Now in its 26th year, The New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) announces its 2023 Short Film Programs will present 8 pro...

Now in its 26th year, The New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) announces its 2023 Short Film Programs will present 8 programs, curated for age groups ranging from tots to teens.

Shorts Programs include:

Shorts for Tots (ages 3-6), created for our youngest and first-ever moviegoers; Short Films One (ages 5-10), for graduates of the Tots program; Short Films Two (ages 8-14) for those who want to dig a little deeper and explore a little further, and Short Films Three (ages 12+), selected with teens in mind

For budding genre-lovers

Heebie Jeebies Shorts feature spooky, freaky, and bizarre happenings with titles recommended for ages 10 and up.

This year Girls’ POV: shorts featuring stories of girls who dare to break the mold (also recommended for ages 10 and up) and Celebrating Black Stories, which spotlights shorts from around the world that embrace the joy, resilience, and complexity of the young Black experience (recommended for ages 7 and up).

¡Hola Cine! returns to deliver stories in Spanish and English celebrating Latinx cultures, histories, identities and languages. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

The festival begins Friday, March 3rd and will run weekends through March 12th in New York City. Expanding to venues across Manhattan and Brooklyn, hosts include: SVA Theatre, Film Forum, DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema, Scandinavia House, and Alamo Drafthouse Brooklyn.

The final weekend of March 17h-19th will be at the Sag Harbor Cinema, a new addition this year.

Makoto Shinkai’s SUZUME North American Premiere at NYICFF

The New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) will host the North American Premiere of Makoto Shinkai’s latest film Suzume, a major addition to the feature lineup. Suzume will screen March 5th at the SVA Theatre as the festival’s Centerpiece selection.

Suzume | Trailer



SYNOPSIS

On the other side of the door, was time in its entirety—

As the skies turn red and the earth trembles, Japan stands on the brink of disaster. But one determined teenager, Suzume, sets out on a mission to save her country. Able to see the supernatural forces that others can’t, it’s up to her to close the mysterious doors spreading chaos across the land. A perilous journey awaits as the fate of the country rests on her shoulders.

NYICFF has a history of supporting Makoto Shinkai’s work and showcasing anime titles year after year, having premiered master animator Shinkai’s Your Name. (2016), Children Who Chase Lost Voices From Deep Below (2012), and 5 Centimetres Per Second (2008) at previous festivals in addition to major features by auteurs such as Miyazaki, Hosoda and more.

This year is no exception with exciting new anime titles including: the Adaptation of Tsujimura Mizuki’s Popular YA Novel Lonely Castle in the Mirror, Atsuko Ishizuka’s Goodbye Don Glees!, and the East Coast premiere of Masaki Tachibana’s Blue Thermal.

Learn more, visit - www.nyicff.org

Hip Hop Cinderella reimagined the classic tale to incorporate hip-hop dance, rap and pop music, arrives at New Victory Theater in time for t...

Hip Hop Cinderella reimagined the classic tale to incorporate hip-hop dance, rap and pop music, arrives at New Victory Theater in time for the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Note: I received media tickets to the show for review purposes. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

Hip Hop Cinderella is a great modern mix of music and storytelling that builds a bridge for parents who grew up with Hip Hop to share with their children in a fun and relatable way.

Children will learn a little bit of hip history, hear some hip hop classic tunes and even see some hip hop fashion. All happening while Cinderella saves the universe and gets her prince.

Overall here are three features families will enjoy

Updated Storytelling

While Hip Hop Cinderella shares lots of the same themes of the classic Cinderella fairytale, the new twists and fun changes takes the well known story to a new level.

Add in the futuristic background sets and families will enjoy this familiar but modern adventure.

The Robot and Technology Spin

Hip Hop Cinderella "Robot" helper is so fun. While he takes the place of the fairy godmother and the animal helpers in other Cinderella fairytales, he's so much more in this retelling. He's Cinderella friend, conscience and biggest motivator.

But the Robot isn't the only cool techie addition, there's also smartphone usage, live streaming and different modern technology.

The Music - Honoring Hip Hop

Hip Hop Cinderella uses some original classic "Hip Hop" music and elemets woven into it's storytelling, in a way that families will want to tap their feet and clap along with. The perfomaces are amazing during their singing and rapping moments.

Christopher Scott, Director, shared choreographer Maria Torres looked for inspiration in female hip hop artists from the 1990’s when hip hop was taking the world by storm.

That world was dominated by men, and these women found their courage, got up on stage and made their voices heard. They blazed a trail singing and rapping about stories, that up until then, had been unheard.

It’s in the spirit of these women that we find inspiration for our production of Hip Hop Cinderella.

Hip Hop Cinderella

Hip Hop Cinderella will perform at the New Victory Theater February 10 through February 26.

