HOW TO REGISTER FOR MVFF EDUCATION SCREENINGS:
Check out the list of MVFF Education film programs, and select the in-theater and/or online film screening(s) you would like your class(es) to attend or view.
- Click on the REGISTER NOW button, and fill out the form to let us know your film selections and how many students will take part.
- You may choose more than one film, but you must fill out a separate registration form for each one.
- Once we receive your registration(s), we will contact you to confirm the details of your order, finalize any in-theater screening times, and assist with any additional details or questions.
THE BOOK OF JOBS
Director: Kayci Lacob | US 2024 | 90 min | Grades 9-12
Key Themes: Coming of Age, Technology, Overambition
IN THEATER: Thursday, October 10 • 11:00am-12:55pm | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael
ONLINE: October 3-13 | Available to schools anywhere in the US
How much hero worship is too much? Growing up in the heart of Silicon Valley, budding Millennial Claudia Lerner only needs one aspirational model: Steve Jobs, whose products, career, image, and philosophy she idolizes from an early age. So much that at one point her mother (Judy Greer) asks, “Did you join a cult or something?” Viewed throughout her first couple decades of life, our heroine’s relentless drive to excel like guess-who isn’t necessarily a help as she must confront hurdles like her parents’ divorce and mom’s cancer diagnosis. Turns out, “What Would Steve Do?” isn’t a guiding principle that applies to everything in a teenage girl’s existence. In the autobiographically inspired seriocomedy of writer-director Kayci Lacob’s heartfelt debut feature, the irresistible force of Claudia’s ambition meets an immovable object—reality—and she must learn “to become me,” not the Apple of an icon’s eye.
The screening will include a live Q&A with director Kayci Lacob
CHAPERONE
Director: Zoe Eisenberg | US 2024 | 100 min | Grades College
Key Themes: Coming of Age Adulthood, Self Discovery, Peter Pan Syndrome
IN THEATER: Monday, October 7 • 11:00am-1:00pm | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael
ONLINE: October 3-13 | Available to schools anywhere in the US
Blithe 29-year-old Misha insists that she is content as she goes through life making unorthodox choices that keep her alienated from her loved ones. Supported by a family inheritance and responsible for the neglected house her grandmother bequeathed her, Misha barely tends to its needs, as she leads a casual life free of any serious commitments. She appears self-possessed, but when a sweet, handsome 19-year-old high school athlete mistakes her for a fellow teenager Misha’s bad decisions pile up and her self-assurance begins to crack. Shot in beautiful Hilo, Hawai’i, Zoe Eisenberg’s first solo feature is a sincere portrait of the dangers that arise when aimlessness meets ambiguity. —Shari Kizirian
Note: This film contains profanity, sex and recreational drug use.
The screening will include a live Q&A with director Zoe Eisenberg and Producer Alison Week
JESSZILLA
Director: Emily Sheskin | US 2024 | 90 min | Grades 6-12
Key Themes: Sports, Gender Equity, Resilience, Health
IN THEATER: Wednesday, October 9 • 10:00am-11:30am | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael
ONLINE: October 3-13 | Available to schools anywhere in the US
“Jesselyn Silva (self-named “JessZilla”) is a 16-year-old with a mischievous megawatt smile and undeniably one of the world’s best dads, Pedro. Academically gifted and athletically oriented, she became hooked on boxing as a tot after making herself a fixture in her dad’s gym—not as a spectator, but as a passionate participant in the sport. From Jess’s first fights in the ring at age seven, director Emily Sheskin has followed the pint-sized pugilist on her journey toward winning the gold belt as a three-time national champion, with further triumphs on her way, ready to compete in the Junior Olympics. But Jesselyn’s challenges don’t stop there: As she enters her teenage years, the first opponent she’s totally unprepared for enters her life and her greatest fight begins. JessZilla is an inspiring story of endurance, faith, and the love between a father and an extraordinary daughter: A knockout! —K.D. Davis
OUT OF MY MIND
Director: Amber Sealey | US 2024 | 102 min | Grades 6-12
Key Themes: CP, Disability Rights, Friendship
IN THEATER: Monday, October 7 • 10:00am-12:00pm | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael
ONLINE: October 3-13 | Available to schools anywhere in the US
