Discovery Film Festival

Dundee Contemporary Arts, October 20–November 4

Now in its 15th year, Discovery Film Festival – Scotland’s International Film Festival for Young Audiences – returns to Dundee Contemporary Arts with UK and Scottish premieres, short films for younger children and infants and specially-programmed films for teens.

The festival features films from around the world for babies through to 19-year-olds (and beyond), and creative workshops. The two-week programme begins tomorrow with the UK premiere of Belle and Sebastian, Friends for Life. The French family adventure follows young Sebastian as he tries to rescue his Pyrenean mountain dog Belle and her puppies from a mysterious villain. Suitable for ages eight-plus, the film will be followed by a gala reception for all attendees, with refreshments and creative activities.

Festival producer Mike Tait says: “The 15th edition of our festival lives up to its reputation for unearthing some real cinematic treasures for younger audiences. From all around the world – including Chile, Colombia, India, Kenya, as well as from across Europe and the USA – these are tales of people and places that may initially seem strange and unfamiliar but will soon be understood and appreciated, despite their distant roots.

“It’s a great opportunity for young Tayside audiences and their families to see out into the world, and recognise some universal stories.”

Every year the festival offers a series of short films for children that make a perfect introduction to the cinema experience. Shorts for Tinies (ages up to five) returns after its sell-out debut in 2017, alongside Shorts for Wee Ones (ages three-plus) and Shorts for Middle Ones (ages eight-plus). A range of creative workshops inspired by these films will also be running.

Films for teens and young people are programmed by the Discovery Young Ambassadors – a group of film-loving 15 to 19-year-olds who are involved with all aspects of the festival: from selecting to marketing and introducing the films. Their selections include the UK premiere of Spider Thieves, a gritty Chilean drama based on a true story about a group of impoverished teenage girls who start climbing skyscrapers to steal the wealthy residents’ belongings.

For younger children and families, there’s a wide range of stories, themes, styles and subjects and Discovery Film Festival 2018 comes to a close on November 4 with the Scottish premiere of I Am William (ages 10-plus), a feelgood Danish film about a boy sent to live with his highly unconventional uncle.

An exhibition has been programmed in the DCA Galleries to coincide with the festival. Mike Kelley’s Mobile Homestead features three video works shot in his home city of Detroit. www.discoveryfilmfestival.org.uk