Make plans: 3rd Annual Miami International Children's Film Festival hits town Dec. 26-31

If you're looking for something fun and educational for the kids during that lots-of-free-time week between Christmas and the New Year, search no further: the Third Annual Miami Children's Film Festival should provide just the ticket. One of the things that makes this fest such fun -- and different from certain other kid's film fests -- is its international quality. This year's roster includes films from France, Finland, Norway, Uruguay, South Korea, and of course Hollywood USA.

The line-up should please kids of various ages, too. The Hero of Color City's bright day-glo animation (above) should prove a treat for the younger set, while tales like Belle & Sebastian (below) and Ballet Boys (shown at bottom) will please older kids and probably adults, as well.

Look for live-action thrills, inventive and colorful animation, and fascinating documentaries, too. Most interesting of all, in fact, may be the workshops for kids included in the festival -- one on how to learn stop-motion animation, the other on how to make your own musical instruments.

TrustMovies has seen and covered two of the film showing in the fest -- France's classic The King and The Mockingbird (above) and Hollywood's Hero of Color City (click the link to see the review of each). Both are worth a viewing, with France's effort very nearly a must-see.

One thing to consider with international films is whether or not the version your kids will see is dubbed (as is Mune, from France, shown above) or with subtitles. (Both types are represented in this festival.) You can quickly learn the answer by clicking on the trailer for any film in the series and then easily decide on whether the movie is age-appropriate for your own young readers.

To learn more about this upcoming festival, simply click here and then browse the various films and events. Taking place at the Coral Gables Art Cinema in Coral Gables, FL, the fest runs from December 26 through the 31. Book now to avoid disappointment later.