Educational sessions play an important role in developing students' visual literacy and critical thinking. Cartoons can convey complex ideas and emotions through an engaging visual narrative, making them a highly effective educational tool.
**Ticket prices: 5 EUR/person. ** Register: edu@blon.lt
Thursday:
11:00-12:15 "Rosa and the Stone Troll" G • 1 h 15 min • 2023 • Animation, Family • Denmark • Live voice-over in Lithuanian
Rosa is a little insecure and dutiful flower fairy who always lived alone in her rosebush. More than anything she dreams of having a friend, but she is scared of everything and never dared to go out to the Summerland to meet one. One day the cool and adventurous butterfly Silk crosses paths with Rosa and they immediately become friends despite their differences. Silk wants to go on adventures in the Summerland and Rosa just wants to stay in her safe bush. But when Silk is kidnapped by an evil Stone Troll, Rosa has to let go of her fears and set out on a dangerous journey to save her best friend.
12:30-13:30 "International Young Audience Competition Programme" G • 1 h 00 min • Animation
This year, BLON Festival is excited to launch a brand-new competition programme made especially for our youngest festival-goers. Selected from around the world, these films will be judged by a special young jury of Klaipėda school students. This lively selection invites kids to dive into stories about friendship, nature, and the diversity of emotions, while discovering the colourful world of animation in many different styles and techniques. From catchy tunes to stories that spark curiosity or just make you laugh out loud — there’s something here for everyone, from kindergarteners to older students.
13:40-15:10 "Scarygirl" G • 1 h 30 min • 2023 • Animation, Fantasy, Adventure • Australia • Voice-over in Lithuanian
Arkie, an adopted 12-year-old girl, blind in one eye and with a tentacle-like arm, lives on an isolated peninsula with her over-protective father Blister, a giant octopus. But when an explosion echoes through the trees and Blister goes missing, Arkie enters the forest, taking the first step on an epic journey to the City of Light where her dad is being held prisoner. Arkie finds a ragtag collection of allies and foes who promise to help her on her quest, as Arkie must also face the dark truth about her origins and realize that her true power lies in her imperfect but unique self.
The film is presented by Nathan Jurevicius
Friday:
11:00-12:30 "Little Nicholas: Happy As Can Be" G • 1 h 26 min • 2022 • Animation, Family • France • Voice-over in Lithuanian
When illustrator Jean-Jacques Sempé first drew little imp Nicholas, he knew he had to get his good friend René Goscinny (of Asterix fame) to write the story. As the two artists bring the boy to life, Nicholas himself escapes the page to ask them about their own childhoods. Through these conversations, the friends share stories of early artistic ambition, immigrating to the United States, and family lost to World War II. For those discovering the character for the first time, this is the perfect introduction to their offbeat appeal and the chance to spend time with both creators and creations in a watercolour version of New Wave Paris.
13:00-14:20 "Living Large" PG-7 • 1 h 20 min • 2024 • Animation, Family • Czech Republic, Slovakia, France • Voice-over in Lithuanian
12-year-old Ben has just hit puberty and suddenly his weight’s a problem – for him and for everyone else. The other kids bully him, his divorced parents don’t know what to do… Even the school nurse is worried about him. So, despite his love of food and his emerging talent as a chef, Ben decides to take drastic action. He starts to diet. Maybe that can turn things round. And even win the heart of Klara, the girl of his dreams… Finally Ben will earn that what truly matters isn’t how you look - it’s how you feel.
The film is presented by Viliam Vala
