SCHOOL TOUR
SPRING 2026
2026 Program (English)
FEATURE FILM
Qaqsoss naka Wahantuhsis (Fox & the Tiny Demon) | Grades 7 - 9
From New Brunswick multidisciplinary artist Tara Audibert, Qaqsoss naka Wahantuhsis (Fox & the Tiny Demon) is the first feature film produced in Wolastoqey, and captures Indigenous experiences and resilience.
Qaqsoss naka Wahantuhsis is an animated allegory following Qaqsoss, a fox haunted by Wahantuhsis, a mischievous demon who embodies trauma and generational pain. Set in an enchanted forest, the film explores mental illness, resilience, and self-healing as Qaqsoss confronts both an external presence and her inner struggles. Rooted in Indigenous culture and personal experience, and told in the Wolastoqey language, the film is a poignant meditation on survival, understanding, and connection.
Themes: Mental Health
Director: Tara Audibert
Country: Canada (N.B)
Runtime: 82 minutes
Content advisories: Frightening scenes, Hunting scenes
Curriculum Connections: Health Studies, Social Studies 7, Mi'kmaw Studies
This film will contribute to discussions around the perspectives and experiences of others, encourage critical thinking and foster the communication of ideas. The film provides an opportunity for learners to discuss and identify the Mi’kmaw connection to the land, values and unique visual style of storytelling using the medium of animation and film.
GRADE RECOMMENDATIONS
Films featured in the AIFF Kids School Tour have been approved and assigned grade range recommendations through the assistance of the AIFF Kids Teachers Advisory Committee (TAC), a committee of educators who viewed preselected material for the program. We understand children and youth respond in varied ways and recognize the final choices belong to teachers, parents and guardians. Where necessary, we’ve noted content warnings for mature subject matter, coarse language, nudity and/or violence on our website.
ACTIVITY PLANS
Alongside this guide, we provide curriculum tools. These resources are a tool for getting the most out of the AIFF Kids program and include pre-screening and post-screening activities that complement, among others, Media Studies, Language Arts, Social Studies, Visual Arts and Cultural Industries modules.
PLEASE NOTE: While the AIFF Kids program is available free of charge, schools attending in-person events are responsible (logistically and financially) for their own transport to and from the cinema in their community.
SHORTS PROGRAMME 1
Grades P-3 | Total Running Time: 69 minutes
Sketches On Ice
(Esquisses Sur Glace)
It snowed! Lou and Marius are playing in the street, building a snowman. But Mom calls them back home, that's when the snowman starts moving.
Themes: Music, Magic
Director: Marion Auvin
Country: France, Belgium
Runtime: 4 minutes
(No Dialogue, Animation | Recommended for Grades 4 - 6)
The Little One And The Giant
(Le Petit et Le Géant)
In an abandoned world, a small rodent wanders in search of life. One day, he discovers a house covered in flowers, a true oasis amidst the ruins. There, he has an unexpected encounter with a giant.
Themes: Environment, Climate Change, Friendship
Director: Isabela Costa
Country: Brazil, France
Runtime: 9 minutes
(No Dialogue, Animation | Recommended for Grades 4 - 6)
Dancing In The Rain
In the stifling heat of a Taipei afternoon, a young girl drifts off to sleep in her room. In her dream she is whisked away for a gentle musical adventure. Led by dancing mice, they frolic and play throughout her neighborhood.
Themes: Dreaming, Play, Creativity
Director: Chao-chun Yeh
Country: Taiwan, Japan
Runtime: 7 minutes
(No Dialogue, Animation | Recommended for Grades P - 3)
Bobel’s Kitchen
Bobel, a poisonous little mushroom, dreams of becoming a cook at his village market. But the prejudices of the villagers make his task difficult. Bobel’s persistence attracts the attention of Milo, a child mushroom, who despite his mother’s admonishment decides to help Bobel find customers.
Themes: Discrimination, Compassion, Kindness
Director: Fiona Rolland
Country: Belgium
Runtime: 10 minutes
(No Dialogue, Animation | Recommended for Grades P - 3)
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Health Studies
This film can be used to help students identify instances of opinion, prejudice, bias and stereotypes. It can help learners identify how behaviors impact characters' physical, mental and emotional health.
