At the movies… Think of the children! | Jon Banthrope

How would you describe the kids' film festival, as a component of the Kinemastik Film Festival? Which aspects of the 'Kinemastik philosophy' are carried over to the Children's Film Festival itself?

The Kinemastik Children's Festival is in its fourth year and has long been an essential part of the main festival programme. In many ways it makes sense for Kinemastik to operate screenings for a young audience, in terms of a more inclusive programme, and as part of it's larger cultural role as an educator, but over and above that we see the children's festival as a challenge. Is it possible to present a programme that remains innovative and challenging for a young audience? This is my second year curating the children's screenings, and I've opted for a more direct approach: there are no workshops to support the event; there is no approach to entice children to watch these films. Instead, I prefer a direct engagement with the children as an audience. This is cinema for them. There is no sugar-coating.

In terms of a 'philosophy', the films should share a make-up common to all good films. I demand they be intelligent, provocative and share a passion for their medium - terms that are not normally associated with children's cinema.

How did you go about devising a programme for children? What were some of the 'rules' you kept to as you were selecting the films?

The construction of the programme is an ongoing affair. I search for films all year. There are a number of criteria I observe. Firstly, I have to like the film; secondly, it should answer the objectives mentioned above. In general I create a larger wish list, which is then whittled down to a final group.

Sometimes themes appear: this year there is a strong emphasis on sound and music, but there is no hard-and-fast rule, commonalities appear, as is their wont.

I'll resort to a 'sounding group' of kids if necessary, who'll gladly inform me of the suitability of a film. My main aim is to stretch the kids. I'm not worried if they'll 'understand' a film or not, I don't think that is an important question.

Appreciation lies in the experience, and coming away with questions is a factor I aim to encourage.

What kind of reaction do you generally get from kids to the films you present to them? And what about the surrounding activities? Does there tend to be more or less interest in either?

The reactions from the kids are fantastic, and are a rewarding aspect to the whole affair. I want silence when they're scared, cheers when they are happy, and my favourite is the excited murmurs when they are really trying to understand a piece. In terms of surrounding activities, it has become more about the unadulterated experience of watching films.

Last year the kids demanded they get the chance to vote for their favourite film, which is a fantastic act of engagement.

In terms of levels of interest, with this singular activity there seems to be a much more enthusiastic reaction.

We adopt a non-patronising approach and ask the kids to engage on their own terms, and they are more than willing to do so.

What's new with this particular edition of the Children's Film Festival?

Each year we try to remain relevant and engaging. Last year's edition saw us become the first festival to show a short from acclaimed fashion photographer Nick Knight. Of course there is the new Kids Award this year, and there is a larger contrast between narrative and silent, animated space. We have a short documentary about overcoming and a great sound piece from Possible Metrics. It's going to be good.

The Children's Film Festival will be taking place at the Maritime Museum, Birgu this Sunday, 18:00.