Online festival takes off! See over 100 titles including the films awarded at the cinema edition if the festival.
Get ready for an autumn filled with fantastic films! The 12th TAURON Young Horizons IFF launches online tomorrow. Until 26 October, you will be able to discover smart and daring cinema for young audiences. Over 100 titles, 13 sections and one dilemma – what to watch first? Discover the must-see titles from the festival, including the award-winners from this year’s cinema edition of the festival.
The online edition of 12th TAURON Young Horizons IFF will run from October 9 to 26 at nowehoryzonty.pl/mhfestiwal The programme features over 100 titles for viewers of all ages. Discover some of them below!
FOR THE YOUNGEST VIEWERS
During summer holidays, the mischievous cat Moxy gets separated from her owners and falls into the hands of a wicked farmer, Rita. Determined to return to her owners, she sets off on an adventure-filled journey through the south of France. She is accompanied by a clumsy dog, Brute, and a know-it-all bird, Ayo – complete opposites who must learn to cooperate. Together, the trio will discover that even the smallest of heroes can show great courage.
The film won the hearts of our viewers and received the Audience Award at the 12th TAURON Young Horizons IFF.
Julia Donaldson’s Stories – the beloved characters created by the world-renowned creative duo – writer Julia Donaldson and ilustrator Axel Scheffler
What do a little mouse and a little fish with a big imagination have in common? Although one walks on the land and the other swims among the waves, they are united by the power of storytelling, which, as we all know, can save you from even the greatest trouble. The mouse confronts dangers by using her imagination as a weapon against predators. When Tiddler, a small fish with a big imagination, gets lost in the ocean, his own stories help him find the way home. Gruffalo and Tiddler are animated films full of adventure and humour, which show us that sometimes imagination can take us really far – if only we dare to dream!
Room on the Broom and Stick Man – set
What links a friendly witch and her companions and Stick Man in trouble? Both characters are willing to make sacrifices for their loved ones. A friendly witch invites a dog, a bird, and a frog to join her on a journey. When her broom breaks under the weight of the crew, only shared efforts can save them from the evil dragon following them. Meanwhile, Stick Man – a caring father and loving husband – is separated from his family through a series of unfortunate events. Although he looks like a wooden stick, he is a hero with a big heart who tries with all his might to return to his beloved stick family. Room on the Broom and Stick Man are humorous and heart-warming animations exploring the power of bonds and that home is not just a place – it is the people with whom we build it.
The Gruffalo’s Child and The Smeds and the Smoos – set
The Gruffalo’s Child, a little hairy creature with a great imagination, sets off through the forest at night in search of a dangerous monster. The creature, as it turns out, does not look quite as the legends say. Żaneta and Arturek, young aliens from two feuding clans, prove that love knows no boundaries – not even interplanetary ones. The Gruffalo’s Child and The Smeds and the Smoos are adventure-filled tales based on the books by Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler – a duo who have won the hearts of children all over the world. These animated adventures revolve around overcoming prejudices, as well as curiosity about the world, courage, and strength that cannot always be measured in centimetres.
Pim and Pom at the Museum – set
Together with their guardian, Pim and Pom visit famous museums in the Netherlands. There, they have the opportunity to admire a variety of canvasses – old and contemporary paintings, abstract paintings and portraits, landscapes and still lifes. The curious kittens decide to enter each of them to learn something about it! Inside the world of the paintings, Pim and Pom make friends, discover new cities, solve mysterious puzzles, and learn new things. In one episode, they set out to find… a unicorn! Accompanying the feline guides through the world of painting, young viewers have the chance to learn more about important works of art.
The charming pair of preschool friends after the end of the preschool year, it’s time to go on holiday and enjoy a well-deserved rest. The mountains seem to be the perfect destination – they offer fresh air and wonderful views, as well as plenty of opportunities for new adventures. Casper and Emma are a pair of five- year-olds who certainly know how to have fun. They pack their favourite soft toys and bravely set off on the trail. They climb mountain peaks, sleep in a tent, meet wild animals – all in an atmosphere of fun, frolics, and plenty of laughs.
Little Ghost Laban – Back Again
Laban is a little ghost who, instead of causing terror, prefers to help the royal family. He lives in the basement of their castle with his parents and his feisty sister, Labolina, who can mimic every sound in the world. Daddy Ghost dreams of his son becoming a true terror of the night, but when darkness falls and the lights go out, it is the darkness that gives Laban the shivers. Together with his human friends, Laban experiences comical and emotional adventures that help him understand that courage is not the absence of fear, but acting despite it. The film shows that even a ghost has the right to be afraid, and that friendship can brighten even the darkest night.
FOR THE SLIGHTLY OLDER ONES
The Boy at the Edge of the World
Brothers Omul and Mikro, together with their dog Tela, leave their seaside town and set off into the unknown. From the very start, it is clear that this will not be an easy journey – the siblings have never got along very well. Omul is quietly reserved and above all else values the company of animals, while Mikro is rather impulsive. Still, the clash of personalities is not the only hurdle they will face. The road to the glacier where Sadumea resides is fraught with perils. A dangerous she-wolf seeking help for her offspring, treacherous swamps, and a monster enchanted in tree bark will make it difficult to reach the end of the world. To save Kimi, the boys must arm themselves with empathy towards the creatures they encounter…and each other. Only then will they be able to bury the hatchet!