Forage
Zip is a small intrepid explorer, foraging for odds and ends among delightful clutter in a long abandoned attic. When a pair of troublesome mice steal his latest treasure, Zip bravely takes chase to recover his possession, facing unexpected dangers and finding a friend along the way.
Themes: Friendship
Director: Carolyn Gair
Country: United States
Runtime: 7 minutes
(No Dialogue, Animation | Recommended for Grades P - 3)
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Health Studies
This film can foster discussions around managing difficulties in friendships and with others and empathy. It can help learners identify story through its use of non-verbal communication, pinpointing how the characters communicated and comprehended one another.
The Legend Of The Hummingbird
(La Légende du Colibri)
A fire breaks out in the Amazon rainforest, and frightened animals leave their habitat to take refuge on the other bank. Only a little hummingbird persists in fighting the fire when he spots a sloth and its young trapped in the flames.
Themes: Bravery, Empathy, Animals, Environment
Director: Morgan Davos
Country: France
Runtime: 9 minutes
(No Dialogue, Animation | Recommended for Grades P - 9)
Content advisories: Forest Fire Sequences, Animals in distress
Once Upon A Time In Dragonville
(Il était une Fois à Dragonville)
Samson, a dragon bullied by the other inhabitants of Dragonville, is forced to enter Humanville. There he meets Simon, a little boy who helps him to face all the difficulties. Samson discovers a new world and, above all, a taste of friendship.
Themes: Bullying, Friendship
Director: Marika Herz
Country: France, Switzerland
Runtime: 9 minutes
(No Dialogue, Animation | Recommended for Grades P - 3)
No Worries!
With the new school year looming, 10-year-old PJ’s anxiety manifests as a 300-pound invisible gorilla that only he can see! Now he has to face his fears - and last year’s lunch!
Themes: Anxiety
Director: Chris Dicker
Country: Ireland
Runtime: 2 minutes
(English, Animation | Recommended for Grades Primary - 6)
Sparrows
(Moineaux)
In a Buddhist temple, young monks begin their meditation when the master arrives. One of the children is distracted by a sparrow and follows the bird outside the monastery. Here begins a walk off the beaten paths that goes to the tour of his lifetime.
Themes: Adventure
Director: Rémi Durin
Country: Belgium, France
Runtime: 12 minutes
(No Dialogue, Animation | Recommended for Grades P - 3)
SHORTS PROGRAMME 2
Grades 4-6 | Total Running Time: 72 minutes
Wolverine and Little Thunder
: An Eel Fishing Story
While fishing, Wolverine and Little Thunder come face to face with a legendary giant eel. Celebrated Mi’kmaw artist Alan Syliboy’s newest film is a heartwarming tale of bravery and the enduring bond between the Mi’kmaw and one of their most sacred food sources.
Themes: Indigenous Culture, Friendship
Director: Alan Syliboy
Country: Canada (N.S)
Runtime: 9 minutes
(No Dialogue, Animation | Recommended for Grades 4 - 12)
Content advisories: Hunting Scenes
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Social Studies 1-9, Mi’kmaw Studies/ Etudes mi’kmaw 11, Netukulimk
This film will highlight for learners Mi’kmaw values of respect, relationship, reciprocity and responsibility and provide an opportunity for learners to discuss and identify the Mi’kmaw connection to the land, values and unique visual style of storytelling using the medium of animation.
Wood You Believe It?
Twiggy, a lively red squirrel, and Woody, a spirited great spotted woodpecker, share fascinating facts about the unsung heroes of nature—trees. Trees are essential in combating climate change, reducing flooding, and creating cool, thriving ecosystems. This charming, fun and educational animation highlights the incredible power of trees in restoring balance to our world.
Themes: Climate Change, Environment
Director: Cadi Catlow
Country: United Kingdom
Runtime: 4 minutes
(English, Animation | Recommended for Grades 4 - 6)
Curriculum Connections: Science, English Language Arts, Mathematics
This film encourages scientific literacy concerning local habitats, weather and ecosystems and can be used to prompt learners to identify components and characteristics of their local habitat through tools of observation, discussion and investigation.
