Northbrook Library ICFilmFest
2025
11 Short Films from 7 Countries
9 Premieres!
Congratulations to directors Andrew Brand and Bryn Chainey, who’s imaginative short film Buzz (UK) won the 9th annual Northbrook Library International Children’s Film Festival Best of the Fest prize! Screened in the Little Films, Big Hearts program on November 15th, Buzz inspired audiences with its futuristic, intergalactic story of a space farmer and a robot bee. One young viewer voted for the film because of its message, stating “Even though Buzz wasn’t doing what the lady wanted, he was doing something good.”
Bold ideas and magical moments shine through eleven short films from seven countries — nine of them premieres! From mischievous sunbunnies to young change-makers, these stories celebrate friendship, courage and imagination across cultures. Giggle at the playful pancake feud in Mojappi (It’s Mine!) (Japan), join 11-year-old prodigy Nova as she inspires action in Change (USA), and travel to medieval Florence in The Boy Who Would Become a Knight (Italy).
The complete line-up includes: Ummi and Zaki (Germany), Mojappi (It’s Mine!) (Japan), Grandpa Mazay and the Sunbunnies (Russia), You Are Not Small (UK), The Boy Who Would Become a Knight (Italy), We Are Water Protectors (USA), Buzz (UK), Nian Shou (USA), Go My Way (Spain), Go, Dani, Go (USA), and Change (USA).
The Films
Ummi and Zaki
Germany, 2024, 4 min.
Directed by Daniela Opp
Little hippo Ummi doesn’t know if she wants a friend as unique as Zaki, but she can’t deny the special bond they form when they face danger together. In German with English subtitles.
US Premiere.
Mojappi (It’s Mine!)
Japan, 2024, 3 min.
Directed by: Nijitaro
A trio of mischievous forest-dwelling characters pull every trick in the book to get a taste of freshly made pancakes. Non-verbal.
US Premiere.
Grandpa Mazay and the Sunbunnies
Russia, 2024, 6 min.
Directed by: Kristina Shcherbakova
With the help of the sunbunnies, Grandpa Mazay rids the town of thunderclouds that have gotten out of control. Non-verbal.
North American Premiere.
You Are Not Small
UK, 2023, 3 min
Directed by: Sherene Strausberg
Young Lucy Hawking explains that, while the problems of climate are huge, we can all make a difference and help save our planet. In English.
Chicago Premiere.
The Boy Who Would Become a Knight
Italy, 2020, 6 min.
Directed by: Gianmarco D’Agostino
In 14th-century Florence, a wise weaver and a beautifully embroidered blanket reveal a thrilling tale, showing young Luigi what it truly takes to be a knight. In Italian with English subtitles.
Chicago Premiere.
We Are Water Protectors
USA, 2021, 7 min.
Directed by: Galen Fott
When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people’s water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend the Earth’s most sacred resource. In English.
Chicago Premiere.
Buzz
UK, 2023, 10 min.
Directed by: Andrew Brand, Bryn Chainey
On a distant space prairie, a grumpy farmer struggles to control her mischievous robot bee. But when she chases him into a volcano, she uncovers a surprising secret that could transform life on Mars forever. Non-verbal.
Nian Shou
USA, 2024, 3 min
Directed by: Judy Yang
Each Chinese New Year, the fearsome man-eating beast, Nian Shou claims an offering from the villagers, but when he faces a child named Little Apple, their lives take an unexpected turn. In English.
Chicago Premiere.
Go My Way
Spain, 2024, 7 min.
Directed by: Chelo Loureiro
A girl develops a crush on a boy and gets advice on how to capture his interest. But if she changes everything she’s told to change, she might lose something extraordinary – herself. In Spanish with English subtitles.
US Premiere.
Go, Dani, Go
USA, 2023, 10 mins.
Directed by: Chelsea Ramirez
Dani dreams of playing soccer but spends her summer days working in strawberry fields with her family. In English and Spanish with English subtitles.
Change
USA, 2024, 3 min.
Directed by: Bayou Bennett and Daniel Lir
11-year-old musical prodigy, Nova, penned the song Change as an anthem to inspire us all to wake up, take action, and protect our only home – Earth. In English.
World Premiere.
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