1.09.10: Oui! Oui! Shorts from France

A former still photographer who started directing shorts in the late 1940’s, Albert Lamorisse spent considerable time exploring the fantasy world of children. Both The Red Balloon and White Mane received grand prizes at the Cannes Film Festival. The Red Balloon also won an Academy Award.

10:30 am: The Red Balloon (Le ballon rouge) (ages 3+)

1:30 pm: White Mane (Crin blanc: Le cheval sauvage), The Red Balloon (Le ballon rouge), (ages 7+)

Today's events take place at Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick Street. Click for a map.

January 9, 10:30 am
(Ages 3+)

The Red Balloon (Le ballon rouge)
France
(34 min, 1956)
directed by Albert Lamorisse

The Red Balloon, which has a musical score and almost no dialogue, is the story of young Pascal (played by director Lamorisse’s son), who, on his way to school one morning, discovers a large red balloon. The red balloon has a will of its own and is immediately drawn to Pascal, following him everywhere he goes. Their ensuing adventure is a poetic tribute to childhood fantasy and an aesthetically gorgeous piece of filmmaking with an unforgettable finale.

Post-screening activity: Children will exit the theater to a sea of red balloons and be greeted by a balloon artist, who will make their favorite balloon animal that they can take home.

for the 10:30 am screening (ages 3+)

for a double feature (10:30 am and 1:30 pm)

January 9, 1:30 pm
(Ages 7+)

White Mane (Crin blanc: Le cheval sauvage)
France
(47 min, 1953)
directed by Albert Lamorisse

White Mane is the stunningly photographed black-and-white film about a proud white stallion that continually eludes the attempts of a group of ranchers to catch it, only to be tamed by the compassion and love of a young boy named Folco (Alain Emery). Along with The Red Balloon, this is regarded as one of most famous and most honored films for children.

The Red Balloon (Le ballon rouge)
France
(34 min, 1956)
directed by Albert Lamorisse

The Red Balloon, which has a musical score and almost no dialogue, is the story of young Pascal (played by director Lamorisse’s son), who, on his way to school one morning, discovers a large red balloon. The red balloon has a will of its own and is immediately drawn to Pascal, following him everywhere he goes. Their ensuing adventure is a poetic tribute to childhood fantasy and an aesthetically gorgeous piece of filmmaking with an unforgettable finale.

Post-screening activity: Join us afterwards for a unique storytelling workshop hosted by award-winning, banjo-playing storyteller, author, and educator, Bill Gordh.

for the 1:30 pm screening of White Mane and The Red Balloon (ages 7+)

for a double feature (10:30 am and 1:30 pm)