Kino for Kids

Director: Bernd Sahling | Recommended: Ages 10-14
Drama | 80 min | German with English subtitles

Taking and developing photos has been twelve-year-old Karl’s favorite pastime for years. When Karl invites his crush Lea to visit his improvised bathroom photo laboratory, Lea is impressed by Karl’s ‘light magic’ in the lab, but time is running out for Karl to express his feelings as Lea is changing schools after the summer break. 

Karl’s older brother Tom advises him to be brave, and Karl has one last chance to find out if his feelings for Lea are reciprocated during the upcoming school trip. During this trip, the class is tasked with making a film on the theme of love, and it soon becomes clear that Karl is not alone with his love problems. 

A charming, observant coming-of-age film, Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave explores the tween angst of falling in love with a touch of humour and tenderness.

Topics: first love and emotions, self‑confidence, courage, creativity, social dynamics, transition to puberty

Directors: Maggie Peren, Bernhard Jasper | Recommended: Ages 10+
Adventure, Fantasy | 102 min | German with English subtitles
(Note this trailer doesn’t have English subtitles, but the film will have English subtitles)

The magical phenomenon returns with this highly anticipated fourth instalment of the box office hit franchise, based on Margit Auer’s bestselling book series, featuring stunning visual effects and valuable life lessons. 

For three months, Ida’s best friend, Miriam, will be attending the Winterstein School alongside Ida. Unaware of the magical community, Miriam’s world is upended on her first day at school when she receives her magical animal, an energetic tarsier, Fitzgeraldo, while her classmate Max receives the perceptive owl, Muriel. But their joy doesn't last, because Ida discovers that Winterstein School is about to be sold, due to a lack of new enrolments. However, an upcoming school challenge just might be the key to attracting attention and new students. 

With her former school also competing, Miriam faces pressure from both sides, and with their entire magical community at stake, will the Winterstein students be able to lead their team to victory?

Topics: Bullying, exclusion and strengthening self‑esteem, friendship, school challenge, puberty and first love, acceptance

Director: Marcus H. Rosenmüller | Recommended: All Ages 
Adventure, Family | 97 min | German with English subtitles
(Note this trailer doesn’t have English subtitles, but the film will have English subtitles)

In this heartwarming hybrid live action and animated adventure, Florian Eder, a quiet craftsman in Munich, shares his days with Pumuckl, his mischievous and invisible goblin friend, who stirs up trouble at every turn. 

During a trip to Upper Bavaria, where Eder is supposed to help his old friends with the the restoration of a carousel for the annual May festival, Pumuckl begins to feel neglected, leading to a big misunderstanding that threatens their friendship. Then when a simple repair job for an eccentric opera conductor spirals wildly out of control, the mismatched pair reunite and find themselves chasing runaway animals, uncovering rural secrets, and ultimately facing a grand showdown on the stage of the State Opera. 

An entertaining return of the iconic character from the original 1980s television series, this charming family tale about finding where you belong is full of humour, the joy of being different and unlikely friendships.

Topics: Friendship, music, traditions, conflict, self‑efficacy, wishes, dreams, city and countryside

Director: Markus Welter | Recommended: Ages 10+
Adventure, Drama | 97 min | Swiss German with English subtitles
(Note this trailer doesn’t have English subtitles, but the film will have English subtitles)

A breathtaking live-action adventure inspired by the legend of Switzerland’s most famous rescue dog, Barry & Me is a moving and timeless story of friendship, bravery, and survival in late 18th century Switzerland. 

High in the snowy and picturesque Swiss Alps, 12-year-old Georg finds himself stranded with the monks on the Great St. Bernard Pass after being left behind at a mountain infirmary. Everything is new to the young boy in this cold, silent place, but he soon discovers that it is full of unexpected wonders. 

When Georg rescues a weak St. Bernard puppy and secretly raises it, an unbreakable bond grows between him and the dog, Barry. Together they experience unforgettable moments, but when others try to take Barry away and Georg is in danger of losing his faithful companion, he must summon his 
courage and risk everything to protect his best friend.

Topics: Friendship, courage, responsibility, being different, origin, nature and mountain world, St. Bernard dogs, historical living conditions in the late 1800s, legends, poverty, monastery school, avalanche rescue

Director: Norbert Lechner | Recommended: Ages 10+
Adventure, Drama, Mystery | 91 min | German with English subtitles

When twelve-year-old Karli moves with his parents to a rundown, old hotel in the Alps, instead of an exciting holiday, he is left without internet access and forced to help his parents with their renovations. 

Then one day, Karli discovers an elevator that harbours a secret – it is a magical time portal that can transport him back in time 80 years to 1938! There, he befriends Hannah, a spirited Jewish girl, and the young shoe shiner Georg. But when Georg is wrongly accused of stealing, the three new friends must 
work together to solve a mystery hidden within the walls of the hotel, while the shadow of National Socialism begins to grow around them.

Shot in stunning Alpine locations and directed by Norbert Lechner (The Wall Between Us), The Secret Floor is a playful time-travel adventure and sensitive story of friendship that offers a fresh perspective for learning about the history of World War II.

Note on sensitive content:“The Secret Floor” addresses, among other topics, National Socialism, the persecution of Jews, oppression, persecution and ostracism of minorities, emigration, resistance, the Holocaust, civil courage, helping others, responsibility, conscience, and remembrance of the victims. These topics require a mindful and empathetic approach – especially with students who may feel emotionally distressed or potentially retraumatised by such depictions.