Reel to Real Film Festival for Youth April 14-23

Held from April 14-23, this year’s Reel to Real Film Festival for Youth is online and available across British Columbia! The line-up of Feature films champion diversity and inclusivity and address the impact of social media, racism, and discrimination. Many topics that are youth are just starting to understand and ideas that are a key part of society.

Bringing the best films for all ages from around the world, this year’s festival can be enjoyed in homes and classrooms across British Columbia! Access for an entire household is only $40.

Two films are Canadian Premieres: The Lesson, directed by Elena Horn (Germany),  is about students in Germany confronting the country’s ugly past; My Name is Baghdad, directed by Caru Alves de Souza (Brazil), shines a light on the inequities caused by gender-based violence, discrimination, and sexism.

The Festival is showing 18 feature films and 45 shorts from over 35 countries and Indigenous nations. Five feature films will compete for the prestigious Edith Lando Peace Prize, decided by R2R’s Senior Youth Jury (ages 13-18). The Peace prize comes with a cash award of $500, awarded to the film that best “uses the language of cinema to further the goals of peace and justice.” R2R’s Junior Youth Jury (ages 9-13) will adjudicate the NFB Award for Best Animation. All short films are eligible for the ‘Most Innovative’ and ‘Most Inspirational’ film awards in their age category.

There are also Elementary and High School programs, complete with Film Study Guides. Students across B.C are invited to attend the popular school programs: Reel Focus & Feature Focus for Elementary, and Talent Lab & YFS for High School. Available province-wide, these programs come with study guides and resources to help teachers integrate our programs into the school curriculum, touching on issues of social justice, history, and Indigenous appreciation. School group access is only $60 for the early bird registration until April 7th. It will be $75 for school group access after that. 

Watch the trailer to see what’s coming. Don’t miss this amazing event. It is a great opportunity to introduce your children to new concepts and a great starting point for meaningful conversations.