Mill Valley Film Festival Family Films
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Mill Valley Film Festival features a fantastic selection of family-friendly films for movie lovers of all ages to enjoy together! Check out some of this year's must-see Family Films, including two collections of shorts with filmmaker guests, and Thelma's Perfect Birthday—complete with birthday treats after the screening!
MVFF Family Films are for kids and folks of all ages who enjoy a great story and often a good laugh. Our selection this year has something for everyone!
Marin Country Mart, SUNDAY, OCT. 5 • 1:00 – 3:00
Kick off your Sunday with the adventurous AKIKO, THE FLYING MONKEY (director Veit Helmer in person!) at 11am, then hop over to the MVFF48 HOOPLA! at Marin Country Mart for pony rides, a petting zoo, balloon sculptures, face painting, and treats from Shake Shack—all included with your morning ticket!
A morning of movie magic + an afternoon of hands-on fun—the perfect combo for families to explore, laugh, and celebrate together!
FAMILY FILMS
AKIKO, THE FLYING MONKEY
Saturday, October 6th, 1pm & 12th, 12pm, Rafael Theatre, AGES 7-11
Akiko is tired of zookeepers making a monkey out of him, even though he is a monkey. With support from his family, he escapes to the wild forest, embarking on an adventurous journey to freedom.
ANIMAL FARM
Saturday, October 6th, 2:45pm, Rafael, AGES 9+
Saturday, October 13th, 11:00am, Lark Theater
In this family friendly update of Orwell, overconsumption runs rampant and only the animals can save us. With voiceover cast Seth Rogen, Woody Harrelson, Kathleen Turner, and Glenn Close, Animal Farm is a must-see fable for our time.
ARCO
October 12th, 12pm, Sequoia Theater AGES 7+
Produced by actor Natalie Portman, Ugo Bienvenu’s visionary animated tale of time-space travel, suitable for ages 8-118, evokes the best of Studio Ghibli and features Arnaud Toulon’s gorgeous orchestral score. This year’s top prize at Annecy.
HOLA FRIDA
Saturday, October 5th, 11am, Sequioa Theater AGES 7+
Sunday, October 12th, 11am, Lark Theater
Frida is a free-spirited girl in Coyoacán, Mexico. When polio strikes, she finds solace in her creativity. Hola Frida beautifully recreates the childhood of artist Frida Kahlo, highlighting the powers of imagination and resilience.
SHORTS: ANIMATION NATION
Sunday, October 6th, 11am, Lark Theater, AGES 7-16
MVFF partners with UCLA and CSU Long Beach for this family friendly program of animated films, showcasing the talents of students (and a few professors). This cartoon cornucopia includes comedies, fairy tales, family stories, and insightful observations about growing up.
SHORTS: TOMORROW IS FOREVER
Sunday, October 13th, 11am, Sequoia, Mill Valley, AGES 15-18 with advisory for some violence and gun use
From scheming teens and high school daydreams to magical VHS tapes and acts of courage, this youth-produced program celebrates inventive storytelling and imaginative worlds. These shorts explore the humor and heart of their characters, capturing moments both whimsical and profound.
MORE FAMILY FRIENDLY FILMS
There are many more hidden gems in the festival program for families to view together. Here are just a few to get you started…
Age Recommendations: We provide age recommendations for Family Film programs to assist parents in making appropriate film selections. These recommendations cannot adequately reflect the standards of every parent or the needs of every child, so please plan your movie-going experience accordingly.