Sam escapes from the hospital to fulfil his big dream of conquering the majestic Mount Taranaki. His new, oddball friends – Mallory and Bronco – join him on this crazy mission. Each of them has a different motive for climbing Taranaki, a volcanic mountain known from many New Zealand legends. Sam is undergoing treatment and believes in the healing power of the mountain. Mallory recently lost his mother, and climbing to the summit is his family's unfulfilled dream. Bronco, a Maori, has always wanted to conquer the mountain, revered by his ancestors. The young hikers choose a more difficult route so that their parents wont’s find out about their plans. This unusual trek, apart from memory of endless challenges, will bring them lasting friendship and… an unforgettable adventure!
Film recommended by Młode Głowy
Willow, an eleven-year-old girl with red curly hair, inherits a unique forest from her aunt Alwina. Along with this extraordinary legacy, she also receives… magical powers. Although she is not sure if she wants to become a witch, she has no time to hesitate – the surrounding nature is in danger. To save her favourite place, Willow must find three other girls who, like her, possess magical powers. Will she make it in time before the developers cut down all the trees? A Girl Named Willow is a fairy tale whose protagonist finds herself on the threshold of destiny. It’s an exploration of friendship and courage, as well as a valuable lesson about caring for the environment and each other.
Ava is full of energy and dreams of more freedom during a family trip to the mountains. Jonas, a mysterious boy she meets in the hotel basement, helps her fulfil this wish. At Ava's request, under mysterious circumstances, the adults disappear, and the resort turns into a playground full of seemingly endless possibilities for fun! However, it soon turns out that life without parents is not that easy… Will Ava find a way to reverse her wish? Hotel Sinestra is set in a picturesque winter landscape, and the film will certainly appeal to fans of Home Alone. The young protagonists learn responsibility and mutual help, and discover the importance of family.
Twelve-year-old Jools dreams of dancing on stage without worrying about the judgement of others. Because of her physical disability, she often feels that those around her treat her differently. This changes when she meets choreographer Yorrith. Following a stroke, he had to learn how to move again, and he understands what Jools is going through. Working with the choreographer, Jools regains self-confidence.
The winner of the Documentary Competition at the 12th TAURON Young Horizons IFF, the film also received an honourable mention for best short film at the Belgian JEF festival.
Film recommended by Młode Głowy
FOR TEENAGERS
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Makoto is an ordinary high school student – a little distracted and still unsure what to do after graduation. She likes to spend her afternoons playing baseball with her two best friends. Everything changes when Makoto miraculously survives a train accident and discovers that she has the power to travel back in time. At first, she selfishly uses her new ability for personal gain: she improves her grades, pinches her favourite treat from the fridge, and spends long hours at a karaoke bar. Most importantly, she can now avoid all difficult conversations about her future and love. Soon, she learns that every leap in time has its consequences in the future. Makoto will have to do everything in her power to prevent irreversible changes in her and her friend’s lives.
Hana, a college student, falls in love with a mysterious werewolf. Soon, the couple welcomes two children: half-wolf, half-human Ame and Yuki. The family’s peaceful life is derailed by the unexpected death of their father. Hana decides to move to the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle and dangers of the city. Ame and Yuki grow up surrounded by nature, under the watchful eye of their loving mum and the supportive rural community. Soon, however, the siblings will have to go to school. Each will have to find their own path and decide who they want to be in the future: a wolf or a human.
Eleven-year-old Karin lives with her grandfather, a monk who looks after a traditional Japanese temple. There, the girl meets the funny Anzu, a giant, talking ghost cat. Soon, a unique, though unexpected, bond develops between the two. It’s a story full of humour and forest spirits for cat lovers, fans of Japan and others!
Birk and Magna – The Dark Secret of the Mine
Sixteen-year-old Birk was found in the forest as a small boy. He was taken in by Arn, with whom he lives in a forest cabin in northern Norway. The owner of the local power plant wants to buy their land, but the boy has his doubts. Meanwhile, a feisty thirteen-year-old Magna arrives in the nearby town. She is trying to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. As they start looking for their own identities, Birk and Magna will also uncover a past secret, as well as a conspiracy against the environment.
Summer, a photography enthusiast, abandons her passion after the death of her father, who also loved taking photos. But when she falls in love with Yeon, the star of the senior football team, Summer uses up the film her father left unfinished. Developing the photos he took allows Summer to delve into her father’s past and bring memories back to life. Thanks to meeting Maru, a local hairdresser, she manages to come to terms with her loss. Summer’s Camera is a tender exploration of first love and adolescence in which photography plays a key role in strengthening the sense of connection.
Film recommended by Młode Głowy
Take part in the online edition of the TAURON Young Horizons festival
The films are available directly on our online streaming platform.
Viewers can choose from three types of access:
- Festival pass providing access to the entire programme: 100 PLN
- Single-title access: prices ranging from 7.90 PLN to 17 PLN
- Single-title access for a group of students: 49 PLN (regardless of the number of viewers)