Clay Bird
Nine year old Sichu and her doting grandfather share a special bond, but their relationship is tested when Sichu’s classmates ridicule her grandfather's pottery. In shame Sichu lashes out, but comes to regret her actions when she experiences the sudden loss of her grandfather. Navigating her grief, Sichu finds healing in honoring her grandfather's memory, creations, and love.
Themes: Death, Grief, Shame, Regret, Healing
Director: Kiran Joshi
Country: Nepal
Runtime: 13 minutes
(English, Animation | Recommended for Grades 4 - 6)
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Health Studies
This film can be used to help students identify instances of opinion, prejudice, bias and stereotypes. Learners can identify the impact of relationships on physical and mental health, and investigate healthy ways for coping with changes to family life.
Secret Handshakes
Secret Handshakes is about finding a love that lets you truly feel free to play—to be kids together, no matter how old you are. Brought to life through claymation, this music video blends heartfelt storytelling with a playful, nostalgic charm.
Themes: 2SLGBTQIA+, Music, Relationships
Director: Jenna Marks
Country: Canada (N.S)
Runtime: 3 minutes
(English, Animation | Recommended for Grades 4 - 12)
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Health Studies
This film demonstrates the power of visual narrative without dialogue, and how visual elements convey emotion and story through relationships. This film can serve as a starting point for discussion about representation, diverse narratives and the importance of inclusivity and how that contributes to emotional and social well-being.
Sandbread
Before stoves and ovens, Innu baked their bread under the sand. It's a tradition knowledge holders are trying to preserve and share with the next generation.
Themes: Indigenous Culture
Director: Heidi Atter
Country: Canada (N.L)
Runtime: 5 minutes
(English & Innu-aimun, Documentary | Recommended for Grades 4 - 12)
Curriculum Connections: Mi’kmaw Studies
This film provides insights into Indigenous cultural practices, fostering respect and appreciation for cultural diversity. It can encourage discussion about identity, community and the significance of traditional practices in Indigenous culture.
The Night Tunnel
(Le Tunnel de la Nuit)
After digging a tunnel on the beach, two kids from different sides of the world meet each other. Together, they dig their way to the North Pole, where they discover a magical way to go back home.
Themes: Magic, Discovery
Director: Annechien Strouven
Country: Belgium, France, Netherlands
Runtime: 9 minutes
(No Dialogue, Animation | Recommended for Grades 4 - 6)
Curriculum Connections: Language Arts
This film allows learners to examine the visual storytelling. The film can prompt learners to identify narrative through its use of non-verbal communication, and foster discussion allowing students to share interpretations and analysis through articulating their thoughts clearly.
No Worries!
With the new school year looming, 10-year-old PJ’s anxiety manifests as a 300-pound invisible gorilla that only he can see! Now he has to face his fears - and last year’s lunch!
Themes: Anxiety
Director: Chris Dicker
Country: Ireland
Runtime: 2 minutes
(English, Animation | Recommended for Grades Primary - 6)
The Great Dreamscape
(La Grande Rêvasion)
Today is the big day: Andrea stars as the Blue Bird in her school play. But stage fright strikes, and she flees backstage, where a magical cape transports her to a golden palace in the clouds.
Themes: Overcoming Fears, Courage
Director: Rémi Durin
Country: France, Belgium
Runtime: 27 minutes
(French, Animation | Recommended for Grades 7 - 12)
Curriculum Connections: Language Arts
This film allows learners to examine, clarify and reflect on the central themes of overcoming fears and courage. Learners can examine narrative elements including plot, character development and conflict resolution, alongside symbolism and other visual storytelling techniques.
SHORTS PROGRAMME 3
Grades 7-9, 10-12 | Total Running Time: 78 minutes
Wolverine and Little Thunder
: An Eel Fishing Story
While fishing, Wolverine and Little Thunder come face to face with a legendary giant eel. Celebrated Mi’kmaw artist Alan Syliboy’s newest film is a heartwarming tale of bravery and the enduring bond between the Mi’kmaw and one of their most sacred food sources.