Twelve-year-old Melody Brooks is a typical early-21st-century tween, obsessed with Rachel from Friends, unhappy with the uncool clothes her mom buys for her, and worried about fitting in at school. As a nonverbal sixth grader living with cerebral palsy, she’s got extra challenges to contend with, especially when she’s moved from the special ed classroom into an inclusive learning environment that feels far from inclusive, given her teacher’s refusal to welcome her and the disdain of fellow students. But when given an assistive communication device, Melody quickly learns to use her new-found voice to prevail over the forces holding her back. Based on Sharon M. Draper’s YA bestseller and starring the amazing Phoebe-Ray Taylor as Melody, with Judith Light, Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Kirby, and Jennifer Aniston (as Melody’s inner voice), director Amber Sealey’s (No Man of God) drama delivers a tale of determination, pride, and self-empowerment like no other. —K.D. Davis
The screening will include a live Q&A with director Amber Sealy
QUEENS
Director: Klaudia Reynicke-Candeloro | Switzerland/Peru 2024 | 104 min | Grades 12-College
Key Themes: Sisterhood, LatinX Culture, Coming of Age, Family
IN THEATER ONLY: Thursday, October 10 • 10:30am-12:35pm | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael
Experience a poignant journey through the eyes of a family living under the shadow of Alberto Fujimori’s authoritarian regime in 1992 Lima, Peru. The film delves deep into the emotional bonds within a matriarchal family, presenting an intimate, dazzling portrayal of two adolescent sisters and their mother as they prepare to leave the country amidst the turbulence while their estranged father attempts to reconnect with his daughters before their departure. Filmmaker Klaudia Reynicke masterfully weaves her childhood memories into the narrative, showcasing a meticulous reconstruction of history-laden domestic worlds as the story transitions seamlessly between a touching coming-of-age tale and a powerful socio-political commentary. With strong performances, exceptional art direction, and evocative costumes, this film stands out as a delicate and moving drama that captures the essence of personal and collective struggle. Don’t miss this compelling story that resonates with both heart and history, highlighting the resilience and strength of women in times of adversity. —João Federici
Note: This film includes references to sexuality and violence
STANDING ABOVE THE CLOUDS
Director: Jalena Keane-Lee | US 2020 | 80 min | Grades 9-12
Key Themes: Pacific Islander Culture, Feminism, Activism, Environmental Justice, Generational Healing
IN THEATER: Friday, October 11 • 10:30am-12:20pm | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael
ONLINE: October 3-13 | Available to schools anywhere in the US
Up above the clouds, on the highest mountain from the seafloor, a group of women fight to defend the sacred mountain of Mauna Kea from the world’s largest telescope. Filmmaker Jalena Keane-Lee focuses on native Hawai’ian families’ efforts to block the installment of the giant instrument on hallowed land in a captivating documentary that interweaves breathtaking images of stunning locations with intimate portraits of colorful people. The fascinating story combines complex courtroom events with intimate moments that capture the ongoing tension between technological progress and historical identity. Despite rollercoaster political encounters, including arrests, the small but mighty community pursues an inspirational grassroots effort to protect culture and tradition. Standing Above the Clouds, winner of the 2022 DocPitch Industry Award and Hot Docs’ Bill Nemlin Award for Best Social Impact Documentary, illuminates the ongoing struggles of indigenous people battling to save ancestral lands and preserve an irreplaceable culture. —Brendan Peterson
The screening will include a live Q&A with director Jalena Keane-Lee
THELMA’S PERFECT BIRTHDAY
Director: Reinis Kalnaellis | Latvia 2024 | 71 min | Grades K-5
Key Themes: Friendship, Environment, SEL
IN THEATER: Monday, October 7 • 10:30am-12:00pm | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael
ADDED SCREENING: Tuesday, October 8 • 10:30am-12:00pm | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael
ONLINE: October 3-13 | Available to schools anywhere in the US
