Kidsproof at the 52nd edition of Film Fest Gent
Arco (10+)
What if rainbows were actually people from the future? It's the year 2075. The world is drowning in ultra-communication, ecological disasters, and robots. Ten-year-old Iris only ever sees her busy parents through holograms and relies mostly on her robot companion, Mikki. Then, one day, a grand adventure literally falls from the sky: the mysterious boy Arco, clad in a rainbow suit and coming from a distant future where everything is perfect and time travel is possible. Iris shelters him and will do whatever it takes to help him return to his time. Ugo Bievenu's debut feature draws inspiration from classics like E.T. and Peter Pan, while online animation fans describe it as something between Studio Ghibli and Interstellar. It's the perfect launchpad for a vibrant sci-fi tale with a hopeful vision of the future. Refusing to bow to dystopia, Bievenu set out to deliver a positive message - maybe not about the world of tomorrow, but the world of the day after tomorrow. Arco won the Cristal for Best Feature at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
Distribution: Belga Films
Direction: Ugo Bienvenu
France, 2025, 88'
The Songbird's Secret (6+)
Lucie, a curious ten-year-old, is spending a few vacation days in the village of Bectoile, where her mother Caroline is leading excavations in the ruins of a medieval castle. While Caroline and her cheerful colleague Pierrot dig for an ancient crypt, Lucie discovers that her mother grew up in the area, and that more than one secret is waiting to be uncovered. Guided by a pair of songbirds, and helped by her new friend Yann, Pierrot's gleeful dog, and a stubborn goose, Lucie begins her own quest for answers. A mysterious key in a nest, the remains of a destroyed mill, and even an old "wizard" in the forest—each clue brings the merry gang closer to the truth. Made entirely from paper cut-outs, The Songbird's Secret is a magical-realist fable filled with the wonders of childhood. Add a pinch of Scooby-Doo and a dash of Indiana Jones, and you have a playful family adventure about summer friendships, the thrill of archaeology, and the importance of family.
Distribition: Lumière
Direction: Antoine Lanciaux
France - Belgium, 2025, 77'
I Accidentally Wrote a Book (9+)
Twelve-year-old Nina wants to be a writer. So far, her only audience is her little brother—though they fight more than they get along. Unfortunately, he's had enough of her bedtime stories. Which means Nina has to up her game. But where to start? Luckily, her kind neighbour Lídia, a real writer who lives in a charming house with her cat Nero, offers to help. As Nina starts writing, she gradually uncovers feelings she's buried about her late mother, whose face she can no longer remember. And love is in the air too—both for her dad and for Nina herself. Hungarian director Nóra Lakos brings this touching and imaginative coming-of-age story to life, inspired by the Dutch novel by Annet Huizing. Packed with playful animations, the film is a colourful celebration of storytelling, first crushes, and the joy of writing. And as a bonus, it's full of great writing tips too!
Distribution: JEF
Direction: Nóra Lakos
Hungary - The Netherlands, 2024, 98'
Little Ghost Laban – Back Again (4+)
The beloved little ghost Laban is back to haunt us all! Well... sort of. Laban is actually afraid of the dark and not all that scary himself - not exactly ideal for a ghost, is it? He lives in the basement of Gomorronsol castle with Mommy and Daddy Ghost and his daring little sister Labolina. Life is never boring there. There's always something going on, especially with a sister who can mimic any sound in the world! Laban's best friends are the prince and princess, and together they shake up the castle - unless a burglar or a purple monster beats them to it! In these six brand-new stories, Laban is once again learning how to be up a ghost, or more importantly, how to be himself. And there's extra reason to celebrate: it's been exactly sixty (!) years since Laban first came to life in the Swedish children's books by Inger & Lasse Sandberg. Het kleine spookje Laban spookt weer rond is narrated by Belgian actress Charlotte De Bruyne, who takes you on a tour of Gomorronsol castle, where fun and adventure are never far away. A ghostly good time guaranteed!
Distribution: JEF
Regie: Lasse Persson
Sweden, 2024, 44'
Kidsproof Sunday & Education
On Sunday 12 October, Film Fest Gent hosts its annual Kidsproof Sunday, a day fully dedicated to Kidsproof films. In addition to the screenings, the whole family is welcome at the Film Fest Gent Café for drinks, snacks and creative activities in collaboration with JEF. Registrations for the activities will open later.
Film Fest Gent is also once again organizing Teacher's Day. On Wednesday 15 October, the festival offers teachers tools and insights to bring film and media literacy into the classroom. Registrations open in September.
The full programme of the 52nd edition of Film Fest Gent will be announced on 18 September.