Back by popular demand! A reprise of the popular family shorts program from this year’s San Francisco International Film Festival, this captivating collection of short films—seven animated, three live action—from around the world celebrates the universal tradition of storytelling that we have all come to cherish from childhood. From beleaguered little boats to soccer-obsessed boys, it is a grand tour of tales to share with the whole family. The journey takes us around the world to places known for their rich storytelling traditions including Thailand, Ireland and Eastern Europe. It is the perfect antidote to the onslaught of summer blockbusters, and, for those of you going through Harry Potter withdrawal, a chance to hear Alan Rickman’s spot-on Snape-like narration of a beautifully animated gothic love story.

Recommended for ages 6 and up. Total running time 66 min.

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STORYTELLER (KAHANIKAR)
When her grandfather can no longer remember the details of her favorite story, seven-year-old Nirmala tries recreating the fable of fishing and coconuts herself. (Nandita Jain, England 2011, 10 min)

KEENAN AT SEA
Adrift in a small boat, two girls and their small dog while away the time singing a catchy sea shanty about hot dogs and hunger. (Jeremy Galante, USA 2010, 2 min)

PLAY LUNCH
Burdened with a lunch that’s too big to eat, a small girl leverages her assets and finds a clever way to make new friends. (Cassandra Nguyen, Australia 2010, 10 min)

LITTLE BOAT
Like a nautical Red Balloon: A tiny boat wends its way across the globe, both besieged and beloved by all it encounters. (Nelson Boles, USA 2011, 4 min)

PANYEE FC
In the small waterbound Thai village of Kho Panyee, a group of boys is determined to pursue a love of soccer despite having no land on which to play. (The Glue Society, Thailand 2011, 5 min)

THE BOY IN THE BUBBLE
Alan Rickman narrates this gothic love story of a heartbroken boy who finds a magic spell to shield him from emotion forever. (Kealan O’Rourke, Ireland 2011, 8 min)

THE VACUUM KID
Kyle Krichbaum is a 12 year old with an obsession. The proud owner of more than 160 vacuum cleaners, Kyle’s unusual passion has made the Michigan fifth-grader into a mini-celebrity. Now that doesn’t suck. (Katie Mahalic, USA 2011, 11 min)

THE GIRL AND THE FOX
In this beautifully animated tale, a girl tracks a mysterious fox through a foreboding snow-covered wilderness. (Tyler Kupferer, USA 2011, 6 min)

ORANGE Ô DESPAIR
Life in the orange box seems awfully boring compared to the pineapple dance party going on across the way. How can a sad little orange make the leap to the fun side of the store? (John Banana, France 2011, 4 min)





All tickets $8. Box office opens June 19 online at sffs.org and in person at SF Film Society Cinema.