The galaxy has lost its groove, and so has Cinderella! Growing up on Planet Centra, she felt as limitless as the stars, but now her jealous stepmother and two selfish stepsisters have her questioning her potential.

With dazzling lyrics, pitch-perfect characters and a sassy robot sidekick, Hip Hop Cinderella teleports the timeless classic across the cosmos and reminds us to reach for the farthest moon.

The show features music and lyrics by Rona Siddiqui (A Strange Loop), book by Scott Elmegreen, story adaptation by David Coffman and Linda Chichester, direction by Christopher Scott, choreography by Maria Torres, music direction by Saul Nache, set design by Riw Rakkulchon, costumes by Saawan Tiwari, lighting by Jason Kantrowitz and projections by Brad Peterson.

Hip Hop Cinderella runs 50 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for ages 7+.

Tickets start at $20 and are available online and by phone (646.223.3010).

Learn more, visit - www.NewVictory.org

Just in time for National Engineers Week (February 19-25), Sphero is sharing news about their Blueprint’s launch and preorder. Sphero B...

Just in time for National Engineers Week (February 19-25), Sphero is sharing news about their Blueprint’s launch and preorder.

Sphero Blueprint kits are designed for middle and high school students to build, test, and learn mechanical and structural engineering concepts - hands-on, with fun!

Blueprint: How it Works



APPROACHABLE:

Blueprint's visual and technical simplicity engages students who would otherwise think engineering isn't for them.

SCALE-UP:

Build and expand on working prototypes quickly with large, modular components. With Blueprint, students will get familiar with the process of rapid prototyping.

PROBLEM SOLVE:

Solving problems is the foundation of engineering education. Blueprint allows students to quickly build, test, and learn engineering concepts in the classroom while understanding the steps of the engineering design process.

SCALABLE:

Customize the Blueprint experience based on skill level and subject area. Blueprint is perfect for beginners, yet scalable to the needs of advanced learners.

MORE THAN ONE SKILL:

Blueprint goes beyond teaching just a single STEM skill. Explore cross-curricular concepts in engineering, design, electronics, coding and more while learning critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Learn more, visit - www.sphero.com

To celebrate the release of Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur' on Disney+, I'm sharing more information about the series alo...

To celebrate the release of Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur' on Disney+, I'm sharing more information about the series along with a "Meet the Family Featurette".

The highly anticipated Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur animated series, featuring Marvel’s first African American Teen Girl Super Hero, premiered Feb. 10 on Disney Channel and will be available Feb. 15 on Disney+.

Meet the Family Featurette | Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur

SYNOPSIS

"Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur" follows the adventures of 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur. After Lunella accidentally brings Devil Dinosaur into present-day New York City, the duo works together to protect the city's Lower East Side from danger.

Cast includes Diamond White, Fred Tatasciore, Libe Barer, Alfre Woodard, Sasheer Zamata, Jermaine Fowler, Gary Anthony Williams, Laurence Fishburne, Omid Abtahi, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Michael Cimino, Indya Moore, Craig Robinson, Alison Brie, Andy Cohen, Daveed Diggs, Maya Hawke, Jennifer Hudson, Cliff "Method Man" Smith, Cobie Smulders, Wesley Snipes.

The action-packed, funny and heartwarming series is based on Marvel's hit comic books.

Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur Official Trailer



The series is executive produced by Laurence Fishburne (who also voices the recurring role of The Beyonder) and Helen Sugland's Cinema Gypsy Productions and Emmy Award-winner Steve Loter (“Kim Possible”). The series is a production of Disney Television Animation.

Learn more, visit - disneyplusoriginals.disney.com/show/marvel-s-moon-girl-and-devil-dinosaur

Twitter - www.twitter.com/DisneyMGDD
Instagram - www.instagram.com/moongirldevildinosaur

To celebrate the relaunch of LEGO® Friends, New Yorkers are invited to get to know the authentic, diverse, and passionate new cast of charac...

To celebrate the relaunch of LEGO® Friends, New Yorkers are invited to get to know the authentic, diverse, and passionate new cast of characters in a free and interactive pop-up diner experience.

The LEGO Friends Friendship Diner Experience is free to the public by reservation only and seating is limited based on availability. Reservations are now open for Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19 from 9AM – 6PM. *The last seating is at 5PM.

The LEGO Friendship Diner Experience features three distinct areas:

• The Diner transports guests into Heartlake City at life-sized scale, encouraging kids to build and play in a fun, colorful and inclusive world and take photos with their new LEGO Friends (and enjoy some tasty food!)
• The Pavilion introduces the new LEGO Friends characters, offers a sneak peek of their new episodic content series and features LEGO building opportunities 
• Friendship Corner invites guests to build on an interactive LEGO wall, share ideas for how to be a better friend, and snap one-of-a-kind selfies
  

The limited-time restaurant featuring fun for the whole family is based on the real Heartlake Downtown Diner LEGO® building set as it takes over one of the city’s most iconic diners.