Themes: Indigenous Culture, Friendship
Director: Alan Syliboy
Country: Canada (N.S)
Runtime: 9 minutes
(No Dialogue, Animation | Recommended for Grades 4 - 12)
Content advisories: Hunting Scenes
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Social Studies 1-9, Mi’kmaw Studies/ Etudes mi’kmaw 11, Netukulimk
This film will highlight for learners Mi’kmaw values of respect, relationship, reciprocity and responsibility and provide an opportunity for learners to discuss and identify the Mi’kmaw connection to the land, values and unique visual style of storytelling using the medium of animation.
A Bear Remembers
Themes: Memory, Tradition, Community
Director: Zhang + Knight
Country: United Kingdom
Runtime: 20 minutes
(English, Live Action | Recommended for Grades 10 - 12)
Curriculum Connections: Advanced High School English, Theatre Arts and English Language Arts.
This film will contribute to critical analysis discussions and the fostering of abstract thinking through its nuance and use of visual storytelling.
A mysterious metallic sound haunts a rural village from the hills, leading a lonely boy and an elderly woman on a journey to uncover its source.
Louis
Louis follows Kaipen, a young boy in Nova Scotia grappling with the death of his pet hamster. His father, Avneesh, silently carries the weight of his own father's death as he struggles to support his son emotionally.
Themes: Death, Grief
Director: Akshay Shirke
Country: Canada (N.S)
Runtime: 9 minutes
(English & Tamil, Live Action | Recommended for Grades 7 - 12
Content advisories: Death of a Pet
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Health Studies
This film can encourage learners to investigate the components of mental health literacy. Specifically, the film can spark discussions and activities involving ‘coping strategies’; taking care of oneself when grieving a loss, how cultures vary when coping with grief and healthy behaviours that contribute to mental health.
Secret Handshakes
Secret Handshakes is about finding a love that lets you truly feel free to play—to be kids together, no matter how old you are. Brought to life through claymation, this music video blends heartfelt storytelling with a playful, nostalgic charm.
Themes: 2SLGBTQIA+, Music, Relationships
Director: Jenna Marks
Country: Canada (N.S)
Runtime: 3 minutes
(English, Animation | Recommended for Grades 4 - 12)
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Health Studies
This film demonstrates the power of visual narrative without dialogue, and how visual elements convey emotion and story through relationships. This film can serve as a starting point for discussion about representation, diverse narratives and the importance of inclusivity and how that contributes to emotional and social well-being.
The Spin Disturber
(L'empêcheuse de Tourner en Rond)
On Prince Edward Island, vinyl is making a comeback as an act of resistance in the digital age. Blending nostalgia and authenticity, this cinematic essay explores the beauty of the tangible and the magic of etched sound.
Themes: Culture, Nostalgia, Music
Director: Hélène Lebon
Country: Canada (P.E.I)
Runtime: 10 minutes
(French & English, Documentary | Recommended for Grades 7 - 12)
Imprint
Themes: Friendship, Creativity
Director: Duncan Major
Country: Canada (N.L.)
Runtime: 5 minutes
(English, Animation | Recommended for Grades 7 - 12)
The film is provided courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada.
Duncan Major met artist Tara Bryan at 13, discovering a shared passion for letterpress printing. Imprint serves as Duncan's heartfelt tribute to Tara, using material she passed down to him for a film of vibrant hand-printed animation and rich, atmospheric soundscapes.
The Artistry of Marie Webb
In this inspiring documentary, Nova Scotian fashion designer Marie Webb overcomes obstacles and prepares for her debut runway at New York Fashion Week.
Themes: Perseverance, Disability, Creativity, Community
Director: Claire Fraser, Joey Chapman
Country: Canada (N.S.)
Runtime: 22 minutes
(English, Documentary | Recommended for Grades 4-12)
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Health Studies, Visual Arts 11-12, Technology Education, Arts Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship 12, Life/Work Transitions 11
This film promotes discussions around diversity, inclusion and the importance of understanding disabilities, leading to conversations about mental health, self-esteem and societal perceptions. Learners can analyze Marie Webb’s work in terms of style, medium and message; drawing connections between technology and the creative process. The film can also serve as a case study to pursuing an entrepreneurial career in the arts.