., Ants on a Log<\/a> will take the stage for an interactive performance combining music, humor, singing, dancing and plenty of opportunities for kids to join in.<\/p>\n Families can grab complimentary food and drinks from local businesses, including Blkberry Juice Bar, while exploring a looping program of short films.\u00a0<\/p>\n And finally, at 2 p.m., Cobbs Creek children’s librarian Ms. Christina will gather families for a special story time.<\/p>\n Movies from around the world<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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\u2019s Academy Award-winning classic ‘The Red Balloon’ (1956).<\/p>\n The program also features a collection of Canadian animation and experimental shorts.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n That idea will continue throughout the season as cin\u00e9KIDZ partners with local artists, organizations and facilitators to create programming around each film.<\/p>\n More movie days<\/p>\n On Oct. 17, the series heads to Kingsessing Library for a screening of Pixar\u2019s ‘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.<\/p>\n Then, on Nov. 21, cin\u00e9KIDZ returns to Kingsessing Library for Studio Ghibli\u2019s ‘Earwig and the Witch,’ presented in partnership with Philly Childcare Collective.<\/p>\n Additional programs will continue throughout the 2026\u201327 season.<\/p>\n For more information and a complete lineup of events, visit cinespeak.org<\/a><\/p>\n