Children’s world

Some stories are like a trip down memory lane. A return to childhood.

Mind Me Good Now!, based on a folk tale, is about a brother and sister who disobey their mother and cross the river into the forest. They get lost and come across a witch who loves to eat boys. With the girl’s resourcefulness, they are able to defeat the witch, and return home.

“It’s the kind of story that brings a smile to everyone’s face, thinking we have been in some similar situations as these kids, only the settings were different,” says the film’s director, Chris Cormier. “I think films like this open up the world to children who are seeking to learn. It also shares a valuable lesson: Children, obey your parents!” says Cormier.

Mind Me Good Now! is one of seven animation films that will be screened on 26 July at the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum, as part of its first Children’s Film Fest for ages 5-9.

Presented by the museum, in association with the consulate general of Canada, this edition is called Talespinners 2.

The films highlight aspects of Canadian life, including its multiculturalism. Maq And The Spirit Of The Woods, for instance, by Phyllis Grant tells the story of a boy who wants to impress his grandfather. The story draws on folk tales from the Mi’kmaq, a tribe indigenous to Canada’s east coast. Another story, Jo Meuris’ Girl Who Hated Books, introduces us to Meena, who doesn’t like books. Meena and her cat Max accidentally knock down a stack of books—and all the heroes, heroines and animals come to life.

Among the highlights are Jonathan Ng’s Asthma Tech, in which a young Winston doesn’t let chronic asthma get in the way of fun. Jaime Lo, Small And Shy by Lillian Chan is about Jaime Lo, a shy Chinese-Canadian girl who observes the world around her through her drawings.

“These films come from the collection of the National Film Board of Canada which, for over 75 years, has been producing animation and documentary films,” says Richard Bale, consul general.

“These films appeal to and engage with a younger audience on a variety of subjects, like the importance of reading and family, the notion of home, and dealing with problems. They talk of how children from different communities interact and deal with the world around them in their own unique way,” says Nishita Zachariah, senior curatorial associate, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum, and festival curator. “The Children’s Film Festival ties in well with our overall family programmes like Summer Fun, Kahani Karnival (a unique festival of stories) and special Festive Fun programmes,” she adds.

The museum is planning two more sessions of the Children’s Film Fest, in August and September. “Tailspinners 2 is the perfect way to begin this series; however, each subsequent session will try to involve older children. The idea is to reach out to families that are looking to spend some quality time together in a public space,” says Zachariah.

The Children’s Film Fest: Talespinners 2 will be screened on 25 July, 4pm, at the Education Centre, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum, Rani Baug, Byculla (East). Entry, ₹ 10 (adults), ₹ 5 (for those aged 5-15) and free (for those below 5). Seating on first-come, first-served basis. For details, visit www.www.bdlmuseum.org