An audience favourite, the KIDS’ REEL selection of short films is especially suited to the youngest film buffs and those discovering the magic of cinema for the very first time. With no spoken language or only minimal dialogue, these animations invite every viewer to lose themselves in the wonders of moving images.

 

With a total running time of approximately one hour, the selection brings together works from some of the world’s finest and most tradition-rich animation studios in Europe and beyond. Masterfully crafted, reflecting a variety of moods, and unlike anything you would typically encounter, these animated works will move and delight you.

 

It smells of freshly made pancakes. Fox is bustling about by the stove and is about to go visit Badger, but hey, snow has fallen overnight. For her cousin Fennec, it's the very first snow. To enjoy the day, Fox will show her grey, big-eared relative what winter joys are all about, and how much fun doing good is!

 

The characters from the beloved show Tuta's Things indulge in wintry fun and learn about winter in a new animated short. Director Jansons takes the viewer into a playful day, with the familiar characters Fox and Fennec setting off on adventures full of humour and friendship, exploring the backyard and the forest. For over 8 years now, the TV series Tuta's Things and its characters have been among the most beloved on-screen companions for the youngest viewers in Latvia, as they discover the world and themselves. The first episode of the upcoming Fox and Fennec animated short film series will see its national premiere at RIGA IFF.

In every real closet lives a real creature who dreams. What does little, cheerful Closet Creature dream of? He thinks of seagulls and the sea, and suddenly he finds himself in the outside world. There's a flounder and various other seaside wonders, and there are seagulls as well. Soon enough Closet Creature is longing for his closet friends and home…

 

This miniature by animator and director Zvirbule about the Closet Creature family is created using two-dimensional animation and watercolour painting. Hues of the Latvian seaside landscape, familiar nature and living (and imagined) creatures intertwine with the serene music by Jēkabs Nīmanis, telling a considerate tale about home and longing for your loved ones. Made by Zvirbule and the seasoned animation studio Atom Art, the film will have its national premiere at RIGA IFF.

Way up high in the clouds, there’s a mythical world where little boy Yios lives. He spends his days playing, singing, doing good deeds and getting into mischief alongside other Greek gods and mythical beings. Yios is special—his head shines as brightly as the sun. It can melt, burn and provide warmth. However, his uncontrollable glow prevents him from making friends—there’s always just a little too much of him! Always a little too hot! Yios travels down to Earth, the world of humans, where he meets another boy and everything changes for good…

The Slovak director and animator Szelesová approaches mythology with great ingenuity, creating a warm and universal story about self-acceptance and ability to hear others. Shown in the Berlinale Generation and Tribeca competitions, this miniature film recalls ancient vases and Minoan frescoes, where gods, superhuman beings and mythical creatures live out their lives, tell a story here and there. The film is also like a keepsake box, holding our experiences of the past that help us understand the present and imagine a better world for tomorrow.

Mice lead their own little lives. But sometimes, we all feel small, lonely and unappreciated. This time, it’s a mouse who is constantly picked on by the others. But the tiny creature has a mighty spirit. Ready for a grand adventure that might help leave those worries behind, the mouse sets out to climb the highest mountain and prove that being small does not mean being insignificant.

 

You are as big as you dare to dream – Italian director and animator Gennari’s short film urges viewers to reflect on the power of determination. The author works with the cut-out technique – the protagonist, the checkered blanket, friends and other characters are created from material cut-outs, silhouettes and other found objects. The film has been included in several prestigious film festivals, including the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, and it reminds us that we are at our bravest when we allow ourselves to be who we truly are.

Anna knows that every snowflake is full of wonders – each snowflake contains a whole world of its own. The girl ventures out on a wintry day – the snow has freshly covered the ground and the fields seem truly magical. Along the way, she meets an unusual playmate who will lead her into a snowy journey and a new lifelong friendship.

 

A small adventure with a big heart – the film by French director Baily encourages us to be open, attentive and sensitive – after all, curiosity can lead to the most unexpected friendships. The animation speaks a universal language of wonder, play and discovery, making it accessible to viewers of all ages. The Berlin-based illustrator and animator’s short film is warm and full of gentle humour – it is a celebration of those little moments that both winter enthusiasts and sceptics will appreciate.

A writer once said: The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. In this world lives a tiny cloud fish, searching for its place in the aquatic kingdom. Despite its small size, it is curious and wants to see the same things that the bigger fish do.

French animation director Garcia bleeds watercolours to awaken an underwater universe echoing the world of explorer Jacques Cousteau. By making fish the heroes of his ingenious animated film, the author draws us into the bustling life of turquoise and deep waters that younger viewers are free to discover. Screened at several prestigious film festivals, Garcia’s animation is a philosophical dive into the desire to grow up and take on responsibility.

During an entirely ordinary breakfast, little Lily lets her imagination run wild. She is gazing at a bowl of chocolate breakfast cereal, and suddenly everything around her changes. On her way to school, her all-so-familiar home, the school bus and the playground become a new magical universe. The morning might be usual, but for the red-haired girl, it will be filled with the most unusual adventures…

Fantasy and imagination are our secret superpowers, allowing us to experience things we otherwise couldn't. Directors Stéphanie Yang Chung and Tristan Francia bring them to life in a visually saturated story about moments where boredom gives way to something exciting. A witty work of visual poetry created in paper-cut animation, it is a wordless adventure where the only thing more irresistible than chaos is creativity.

Lina is a starry-eyed little girl who loves nothing more than to observe the world around her. She is the one to have encouraging words for ants on their voyage. She is the one to notice the shapes of clouds greeting her today. And there is one special little cloud that captures her attention – one made of sparkling thread. Lina follows the thread to knit herself a sweater, embarking on a journey.
 
One unusual strand of yarn weaves together a whole new horizon! Belgian animator and director Eké approaches the “there’s no place like home” story from an unexpected angle, bringing every tiny creature to life in warm pastel hues. This thoughtful short film about self-discovery and the importance of staying open to surprising discoveries feels wonderfully comforting — it almost seems to purr like the protagonist’s little cat.