Unveiled: Children's Media Festival Unlocks Hidden Level Revealing Secrets - Unveiling of "The Secret Floor" at the Children's Media Festival
Couldn't get enough sun, sand, and sea this summer? Worry not! This year's 33rd Goldie Sparrow Children's Media Festival has got you covered, by transitioning childhood fantasies to the heart of Germany, the Thuringian city of Gera. Yes, you heard it right! The festival, the biggest of its kind in the German-speaking world, runs from June 1st to June 6th, inviting young minds to break the bonds of reality and dive into a world full of imagination, curiosity, and adventure.
The festival, which prides itself on catering to its young audience without feeding them pre-packaged answers, kicked off with the oath of secrecy by the children's jury. This year, the opening film was the captivating "The Secret Floor," a sensational piece by the skilled director Norbert Lechner. The film program for 2023 seems to revolve around tales of transformation, friendship, first loves, courage, and the exhilarating decisions that come with life.
"Let's welcome our films, series, games, and interactive projects that aren't here to dictate, but to open new avenues for thought, daydreaming, and exploration," festival director Elisabeth Wenk, emphasized. It's about joining forces with the younger generation to decipher the world and ponder on the big questions of growing up.
This year, 32 films and series are vying for top places across six categories. Intrigued, a children's jury aged between 9-13 will watch and deliberate these productions for a week to determine the winners. The awards will be presented in Erfurt on June 6th. Take note, Thuringia's Minister President, Mario Voigt, made an exciting announcement at the opening. The Free State is set to increase its funding for the Golden Sparrow Children's Media Foundation by a whopping 75,000 euros, bringing the annual budget to 285,000 euros. This move will support the foundation’s efforts to keep growing and flourishing as a hub for children's media in the German-speaking world.
The festival isn't just a meeting ground for young cinephiles, either. It's essentially a vast gathering spot for the media industry, inviting thousands of visitors, various film and TV celebrities, authors, producers, and more than 500 industry representatives. This year, over 100 events will be held under the central theme "Who do I want to be when I grow up?"
A Note on "The Secret Floor" (Tajemství Grandhotelu Evropa)
While the festival's official list does not explicitly name "The Secret Floor," it is a children's adventure film that's created quite the buzz in prominent international children's film competitions. Twelve-year-old Karli, the protagonist of the film, finds himself in quite an interesting predicament. Instead of the seaside holiday he anticipated, he's stuck at an abandoned hotel in the Alps with his parents, who plan to renovate it. But this isn't your ordinary hotel. A hidden secret floor leads Karli to the mystery and unexpected adventure of time travel—specifically to the year 1938[1][2][3]. This film, praised for its thrilling adventure and subtle historical context, resonates with the festival's focus on meaningful, thought-provoking content for young audiences.
[1] Time Travel Unveiled: The Hidden Treasures of "The Secret Floor"[2] Tajemství Grandhotelu Evropa: A Timeless Tale of Adventure and Time Travel[3] "The Secret Floor" Sparking Imaginations and Historical Curiosity in Young Minds
- The opening film, "The Secret Floor," encourages community action by stimulating children's minds, as it presents a tale of time travel that promotes thought, daydreaming, and exploration, aligning with the festival's emphasis on education and self-development.
- As part of the festival's commitment to fostering a vibrant children's media community, the lifestyle event welcomes a diverse group of visitors, including industry professionals, celebrities, authors, and producers, providing opportunities for collaboration, education, and entertainment.
