From the perspective of caring for the next generation, we increasingly value children's innate nature—whether through connecting with nature to accumulate sensory experiences or through guided educational activities that foster healthy emotions, values, and essential life skills. Discussions abound on what defines a child's innate nature and how each child's individuality unfolds.
In early Western educational philosophy, Rousseau argued that children should learn not through direct instruction but by engaging in life experiences, which would naturally spark their desire for knowledge. His explorations of physical, sensory, intellectual, moral, and emotional education further deepened later reflections on "following nature".From the perspective of educators or adults in general, nurturing children's physical and mental growth requires concerted efforts from families, schools, and society. Soong Ching Ling's advocacy of "Everything for the children, for everything concerning children, and for all children" has become a widely shared principle. This silent yet profound dedication can also be felt through the diverse children's films produced worldwide, where such efforts are bearing fruit. So, when children begin their journey of understanding the world—or when they willingly use their innate openness and inclusivity to explore the depths of the human heart—what kind of experiences drive their growth? Please provide a concise translation.
At this year's China International Children's Film Festival, a selection of domestic and international films will explore unfamiliar experiences by delving into children's inner worlds. Through young protagonists' eyes and hearts on their growth journeys, these films illuminate how to confront and preserve the innate nature of childhood.
巧克力和酥油花
Chocolate and Butter Sculpture
China | Feature Film | 95 min
Director：Chen Yingxin
Recommended Age：12+
Synopsis
Two 12-year-old boys from different backgrounds meet on the western plateau of China while traveling alone. One is running away from responsibility, the other is rushing toward the future. They decide to help each other and complete their respective journeys.
Awards
Awarded the "Best Children's Screenplay" and "Best Original Film Music" at the 1st [Golden Kid Awards] Macau International Children's Film Festival;
Honored as the "Annual Outstanding Film" at the 7th China (Zhengzhou) Golden Elephant Children's Film Week;
Winner of the "Children's Jury Award" at the 4th Beijing International Children’s Film Festival;
Honored as 'Children's Film Most Favored by Media' at the 21st China Movie Channel Media Awards;
Official Selection in the "International Feature Film" section of the 6th Nepal International Film Festival;
Official Selection at the 39th Chicago International Children's Film Festival;
Official Selection in the "Panorama" section of the 40th Malmö International Children's Film Festival (Sweden).
Recommendation
The clash between instinct and individuality
brews irresistible humor,
transcending both rivalry and camaraderie.
Through their quest for ideals,
the two boys mirror each other—
discovering their own horizons in one another’s reflection.
千里送鹤
The Great Distance Delivers Crane
China | Feature Film | 90 min
Director: Lhapal Gya
Recommended Age: 12+
Synopsis
A Tibetan boy strives to rescue an injured black-necked crane—while seeking his own spiritual sanctuary within.
Awards
Official Selection in the Main Competition of 2022 FIRST International Film Festival
Winner of Best Feature Film & Best Director at 13th Golden Koala Chinese Film Festival, with Nomination for Best Actor
Awarded as 'Light of Youth' Excellent Domestic Film at the 30th Beijing College Student Film Festival, Beijing International Film Festival
Official Selection in "New Vision" section of 2023 Youth Film Week (Zhejiang) International Film Exhibition
China Film Pavilion at 2023 Cannes International Film Festival
Official Selection in Competition of 18th Harlem International Film Festival
Winner of Best Film in Talent Awards competition at 20th Far East Film Festival
Official Selection at 2023 Kimolos International Film Festival
Winner of Educators' Jury Award at 4th Beijing International Children's Film Festival
Winner of Best Narrative Feature in Competition of 29th San Antonio Film Festival
Nominee for Best Children's Film at 36th China Golden Rooster Awards
Recommendation
Remember Wangdrak from Wangdrak’s Rain Boots—
the boy who longed for a pair of shiny rain boots,
yet waited in vain for the rain to come?
Now, director Lhapal Gyal returns with the same young actor,
guiding us through this Journey of a Thousand Miles to unravel the tender bonds between a boy and his family.
拨浪鼓咚咚响
Like Father And Son
China | Feature Film, Family | 97 min
Release Date: February 25, 2023
Director: Bai Zhiqiang
Recommended Age: 9+
Synopsis
Truck driver Gou Ren lost his only son to illness. Convinced his best friend caused the boy’s death, he embarks on a vengeful journey—until an encounter with Mao Dou, a left-behind child screaming for his migrant-worker father. After the kid trashes Gou’s truck in a tantrum, the driver grudgingly takes him along to claim compensation, sparking an unlikely road trip.
Chaos ensues as the reckless kid and hot-tempered adult leave a trail of mishaps. Through a bitterly cold winter, their shared adventures—from squabbles to solidarity—gradually thaw two lonely souls.
