The Kids Culture Film Series is good news for cinephile families

On Sunday (September 23), the RIO Theatre screens director Jan Sverák’s acclaimed Kooky—one of those rare kid’s films that doesn’t pander, propagandize, or otherwise underestimate the sensibilities of its audience (or their parents).

The Czech movie was a big hit at last year’s VIFF, and that’s where Kids Culture Film Series organizer Jane Henry first fell in love with the tale of a discarded Teddy Bear who climbs out of a pile of garbage and into a world of adventure (as they often do).

“There’s so much I like about it,” Henry told the Straight. “It’s a children’s film that’s intriguing for adults; it’s got a whole lot of subtext going on, which I find is pretty rare in most blockbuster type movies; I like the fact that it’s not animated. It’s rare to find something of this quality that’s made without CG in it. It’s just a very unusual film, and the story is beautiful.”

Besides presenting a movie that’s also mercifully free of “dead mothers, or evil stepmothers, or dreadful things happening to children,” as Henry pointedly says, the event also benefits Queen Victoria Annex. The small elementary school (only 153 students) next to McSpadden Park is losing its playground, and Henry is raising funds to have it replaced. A door prize of a $50 gift certificate for the “toddler friendly” (and delicious) Little Nest Restaurant is another good reason to show up (try the eggs and baguette "soldiers").

As for the film series, look for the second installment in November. Henry’s not sure what she wants to book next, but she promises that “It’ll never be Bambi.”

Kooky screens at the RIO Theatre, Sunday (September 23) at 2:00 PM. Recommended ages: 6 & up. Rated PG (coarse language). In English.

You can follow Adrian Mack's contribution to the lobotomizing techno-nightmare known as Twitter at @AdrianMacked.