The event is best suited for guests and family groups with children aged 6 – 12 years, but guests of all ages are welcome.

Families will choose from a selection of smoothies based on each of the new Friends characters, enjoy veggie crudité and fresh fruit, and order kid-friendly lunch items from mini sliders, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Step inside a real LEGO Friends building toy in one of NYC’s most iconic diners— complete with smiles, smoothies, and a giant LEGO® sandwich—for a limited time only.

Learn more, visit - www.legofriendspopup.com

This February, Targus, a leader in laptop cases and mobile computing accessories, celebrated its 40th year in business by launching a Limite...

This February, Targus, a leader in laptop cases and mobile computing accessories, celebrated its 40th year in business by launching a Limited Edition 40th Anniversary Collection of eco-friendly laptop cases, which feature the classic look of the original Targus bags.

Targus Limited Edition 40th Anniversary Collection

The Limited Edition 40th Anniversary Collection includes a 15.6” Cypress™ Hero EcoSmart® Backpack and Cypress™ EcoSmart® Briefcase, eco-friendly laptop bags made from recycled water bottles.


With accents of ruby red, the case honors the original Targus bags, which donned the same red elements. A custom, reflective “40” logo is featured on the front panel and shoulder strap, and the interior features a special edition “Milestones of Targus” pattern.

The bags also boast ergonomic shoulder straps, padded back paneling, soft-touch handles, and a sleek minimalist design for ease of use and maximum comfort while on the go.

The backpack retails for $99.99 and the briefcase for $77.99. Both available exclusively online for sale.

Learn more, visit - www.us.targus.com/pages/40th-anniversary-limited-edition-laptop-bags

As part of Black History Month, Apple is highlighting apps created by Black developers who inspire change in their community and beyond. ...

As part of Black History Month, Apple is highlighting apps created by Black developers who inspire change in their community and beyond.

• Career Karma is full of peers, mentors, and coaches ready and willing to guide people into a career in technology.
• Apple Entrepreneur Camp alumni Wisdom: Great Advice & People offers inspiration and life advice on topics ranging from fitness, to dating, and everything in between.
• App Store Award winner EatOkra is an extensive resource for those wanting to discover Black-owned restaurants in their community.
• Color Noir: Coloring Art Games is a virtual coloring book featuring images that celebrate Black culture.

For more apps created by Black developers, check out

• Plain Sight, an app that helps users make the right business connections.
• Goalsetter: Invest & Bank, a banking and investing app aimed at guiding the next generation on their path towards financial freedom.
• Fitnesse, Wanting to make working out and wellness more accessible with people of color in mind, Michael Garrick and Marcus Harrison developed Fitnesse, an app featuring dumbbell and resistance-band- centered circuit training, with a focus on holistic health.

Learn more, visit - apps.apple.com/story/id1576452389

FL!P Circus, the big top experience that wows audiences, has new 2023 tour coming to the New York City area. FL!P Circus's year-lo...

FL!P Circus, the big top experience that wows audiences, has new 2023 tour coming to the New York City area.

FL!P Circus's year-long national tour starts at the Cross Country Center in Yonkers, NY (March 3 – 20), followed by stops at the Staten Island Mall in Staten Island, NY (March 24 – April 10) and the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove, Long Island, NY (April 14 – 24).

The all-new production, created by the Vazquez family, will feature favorites from last year’s show alongside an incredible assemblage of brand new international acts that are sure to amaze and amuse.

Ringmaster Arthur Figueroa serves as host of this new circus adventure. Audience favorites, Stiv and Roni Bello - Italy’s “siblings of silliness” - return to weave their outrageous comedic antics throughout the show, which features a new international cast of circus stars.

Carolina Vazquez from Mexico gracefully performs high above the audience on a single trapeze while Columbia’s Duo Vanegas defy gravity, their own safety, and your expectations on the rotating Wheel of Steel. The magnificent Bello Sisters from Italy, who amazed audiences on America’s Got Talent, dazzle with their incredible body-bending, handstand skills.

From the United States, the Super Tumblers present a fast-paced display of agile acrobatic dexterity. Direct from Ukraine, the Bingo Troupe presents a new high-energy display of dance, acrobatics and unicycle that will fill the tent with their boundless exuberance.

The entire production moves to the beat of the live FL!P Circus Band which provides the soundtrack to all the fun. Be sure to Fl!p your circus experience at this unforgettable live entertainment event you won’t want to miss!

Tickets start at $25.00 (children) and $40.00 (adults) with senior/military/handicap discounts available. Tickets will also be available in person at the box office during each engagement.

Show times are 7:30pm on weekdays and 1:00pm, 4:00pm and 7:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information, visit - www.FlipCircus.com