As you gear up for the Sundance Film Festival, don’t forget to include the kids. This year’s fest includes a family matinee of director Isaiah Saxon’s feature debut, “The Legend of Ochi.”
The film is about a girl named Yuri (Helena Zengel) who is raised to fear the Ochi, a mysterious animal species. Despite this, she one day finds an injured baby Ochi and sets on a quest to return it to its home. Families can go in expecting adventure and magic in a tale for animal lovers. The film also stars Finn Wolfhard (“Stranger Things”), Emily Watson and Willem Dafoe.
Screenings
Jan. 26, 12 p.m.
Library Center Theatre, Park City
Jan. 27, 1:10 p.m.
Redstone Cinemas – 2, Park City
Feb. 1, 12 p.m.
Broadway Centre Cinemas – 3, SLC
Feb. 2, 12 p.m.
The Ray Theatre, Park City
While “Ochi” is an excellent opportunity to introduce the kids to independent film, fighting the Sundance traffic with littles in the backseat through Parleys Canyon isn’t for everyone. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly films from Sundance’s past and how you can see them at home.
“Whale Rider” (Sundance 2003)
Years after the intended future chief of a Maori village dies at birth, his twin sister, Pai, attempts to prove herself as the community’s rightful leader. However, the chief has always been a first-born son descended from the Whale Rider. Can Pai’s determination and resolve convince her village, and especially her grandfather, to break away from tradition?
Rent or Buy it on Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Microsoft or Amazon. Stream it on Fubo, Hoopla or Kanopy.
“Ernest & Celestine” (Sundance 2014)
While she would prefer to make art, a mouse named Celestine is sent to collect teeth to prepare for her career in dentistry. When she meets a bear named Ernest, she convinces him not to eat her by helping him break into a candy shop. Thus begins Ernest and Celestine’s criminal career and unlikely friendship. Hand-drawn, funny and imaginative.
French and English versions are available. You can rent or buy the English version on Apple TV.
“Zip & Zap and the Marble Gang” (Sundance 2014)
(Spanish language)
Twin brothers Zip and Zap are sent to a summer school run by Falconetti, an evil headmaster who forbids all recreation and entertainment. To get back at Falconetti, they form the “Marble Gang” and begin causing mischief. Soon, they come across a map leading to the school’s hidden treasure. “Zip and Zap” is a fun adventure for the family.
Rent or buy it on Apple TV. While screened in Spanish, English subtitles are available.
“Snowtime!” (Sundance 2016)
Two groups of kids in Quebec engage in an epic snowball war during their winter break from school. The big cast of characters experience crushes, friendships and betrayals as the battle grows increasingly sophisticated and fierce. While the film has a major tragedy that parents of sensitive kids should know about, the overall mood is charming and fun.
French and English versions are available. Rent or buy the English version on Apple TV, Fandango at Home or Microsoft. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock or The Roku Channel.
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