Reel 2 Real International Film Festival for Youth presents a screening in their Family Film Series. In Wolf Girl (or When the Show Tent Came to Town), 10 year-old Akira and his classmates at a rural school in Japan learn valuable lessons about prejudice and standing up to bullies. Accused by the class bully of ruining his kite and told to pay an outrageous sum to replace it, Akira is surprised when Rumiko, a smart new girl from his class, comes to his aid.
When a travelling show sets up a tent at the edge of town, the students are excited to visit, but are forbidden by both parents and teachers. There are rumours circulating about a Wolf Girl, and students are convinced that it is Hideko, an impoverished girl whom they often mistreat. Their teasing, however, is temporarily stopped when Rumiko comes to her defence.
Wolf Girl features strong performances from its young cast and a script that balances tension and laughter. While it is set in rural Japan in the seventies, this film has a message about tolerance and friendship that is timeless and universal. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Note: there is a brief scene of an adult slapping a child.
Director: Yoshihiro Fukagawa // Japan 2005 // 106 min in Japanese with English subtitles
Tickets $8.00 adults; $6.00 children/seniors
The 13th Annual Reel 2 Real Festival runs April 9 – 15, 2011.
Young viewers: This is your chance to be on an Awards Jury and be a Film Critic!
Reel 2 Real will also present a FREE Film Criticism Workshop immediately after the screening of Wolf Girl from 3pm-5pm in the Vancity Theatre Atrium. The two-hour workshop is open to all young viewers, ages 10-19, who want to join the Reel 2 Real Festival Youth Jury. Workshop participants will sharpen their critical eye, gain an appreciation for film, and learn what makes a film great!
The 20-member Youth Jury meets for three Sundays in January, and attends the weekend screenings on April 9 and 10 during the Festival, and screens over 40 films. Rating films on plot, character, setting, acting, sound and cinematography, youth in the Jury will award seven prizes, announced during the Festival’s Awards Celebration on Friday, April 15.
Reel 2 Real offers children and youth the opportunity to learn about film and cultural perspectives from around the world. The 13th annual Reel 2 Real runs from April 9-15, 2011 and includes a Family Program for ages six and up, film craft workshops, and a week-long School Program for students in grades three to 12. Information: www.r2rfestival.org 604.224.6162