Thelma is a penguin who lives in the Land of Ice. She’s four years old and she’ll turn five in five days—or at least she hopes she will. Will her birthday ever come? And what if she’s not there when the Birthday arrives—will she be forever stuck at age four? But Thelma is an adventurer and a mischief-maker, too. With her parents distracted by their computer screens, she sneaks away to find her friends Wilhelm the flying cat and Sofija the dancing mouse in the Great Forest, far from home. She hopes to meet the Birthday in person, with her magical candles in hand. Director Reinis Kalnaellis’s stunning watercolor palette and captivating animation bring to life a universal story of self-acceptance, friendship, courage, and the true meaning of growing up. An ageless story, perfect for all ages. —K.D. Davis
TUMMY TOM AND THE LOST TEDDY BEAR
Directors: Joost Van Den Bosch, Erik Verkerk | Netherlands/Belgium 2024 | 68 min | Grades 1-5
Key Themes: Animation, Storytelling, SEL
IN THEATER: Friday, October 11 • 10:00am-11:10am | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael
ONLINE: October 3-13 | Available to schools anywhere in the US
Tummy Tom, a good-natured, well-intentioned and slightly gangly ginger cat, is a prime example of his species—he’s curious, mischievous, a bit lazy, and most of all, he loves to curl up for catnaps with his favorite stuffed teddy. But one day, “cat-astrophe” strikes: Jumping into his basket for a snooze, he discovers…Bear is missing! Fortunately for Tummy Tom, his BFF, a graceful gray named Cat-Mouse, springs into action and feline hijinks ensue as the duo encounter Squirrel, Sheep, and other animal friends ready to assist in the hunt for Bear. Tummy Tom first appeared on Sesamstraat (Dutch Sesame Street) in 1978, and co-directors Joost Van Den Bosch and Erik Verkerk’s new sing-along animation is an interactive delight for kids from age 2 to 200 (that’s in cat-years). —K.D. Davis
The screening will include a live Q&A with directors Erik Verkerk and Digna van der Put
PRECEDED BY SHORT FILMS:
THE ANCHOR AND THE KITE
Director: Jeff O’Brien Myers, Forest Blakk | US 2024 | 3 min | Grades 1-5
Polar opposites attract when an Anchor, bound to the ground, and a Kite, soaring freely in the sky, find what they need in one another.
THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE…
Director: Britney Fan | US 2024 | 3 min | Grades 1-5
Upon entrance of her boyfriend’s apartment for the first time, Kat is encountered with her biggest, most unexpected rival; his cat. There can only be one to win his love and affection….So, who will it be?
NOTE: THE ANCHOR AND THE KITE + THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE will not be included in the online screening of this program.
WINDCATCHER
Director: Tanith Glynn-Maloney | Australia 2024 | 80 min | Grades 3-7
Key Themes: Intergenerational Community, Indigenous Culture, Aboriginal Culture, SEL
IN THEATER: Friday, October 11 • 11:00am-12:20pm | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael – SOLD OUT!
ADDED SCREENING: Tuesday, October 8 • 11:00am-12:20pm | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael – SOLD OUT!
ADDED SCREENING: Thursday, October 10 • 10:00am-11:20pm | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael
Ten-year-old Percy Boy Collins is one of the fastest runners in school, but he never fails to arrive late for class. A smart-talking Aboriginal child in a white-dominated environment, Percy Boy has few allies ‘til he befriends Keithy Cobb, the new kid at school. The schoolmates join forces to fend off the fifth-grade bullies known as The Wolf Pack. Joining them is little Daisy Hawkins, the fiercest and scariest third grader around. The three share a common goal: for Percy Boy to defeat the Wolf Pack in the running competition at the school carnival. But while he trains for the race, Percy Boy also begins to see visions from the afterworld, including those who perished in the bush fire that claimed the lives of his parents. Indigenous Australian director Tanith Glynn-Maloney’s first feature is an inspirational celebration of the bonds that tie us to our family, our friends, and our heritage. —K.D. Davis
SHORTS: SATURDAY MORNING CARTOONS
Total Program 56 min | Grades K-7
Key Themes: Animation, SEL, Storytelling
IN THEATER: Friday, October 4 • 10:30am-12:20pm | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael
ONLINE: October 3-13 | Available to schools anywhere in the US
In collaboration with the PJIFF Film Festival, we are bringing back the beloved Saturday morning cartoons featuring unlikely super-sheroes, musically inclined llamas, and unique takes on classic nursery rhymes. This short program promises to provide motivation, perspective, and plenty of enjoyment.
THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES:
LLAMAS AT THE LAUNDRAMAT
Director: Martha Grant | Canada 2024 | 2 min
Got dirty clothes? Join two stylish llamas as they dance and sing their way through the steps of doing laundry at the laundromat.
LUNAR POWER
Director: Annastacia Henry-Ramos | US 2024 | 3 min
A young Latina superhero, Amaya, tries to connect with her anti-social cousin, Miguel, but their walk to school is interrupted by a vicious monster from outer space. Now, they must navigate this disaster to find each other again.
LIL RED IS RIDING THE WRONG WAY IN HE HOOD
Director: Venus Jones | US 2024 | 8 min
A Hip-Hop twist on a classic cautionary tale starts with an adventurous little boy getting lost on the wrong side of town. Childhood labor and public safety may sound like heavy topics, but they’re presented in an approachable manner in this timely and important project.
THINK TOO MUCH
Director: Paperface | UK 2024 | 4 min
An adventure about the dangers of thinking too much. The music is also composed and performed by Paperface and features a live orchestra. It is a hand-made animation using miniatures.
THE SOCIAL CHAMELEON
Director: Alex Ross| US 2024 | 10 min
Cosmo the Chameleon doesn’t fit in with the other animals. No matter how hard he tries, he can’t find his place in the jungle. Then, everything changes when he meets another chameleon who shows him how to live by his own true colors.
ADVENTURES WITH THE CARETAKER
Director: Peter Gardner| US 2024 | 25 min
A man has a secret job caring for creatures like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Abominable Snowman.
THE CROW AND THE SQUIRREL
Director: Guillermo Gomez| US 2024 | 4 min
In this hand-drawn animated film, a crow encounters a squirrel and learns a valuable lesson in communication and compassion.
The in-theater screening will include a live Q&A with Little Red is Riding the Wrong Way in the Hood director Venus Jones, Adventures with the Caretaker director Peter Gardner, The Social Chameleon director Alex Ross and The Crow and the Squirrel director Guillermo Gomez
SHORTS: SWEET DREAMS
Total Program 74 min | Grades 8-12
Key Themes: History, Indigenous Culture, Social Studies, Asian American Culture, Psychology, LGBTQIA+, SEL, Activism, Social Justice
IN THEATER: Tuesday, October 8 • 10:00am-11:35am | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael
ADDED SCREENING: Wednesday, October 9 • 10:30am-12:00pm | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael
ONLINE: October 3-13 | Available to schools anywhere in the US
From Oklahoma to Guam, and back home here in Northern California, this documentary shorts program reflects on the value of intergenerational community, love, and activism.
THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES:
SUNCHONG
Director: Yoontaek Hong |US 2024 | 14 min
An 89-year-old Korean immigrant volunteers at a senior center and reflects on his life’s journey with his beloved wife.
THE BIRD RESCUE CENTER
Director: Derek Knowles | US 2023 | 13 min
An exhilarating window into the world of a northern California bird rescue center and the people who give wildlife a second chance.
WE RIDE FOR HER
Director: Prairie Rose Seminole & Katrina Lillian Sorrentino | US 2023 | 18 min
An Indigenous women’s motorcycle group rides to end the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women while a member of their community searches for her missing sister and tries to heal her shattered family.
ᏗᏂᏠᎯ ᎤᏪᏯ (MEET ME AT THE CREEK)
Director: Loren Waters | US 2023 | 9 min
Rebecca Jim, a Cherokee Nation citizen and Waterkeeper Warrior, leads the effort to restore Tar Creek located in Miami, Oklahoma as U.S. government officials have designated Tar Creek as “irreversibly damaged,” but Rebecca refuses to accept that.
WOULDN’T MAKE IT ANY OTHER WAY
Director: Hao Zhou | US 2024 | 20 min
Having built a colorful queer life in an American prairie town, an aspiring costume designer visits their island homeland of Guam to make costumes for a children’s theater and reconnect with distant parents.
Note: One of the films in this program contains descriptions of trauma and abuse.
The in-theater screening will include a live Q&A with director Derek Knowles + Santa Barbara Bird Rescue Center
SHORTS: LOVEHAPPY | YOUTH WORKS
Total Program 88 min | Grades 8-12
Key Themes: Filmmaking, Media Studies, Animation, Documentary, Music Video
IN THEATER: Thursday, October 4 • 10:00am-11:55Am | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael – SOLD OUT!
