GFS Junior Programme: introducing the magic of cinema to a new generation
Galway Film Society is delighted to announce its collaboration with Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, working together to develop a dedicated film strand within this hugely successful festival.
This partnership reflects our commitment to nurturing a love of cinema in the next generation and sharing the unique experience of watching exceptional films together on the big screen.
As part of the GFS Junior Programme, we warmly encourage our patrons to introduce the younger generation to the magic of cinema, from little ones aged two and upwards to older children and family audiences. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or simply someone who would love to share a special cinematic experience with a young person, Baboró offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the creativity, imagination and diversity of filmmaking from around the world.
This year’s film strand features a delightful selection of animated shorts for younger children, a more adventurous collection for older children and families, and The Wild West, a special celebration of Ireland’s extraordinary wildlife combining film, storytelling and live music. These programmes open up new worlds, spark curiosity, encourage empathy and give children and adults the chance to discover something new together.
The films
All screenings are at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway.
The Wild West
Join wildlife documentary presenter and naturalist Eoin Warner on a journey of discovery through Ireland’s extraordinary natural world. Known for his work on acclaimed documentaries including Ireland’s Wild Islands and Wild Conamara, Eoin brings his fascination with wildlife to the stage in an evening combining film, storytelling and live music.
Growing up beside the Atlantic Ocean in West Cork, Eoin developed a lifelong love of nature and a strong commitment to protecting Ireland’s wildlife and natural habitats. He will share his enthusiasm for the remarkable creatures and landscapes of the west of Ireland, accompanied by local musician Michael Chang.
Also featuring Wildkind, a short animated film created by Ciara Tinney and directed by John McDaid of Dog Ears Animation Studio: a watercolour-inspired visual poem and a journey of hope and healing, encouraging us to nurture a life that is both wild and kind.
Shorts for Wee Ones
A delightful collection of seven animated short films from around the world, specially selected to enchant and amuse our youngest cinema-goers and their grown-ups.
Meet curious capybaras, mushrooms who love to cook, colourful cells from the human body, woodland creatures, an affectionate but very hungry crocodile, a cockerel who cannot crow and a little girl who communicates best through her drawings. These charming stories celebrate friendship, cooperation, understanding and the acceptance of difference.
With all but one of the films dialogue-free, the collection is a wonderfully accessible introduction to cinema for young children. Curated by Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) for its Discovery Film Festival for young audiences.
An extra screening has been added at 9.45am on Sunday morning.
Shorts for Families
For older children and families, an imaginative collection of animated short films exploring curiosity, discovery, adventure and unexpected possibilities.
Meet a little girl who discovers the universe beyond her phone screen; a robot bee tending a hive on Mars that encounters a mysterious plant; and Lola, who finds a powerful way to communicate with her neurodivergent brother. Another story follows a child and an otter-like companion on a quest to solve water scarcity, while a mischievous young wolf inspires everyone around him to embrace a wonderfully chaotic and playful way of life.
All the films are dialogue-free except for one in French, which has English subtitles.
The programme includes Éiru by acclaimed Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, the story of a child in search of a challenge and a goddess in search of a champion, and Wildkind by Ciara Tinney and John McDaid of Dog Ears Animation Studio.
Join us in sharing the magic of cinema
We hope GFS patrons will help spread the word and encourage children, grandchildren and the young people in their lives to come along. Whether it is a first trip to the cinema for a little one or a chance for older children to discover the creativity of international filmmaking, these screenings offer something special for the whole family.
Tickets
- Online: baboro.ie
- Telephone: 091 569 777
- In person: Town Hall Theatre, Courthouse Square, Galway
- Shorts for Wee Ones and Shorts for Families: €8 per adult, €8 per child
- The Wild West: €15 per adult, €10 per child
After all, a lifelong love of cinema can begin with a single film, and there is no better way to pass on that love than by sharing it.
GFS is proudly supported by the Galway City Arts Office.