Awards
Winner of Best Children's Film and nominee for Best Directorial Debut, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing at the 36th China Golden Rooster Awards
Winner of Best Low/Medium-Budget Film at the 2nd Shaanxi Film Awards
Winner of Asian New Talent Award at the 23rd Shanghai International Film Festival
Recipient of the 2021 Publicity Department Excellence Project Award
Winner of WIP Excellence Award at the 10th Beijing International Film Festival
Jury Special Recommendation (Main Competition) at the 7th Silk Road International Film Festival
Winner of Best Actor at the 2nd Hollywood Asian Film Awards
Winner of Top 10 Films at the 6th Chinese Cinephilia Film Awards
Double winner at 2020 FIRST: 'New Force' Award & Dragon Jump Jury Prize
Top 10 Project at the 6th Silk Road International Film Festival Project Market
Recommendation
A father driven by his son's memory, finds an abandoned boy longing for his dad on the road.
Two strangers bound by familiar love, destined to grow—through each other's brokenness.
回归
Bauryna Salu
Kazakhstan | Feature Film | 113 min
Director: Askat Kuchinchirekov
Recommended Age: 12+
Synopsis
According to ancient nomadic tradition, the boy Yesultan was given to his grandmother at birth and grew up estranged from his parents. At age twelve, when his grandmother passed away, he was forced to return to a home he barely knew. Through this painful transformation, Yesultan struggles to rebuild bonds with his parents—especially with the father he never understood.
Awards
Nominee for Kutxabank-New Directors Award at the 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival
Nominee in New Filmmakers Competition at the 2023 São Paulo International Film Festival
Winner of International Competition Special Jury Prize at the 2024 Skylight Film Festival
Winner of Best Youth Feature Film at the 2023 Asia Pacific Screen Awards
Winner of Greek Film Clubs Association Award at the 2023 Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Young People
Winner of Best Film - "Human Values" Award at the 2023 Hellenic Parliament Awards
In the ancient Kazakh tradition of "besik tobe" (child restitution),
we witness the director's deeply personal odyssey—
from childhood to adulthood,
through years of restrained longing,
yet never severed from the roots of kinship.
特斯拉行动
The Tesla Case
Bulgaria | Feature Film | 90 min
Director: Andrey Hadzhiwasilev
Recommended Age: 10+
Synopsis
Little Tony is developing a wireless power device inspired by the eccentric genius Nikola Tesla. Convinced this invention could solve the global energy crisis, he's devastated when summer camp forces him to abandon his lab for wilderness survival training. Tony recruits his best friend and neighbor Layla to assist, and she eagerly agrees. But their plans face sabotage from Victor, a jealous scout leader determined to ruin Tony's experiment—while Layla pursues her own mission: uncovering the truth about the mysterious werewolf lurking in the camp's forest.
Awards
Winner of Audience Award for Best Film at the 2022 Golden Rose Bulgarian Feature Film Festival
Recipient of Bulgarian Film Academy Award
Nominee for Best Film at the 2023 Vasil Gendov Awards
Nominee for Best Bulgarian Film (Golden Linden Awards - National Competition) at the Golden Linden International Film Festival
A group of kids brimming with raw energy set out on their wilderness survival test.
Before the bonfire gathering, they tell ghost stories to steel their nerves—
but soon face challenges that demand real courage beyond campfire tales.
鲭鱼罐头
Sabakan
Japan | Feature Film | 96 min
Director: Tomoki Kanazawa
Recommended Age: 10+
Synopsis
Nagasaki, 1986. Two newfound young friends set out to "see dolphins" at Hario Island. During this adventure, their friendship is tested, and they nearly encounter grave danger—while the true purpose behind their journey slowly emerges from the depths.
Awards
Winner of Newcomer of the Year at the 2023 Japan Academy Film Prize
Recommendation
"…because you were the only one who didn’t laugh."
An innocent childhood friendship,
born from an unintended slight,
grows unbreakable.
On this summer journey,
it feels as if the whole world is smiling upon them.
The China International Children’s Film Festival is finalizing its screening preparations. As of today, Chengdu and Jinan have locked all theater schedules and completed print trafficking for the selected films. Unlike previous editions, these two cities have ingeniously curated a series of events showcasing their profound historical and cultural heritage.
In Chengdu, audiences can not only immerse themselves in the city's distinctive cultural atmosphere and attend the opening film premiere, but also visit the historic Chengdu Locomotive Factory to experience the urban architectural culture of CRRC YUAN·Stage, witness the development of modern cinemas at Pacific Theaters—which holds multiple national "firsts" records, and enjoy screenings at Emei Cinema Circuit (22-time host of Chengdu Children's Film Week) and its partner cinema, Shangfeng International Theater.
In Jinan, in addition to domestic and international film screenings at various theaters, a series of rich activities—including the film industry market, charity screenings for hearing-impaired children, the annual "Golden Butterfly" recommendations, the China International Children's Film Forum, the "Childhood on the Yellow River" charity screenings, children's dubbing activities, and children’s hospital charity screenings—will further integrate children's cinema with urban cultural tourism. These events will jointly promote the innovative development of Chinese and international children's films through screenings, participatory activities, and academic exchanges.
As the centerpiece of the screening events, the core filmmaking team will attend select screenings in Chengdu and Jinan for post-screening discussions.
Detailed schedules will be announced in upcoming updates—stay tuned!