ONLINE: October 3-13 | Available to schools anywhere in the US
This year’s collection of peer-reviewed, youth-produced short films showcases storytellers who are redefining humor in comedies, personal stories in documentaries, and murder in thrillers. It’s an inspiring display of emerging young talent.
THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES:
PRACTICAL RABBIT HUNTING FOR THE MODERN MAN
Director: Rishan Sathiyaa | US 2024 | 11 min
A boy hunts a rabbit on his 18th birthday in an attempt to understand what it means to grow up.
MINUS DAISY
Director: Samuel Green | US 2024 | 5 min
After his favorite stuffed animal, Daisy, is taken away by his dad, a young boy must go on a frightening nighttime journey throughout his house to get it back.
like a stone or flower
Director: Kaiya Ming Jordan | US 2024 | 10 min
Three artists of different generations reflect on the ability of art to transcend rationality and logic.
FOREVER MINE
Director: Isabella DeWitt | US 2024 | 3 min
Reminiscing on the memory of a past relationship.
KILLER LOVE
Director: Jace Skinnell |US 2024 | 8 min
Cupid with a knife.
BICKERING
Director: Gabrielle Hanson Chong | US 2024 | 1 min
Best friends Harriet and Priscilla argue over a small misunderstanding.
THE LAST SUPPER
Director: Trudy Flashford | Canada 2024 | 4 min
Hell breaks loose when Betty’s narcissistic grandmother and obnoxious older sister come home for a family dinner.
THE CHIHUAHUA SHAKE
Director: Chase Olivera | US 2024 | 14 min
A musical comedy about a famous Parisian dachshund who is tasked with painting a portrait of a crazy chihuahua who just won’t stop shaking.
THE ALIEN
Director: Maxwell Warner | US 2024 | 10 min
17-year-old Jesse tries his best to avoid going to a New Year’s Eve party, as many obstacles get in his way.
GUIDING LIGHT
Director: India Anne Mitchell | US 2024 | 5 min
An inspired young filmmaker weaves together past and present as she looks back on the legacy of the Polly Klaas tragedy that rocked the nation.
APPA TALES: STORIES FROM MY GRANDFATHER
Director: Noah Shin | US 2024 | 6 min
My grandfather recounts stories from his childhood when he was growing up during and after the Korean War.
SOLE SISTA
Director: Emerie Elise Boone | Australia 2024 | 6 min
Chelsea navigates the feeling of being different as the only black girl in school.
DREAMKEEPING
Director: Mimi Muhle | US 2024 | 5 min
A housekeeper at a hotel makes the tough decision to leave her job for a better future.
Note: Some films in this program contain mature language and suggested violence.
The in-theater screening will include a live conversation with the CAFILM Education Summerfilm Youth curators and directors Gabrielle Chong (attending both screenings), India Mitchell (attending both screenings), Mimi Muhle (attending Oct. 12 screening only), Rishan Sathiyaa (attending Oct. 4 screening only) and Emerie Boone (attending Oct. 12 screening only)
SING SING
Director: Greg Kwedar | US 2024 | 107 min | Grades 11-12 & College
Key Themes: Theater, Performance, Prison Industrial Complex, Hope, Humanity, Transformation
IN THEATER ONLY: Friday, October 11 • 12:30pm-2:40pm | Smith Rafael Film Center • San Rafael
SPECIAL SCREENING: There will be limited seating for this film. If you’d like to attend this screening, please indicate on your application, and we’ll contact you if seating is available.
Divine G (Colman Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group with other incarcerated men. When a wary outsider joins the group, the men decide to stage their first original comedy in this stirring true story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art, starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors.
Note: This film is rated R and contains strong profanity and references to violence and drugs.
The in-theater screening will include a live Q&A with the writer/director Greg Kwedar, producer Monique Walton, co-writer Clint Bentley, and actors Clarence Maclin, Jon-Adrian ‘JJ’ Velazquez, Sean ‘Dino’ Johnson, and the real live John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield.
CAFILM EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT MVFF ARE MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM
NANCY P. AND RICHARD K. ROBBINS FAMILY FOUNDATION
BLAIRE AND BENNO DORER FOUNDATION