Tiff Kids Program Set to Unveil at this Year's Festival

The Toronto International Film Festival® brings an empowering and emotional international film selection to this year's TIFF Kids programme. THE LINEUP features four family-friendly films, whose stories aim to challenge societal and cultural gender norms and present open-minded and thoughtful commentaries on the challenges of coming of age. THE LINEUP delivers multiple award- winning films and the World Premiere of the Dutch book-to-film adaptation The Day My Father Became a Bush.

"This year, the TIFF Kids programme is all about perseverance and acceptance, and strong female leads are very much at the heart of these stories," said Elizabeth Muskala, TIFF's Director of Youth Learning and TIFF Kids Programmer. "We encourage families to join us at the Festival, as TIFF is committed to inspiring children and youth to explore the world through cinema, and using film to spark important conversations at home while growing the next generation of film lovers."

The Eagle Huntress Otto Bell, USA Canadian Premiere The Eagle Huntress follows 13-year-old Aisholpan as she trains to become the first female in 12 generations of her Kazakh family to become an eagle hunter - a tradition that until now had been handed down over the centuries from father to son. Set against the breathtaking expanse of the Mongolian steppe, the film features some of the most awe-inspiring cinematography ever captured in a documentary.

This film is recommended for ages 10 and up.

The Day My Father Became a Bush (Toen mijn vader een struik werd) World Premiere Nicole van Kilsdonk, Netherlands/Belgium/Croatia

Ten-year-old Toda lives in a bakery with her dad and knows everything there is to know about cakes and pastries. Then, one day, her life is turned upside down: her dad is called away unexpectedly to defend his country. In order to stay safe, Toda has to undertake an adventurous and challenging journey to the neighbouring country where her mother lives. On the way she encounters challenging situations, meets interesting people and finds a special new friend. But will she eventually find her mother?

This film is recommended for ages 10 and up.

My Life as a Courgette (Ma Vie de Courgette) Claude Barras, Switzerland/France North American Premiere Based on the book Autobiography of a Courgette by French author Gilles Paris, My Life as a Courgette tells the story of nine-year-old Courgette whose story, while unique, is surprisingly universal. After his mother's sudden death, Courgette is befriended by a kind police officer Raymond, who accompanies him to a foster home filled with other kids his age. At first Courgette struggles to find his place in this at times strange and hostile environment, but with Raymond's help and his new-found friends, Courgette eventually learns to trust, and find true friendship and a new family of his own.

This film is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Miss Impossible (Jamais contente) Emilie Deleuze, France North American Premiere Some would say Aurore lives a boring life. But when you are a 13-year-old girl and have an UNCOMPROMISING way of looking at boys, school, family, and friends, life takes on the appearance of a merry melodrama; especially with a new French teacher, the threat of being sent to boarding school, repeatedly falling in love, and the wild idea of joining a band.

This film is recommended for ages 12 and up.

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