September 20, 2002

Independent Films for Children October 19

(North Adams, Mass.) Every year thousands of filmmakers put their talent to work creating independent films for kids. Though they don't get national theater exposure with Walmart promotions and Happy Meal toys, these independent films merit a larger audience. Frequently they feature award-winning, cutting-edge animation as well as moving and highly creative stories. As part of the Northern Berkshire salute to independent film through the ten-day Williamstown Film Festival, MASS MoCA will present a morning of independent film for children on Saturday, October 19 at 10:30 AM. Admission is free, and reservations are required.

Films to be screened include: The Sand Castle, an Oscar-winning animated short that tells the story of a sandman and other sand creatures who build an elaborate sand castle which is eventually eroded by the wind. Also featured is an Academy Award-nominated film by Janet Perlman called The Tender Tale of Cinderella Penguin, a retelling of the classic fairy tale with an all-penguin cast.

Also on tap is Tuna Nooda in which a young schoolboy's fish report goes awry during a visit to his grandfather's house, but all ends well with a dish of tuna noodle casserole. Arctic Adventure, a finalist for the Nescafe Short Film award, which tells of the wild adventure of Oz and Lucy and their archenemy evil zookeeper Kardia, rounds out the morning.

Kids' events at MASS MoCA are sponsored by Banknorth Financial Services.

Admission for Short Indie Films for Kids is free with museum admission. Museum admission is $9 for adults, $3 for kids 6-16, and free for children under six. Admission is free for members. Space is limited, so advance reservations are required. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams from 10 A.M. until 6 P.M. daily or over the phone by calling 413.662.2111 or online at www.massmoca.org.

MASS MoCA, the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the United States, is located off Marshall Street in North Adams on a 13-acre campus of renovated 19th-century factory buildings.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Katherine Myers
(413) 664-4481 x8113
katherine@massmoca.org