The ICFF Youth 2026 program is an extraordinary initiative that combines the power of cinema with education to engage and inspire students from diverse backgrounds. Organized by the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF), this unique event invites youth to experience world-class films that celebrate cultural diversity, creativity, and the importance of storytelling.

Running throughout the spring of 2025, the program is tailored to students from elementary to high school, offering an exciting opportunity to explore films that are both entertaining and educational. Carefully curated, the lineup includes a mix of feature films, documentaries, and animated movies that touch on themes such as resilience, community, inclusion, and environmental awareness.

A Platform for Learning and Growth

ICFF Youth is not just about watching films; it’s about fostering meaningful discussions. After each screening, students participate in interactive Q&A sessions with filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals. These exchanges provide valuable insights into the art of filmmaking and the messages behind the stories, encouraging young minds to think critically and creatively.

ICFF Youth exposes students to global perspectives, helping them develop a deeper understanding of cultural diversity. The program also nurtures empathy, broadens horizons, and inspires the next generation to embrace creativity as a tool for change.

Festival Line Up

• Dounia: The Great White North (French with Eng Subs) — A young Syrian refugee girl joyfully explores her new life in rural Canada while holding onto her family’s traditions.
• Gino & Friends (Italian with Eng Subs) — A heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure as Gino and his pals navigate challenges together (festival selection).
• Kayara: The Warrior of the Inca Empire (Spanish with Eng Subs) — A daring Inca girl defies tradition to train as a Chasqui messenger, proving her courage and honouring her heritage.
• Little Richard The Shark (Italian with Eng Subs) — A parrotfish who looks like a shark sets off on a sea adventure, discovering his identity and the importance of protecting the ocean.
• Miss Boots (French with Eng Subs) — A struggling composer’s life is upturned when he must care for his inventive niece, finding unexpected harmony between chaos and creativity.
• O Rei dos Reis (Portuguese with Eng Subs) — A father’s bedtime story becomes an immersive journey with Jesus, teaching a young boy about compassion, courage, and faith.
• Ru (French with Eng Subs) — Following a young girl and her family adapting to life in Montreal after emigrating from Vietnam, this drama explores identity and resilience.
• Saints and Warriors (English) — A documentary chronicling a Haida basketball team and how the sport becomes a cultural expression of healing and community.
• The King of Kings (English) — An imaginative animated journey in which a boy’s father’s bedtime story brings to life the life of Jesus, teaching him about hope, compassion, and faith.
• U.S. Palmese (Italian with Eng Subs) — An Italian-language story likely centred on the passion and community spirit of a local soccer club or cultural identity. (Inference based on title; detailed synopsis unavailable online.)

The ICFF Youth program is a testament to the transformative power of film in shaping young minds and fostering a love for the arts. Whether students dream of becoming filmmakers or simply enjoy the magic of cinema, ICFF Youth 2025 is an event that promises inspiration and connection.

For more information and to register your school, visit icff.ca/youth-2/.