The screenings, sponsored by the Ryder Film Series and Lotus World Music and Arts Festival, will feature 20 films from this year’s festival, dividing into screenings for children ages three to eight at 2:15 p.m. and 5 p.m. and ages eight to 80 at 3:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
“This is the first time we’re doing this,” said Peter LoPilato, director and founder of the Ryder Magazine and Film Series.
He said the festival in New York is the largest festival of its kind in the world for children. What they will present at the Buskirk-Chumley is a best-of selection of short films ranging from about two to 20 minutes that include a variety of animation, clay-mation, stop-motion and live action.
LoPilato said he and his children love to go to the movies, but this experience is something completely different from what they see on a typical Sunday afternoon.
“These are independent filmmakers from all over the world,” he said.
This film series exposes children not only to new filmmakers, but also to new countries, cultures and attitudes, he said.
Germany, France, Russia, Czech Republic, Canada, Hungary, the United Kingdom and the United States are all represented in the screenings, LoPilato said.
This kind of a cinematic experience opens up the world to children, providing them with films that are funny, exciting, suspenseful and thought-provoking, he said.
LoPilato said he thinks adults can enjoy the second set of films, too.
Unlike the first set of films for younger children, which are either silent or in English, the second set contains some films with English subtitles, he said.
“I’m guessing we’re going to get a good turnout,” LoPilato said.
He said tickets are currently on sale and cost $10 for adults and $6 for children and are available online or at the Buskirk-Chumley box office. One ticket allows access into one of each ?screening.
“Kids are very curious,” LoPilato said. “They are always looking for more.”
