The San Joaquin Film Society is proud to introduce the 1st San Joaquin Children's Film Festival, a new film festival for kids of all ages, to open January 16 to 18, 2009 in the city of Stockton, California, from the Creator of the San Joaquin International Film Festival.
Welcome to our microsite, where you will find all the official information and news on SJCFF09. Explore the world of global children cinema right here in the Valley at SJCFF09. Experience the California Premiere of the English language version of "Azur and Asmar: The Prince's Quest," a new film by the acclaimed, French animator Michael Ocelot. The flagship film will lead a unique, vibrant, and dynamic collection of 21 feature and short films from around the world, including: the vibrant award-winning documentaries "Darius Goes West" and "Going on 13;" and a memorable World of Shorts collection of 18 shorts, including Student Oscar® winner "Zoologic" and Festival de Cannes Short Films Corner-selected "His Good Will" and "Papiroflexia." These 21 films have screened at over 300 festivals around the world, collectively. Be inspired through the Young Filmmakers' Workshop, be captivated in a Young Actor's Studio conversation with young, San Joaquin actress Brieanne Jansen, and be intrigued in a conversation with directors Kristy Guevara-Flanagan and Dawn Valadez of "Going on 13" on Closing Night. All events will take place at the Stockton Empire Theatre, in Stockton's famous Miracle Mile District.
a message from michel ocelot
"I want to welcome you to the first annual San Joaquin Children's Film Festival. I am honored and happy that you will get the chance to see my film Azur & Asmar in its California premiere. The movie took many years of hard work—hard work and pleasure—from a very talented group, who came together from different countries and cultures to produce beauty and create a modern fairy tale. We hope it will speak to all, big and small, and, possibly, bring enchantement."
--Michel Ocelot, January 16, 2009
sophoan meets michel ocelot
On Friday, March 5, 2009, SJFS Founder Sophoan Sorn arrived in San Francisco to attend a screening of Azur and Asmar at the Opera Plaza Cinema, with Director Michel Ocelot there in person. Read the story here.
Creative Notes: Illustrations on this site depicting scenes from "Azur and Asmar" are the works of artist Michel Ocelot. Courtesy of GKIDS and The Weinstein Company.
