THE KING AND THE MOCKINGBIRD (FREE for kids 12 & under)

THE KING AND THE MOCKINGBIRD

Based on a Hans Christian Andersen story, the wildly satirical tale follows a chimney sweep and shepherdess on the run from a tyrannical king. A masterpiece of traditional hand-drawn cell animation, The King and the Mockingbird is credited by celebrated Japanese animators Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata as inspiring the creation of their own studio, the now world-famous Studio Ghibli. Grimault and Jacques Prévert (Children of Paradise, Port of Shadows, Le Jour se Lève) started work on Mockingbird in 1947, when it was planned to be France’s first animated feature. A dispute stopped production, however, and it was released unfinished by its producer, without Grimault and Prévert’s permission. Grimault spent 10 years getting the rights back and another 20 raising the money to finish the film as he and Prévert had envisaged it. It was finally finished and released in 1979, a few weeks after Prévert’s death. A favorite of French audiences for 35 years, it has long been unavailable in the U.S. due to rights issues. Dir: Paul Grimault / 1980 / France /dubbed in English/ 83 min / DCP

Saturday, March 28 & April 4, 11, 18, 25
10:30am doors / 11:00am film
FREE for kids 12 & under
$8 general admission / $5 OFS members