Toronto International Film Festival 2015 Kids Program Revealed; Includes Iron Giant

The Toronto International Film Festival presents an international selection of family-friendly films as part of this year’s TIFF Kids Programme. The lineup opens a world of cultural perspectives for young festival-goers, presenting everything from animated adventures to touching coming-of-age stories. The programme boasts the world premiere of the remastered and expanded Brad Bird classic The Iron Giant with performances from Jennifer Aniston and Harry Connick Jr.

“The TIFF Kids Programme is all about bringing the best of international children’s cinema to the Festival,” said Elizabeth Muskala, Director of Youth Learning. “This year we are thrilled to showcase films from Europe and Asia, as well as a classic animated family feature, with The Iron Giant: Signature Edition.”

The Boy and the Beast (Bakemono no ko) Mamoru Hosoda, Japan International Premiere
A young boy in modern-day Tokyo stumbles into an alternate dimension and becomes the apprentice to a bearlike warrior, in this stunning animated fantasy from writer-director Mamoru Hosoda. Cast includes Koji Yakusho and Aoi Miyazaki. Recommended for ages 11 and up.

My Skinny Sister (Min lilla syster) Sanna Lenken, Sweden/Germany Canadian Premiere
Just as Stella enters the exciting world of adolescence, she discovers that her big sister and role model Katja is hiding an eating disorder. The disease slowly tears the family apart. A story about jealousy, love and betrayal told with warmth, depth and laughter. Starring Rebecka Josephson, Amy Deasismont and Annika Hallin. Recommended for ages 11 and up.

Phantom Boy Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli, France/Belgium North American Premiere
From the Academy Award-nominated directors of A Cat in Paris comes a thrilling new adventure. An 11-year-old boy named Leo, becomes an unlikely superhero when he discovers that he has the ability to leave his body and fly through walls. When a nefarious gangster takes control of New York’s power supply, only he can save the city. Cast includes Audrey Tautou, Édouard Baer and Jean-Pierre Marielle. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

The Iron Giant: Signature Edition Brad Bird, USA World Premiere
Remastered and enhanced with two new scenes, the modern animated classic about a young boy befriending a gigantic space robot returns to enchant a new generation of audiences. Cast includes Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick, Jr., Vin Diesel and Eli Marienthal. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

The 2015 Toronto International Film Festival Official Film Schedule was released today and is available at TIFF Bell Lightbox or by visiting tiff.net/festival. Copies will also be distributed in the Toronto Star and Metro on Thursday, August 27. A section about the Festival will appear in the Toronto Star on Thursday, September 3, and will include the full film schedule.