ński Kids' Flick "The Hidden Level" Kicks off Kid's Media Fling in Gera
Hidden Level within the Building Structure - Unveiling of the Hidden Level at the Children's Media Festival
💡Insight: Children's media festivals typicallyfocus on themes like creativity, friendship, environmental awareness, and social issues significant to kids.
Sparking curiosity and sparking thought — that's what the Children's Media Fling, nicknamed "Golden Sparrow", in the bustling eastern Thuringian city of Gera, is all about. This year's 33rd edition, held under the shadow of an age-old oath of secrecy sworn by the young, energetic jury, started in grand style with the German debut of the flick "The Hidden Level," directed by Norbert Lechner.
This year's film lineup invites viewers on a vibrant journey, exploring topics like personal growth, change, friendship, first love, courage, and the weighty decisions we face daily. The festival director, Elisabeth Wenk, explained their approach, stating, "Our films, series, and interactive projects don't offer simple solutions — they offer spaces to think, dream, and experiment."
A World through Kids' Eyes
Competition entries from 32 films and series vie for the celebrated "Golden Sparrows" in six categories. Additionally, six digital media offerings compete in the "Interactive & Digital Storytelling" contest. The primary prizes will be determined by a jury of children aged nine to thirteen, who, over the course of a week, will watch, judge, and deliberate the riveting entries. The grand awards will be bestowed upon June 6 at Erfurt.
Thuringia's Governor, Mario Voigt (CDU), gifted the festival organizers a pleasant surprise at the opening. The State will increase its financial support for the Golden Sparrow Children's Media Foundation by a hefty 75,000 euros, rising the annual allocation to 285,000 euros. According to Voigt, this action aligns with the government's contract's central point, aiming to foste productive growth and fortify Thuringia as a powerhouse in children's media.
Meeting Hub for Kid's Cinema Enthusiasts and the Media Moguls
Fueling imagination and igniting innovation are the heart of the festival, which serves as a significant meeting ground for the media industry in the German-speaking realm. This year's event agenda incorporates over 100 exciting happenings under the central theme "Who Am I to Be When I Grow Up?".
With thousands of young and old spectators, countless guests from film and television - including stars, directors, authors, and producers - as well as more than 500 industry insiders expected to join in the media madness, this event promises an enlightening and enjoyable journey into the world of kid-friendly media.
- The Children's Media Fling, or "Golden Sparrow", in Gera, focuses on providing spaces for thought, dream, and experiment, featuring films, series, and interactive projects that delve into topics like personal growth, change, friendship, and the decisions we face daily, providing a vibrant journey that reflects a world seen through kids' eyes.
- The festival, which is a significant meeting ground for the media industry in the German-speaking realm, is also an avenue for community action, promoting education and self-development through its diverse lineup of films, series, and interactive projects, fostering productive growth and positioning Thuringia as a powerhouse in children's media, contributing positively to the lifestyle and entertainment sectors.
