6 reasons to head to the (awesome) Pittsburgh Children’s Film Festival

The weeklong Pittsburgh International Children’s Film Festival brings a blast of colorful, inspiring and downright funny flicks to Row House Cinema from July 26-Aug. 1. Though the programming is intended to entertain kids, these movies will appeal to a wide range of movie buffs.

“Tito and the Birds” is a Brazilian animated adventure, while “Ana Y Bruno” is Mexico’s first animated Oscar nomination. Kid Flicks Shorts brings a worldwide collection of films from the New York International Children’s Film Festival. A documentary, “The Eagle Huntress,” gives a lesson in girl power with a story about a 13-year-old who’s training to be the first eagle hunter in her Mongolian family. See the complete schedule here.

Along with the terrific lineup of flicks, the schedule includes these special events and activities you won’t want to miss:

1. Opening night excitement

The Film Festival begins with a wacky screening of “The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales,” a French/Belgian film that’s dubbed in English. As a fun barnyard tale, “Big Bad Fox” will appeal to all ages. Tickets include popcorn – and a few surprises!

2. Baby-Friendly Screenings

Have a baby or toddler who is a bit noisy? No problem! Check out the Baby-Friendly Screenings and avoid judgment. Film volume will be low to protect those little ears, and captioning will give you a chance to read the dialogue you might otherwise miss. House lights will be dimmed but not completely darkened to help keep track of binkies and lovies. Here’s the schedule.

3. Nostalgia Sunday throwback film fun

The Nostalgia Sunday lineup brings four American classics from the ‘80s and ‘90s. It’s an excellent opportunity for older generations to connect with kids on common ground. You can see all four for one price or pick and choose your favorites. From noon on July 28, “The Little Rascals” (1994), “Babe” (1995), “The Great Muppet Caper” (1981) and “Casper” (1995) will be screened back to back. Red Ribbon will be on hand with some delicious soda, too.

4. Maker sessions with Assemble

Assemble Pittsburgh sets up a maker shop at 6 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. July 27, when kids can create viewing glasses to watch the animated “Tito and the Birds” or David Bowie’s “Labyrinth.”

5. Storytimes paired with movies

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh partnered with Row House to offer special storytimes paired with movies. At 3 p.m. July 30, a baby-focused storytime is planned before the baby-friendly screening of “Tito and the Birds.” An all-ages storytime is scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 1 before Kids Flicks 1, a compilation of international film shorts.

6. MuseumLab celebration

The Aug. 1 closing night moves the festival to the North Side for a celebration at MuseumLab. Expect an evening of musical performances and a screening of “Landfill Harmonic,” an uplifting story about a garbage picker, a music teacher and a group of slum kids, who began making instruments out of trash. At the event, kids can snack on complimentary popcorn and juice. Doors open at 7 p.m. but tickets must be purchased in advance.