Wed. Nov 13th, 2024

Barbican Family Film Week 2024:

Family Film

A half-term treat for young film lovers

The much-loved Barbican Family Film Week returns this October half-term, Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November. An exciting line-up of children’s films from around the globe, including UK premieres, previews, and family-friendly activities.

Fun for all ages

Family Film Week kicks off on Saturday 26 October with Fox and Hare Save the Forest. This charming animated adventure follows animal friends on a mission to save their forest. The film, aimed at young children, will be followed by a free pre-film craft workshop where kids can get creative.

On Sunday 27 October, don’t miss the UK premiere of Momo in Dubai. This zany comedy follows a young boy’s summer adventures in Dubai, offering fun and surprises for the whole family.

Engaging activities alongside Family Film screenings

Monday 28 October: Rhyme Time followed by a screening of the beloved The Gruffalo. Parents with toddlers love the fun-filled session of singing, clapping, and storytelling, led by the Barbican’s own children’s librarian.

For older children and families, Ultraman: Rising (Wednesday 30 October) comes with a special “draw along” event hosted by comic artist Ramzee. Watch the film while creating your own characters in this relaxed, creative environment.

Exciting premieres and special guests

One of the week’s highlights is the screening of Kensuke’s Kingdom (Wednesday 30 October), based on Michael Morpurgo’s much-loved novel. The film’s composer, Stuart Hancock, introduces the screenings, offering families a unique insight into the film’s musical world.

On Thursday 31 October, Despicable Me 4 shown alongside a family quiz focused on children’s film villains. It’s a great chance to test your knowledge of the best movie baddies before Gru and his team take you on their latest adventure.

A cinematic journey around the world

On Saturday 2 November, families enjoy a special anniversary screening of the Oscar-nominated Boy and the World, a visually stunning, dialogue-free film from Brazil. Later in the day, check out The Imaginary, a magical animation from Japan, filled with thrills and unforgettable characters.

The week concludes on Sunday 3 November with a special preview of That Christmas, a heart-warming tale from Richard Curtis, perfect for families looking to get into the festive spirit early.

Get involved and book your Family Film tickets

With a mix of screenings, creative workshops, and special guests, Barbican Family Film Week 2024 is an unforgettable half-term experience. Make sure to book your tickets early to avoid missing out. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the Barbican website.

Enjoy a fun-filled week of family cinema at the Barbican!

  • Fox and Hare Save the Forest (U) + free pre-film workshop – Sat 26 Oct 
  • Momo in Dubai (U) Sun 27 Oct
  • Rhyme Time + The Gruffalo (U) – Mon 28 Oct
  • Ultraman: Rising (PG) + Ramzee Draw Along. Relaxed Families – Wed 30 Oct
  • Kensuke’s Kingdom (PG) + intro with composer Stuart Hancock – Wed 30 Oct
  • Despicable Me 4 (U) + Villainous Film QuizThu 31 Oct
  • The Pinchers’ High Voltage Heist (PG) + Louie Stowell Draw AlongThu 31 Oct
  • Boy and the World (PG)Sat 2 Nov 
  • The Imaginary (PG) – Sat 2 Nov

Special Preview: That Christmas (cert tbc)Sun 3 Nov 

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By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.

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