Fantastic Flix is the Festival’s children’s strand, dedicated to celebrating diversity and self-expression, and to putting children’s voices at the heart of the Festival through an exciting mix of features and shorts for children of all ages and backgrounds. Since launching in 2016 the strand has gone from strength to strength and forms a key part of our initiatives for young people, alongside The Digital Hub and Screen8.

Each Fantastic Flix programme offers a wide range of screenings, including new features from all over the world, children’s classics like The Muppet Movie, and an eclectic mix of shorts.

Fantastic Flix Workshops with The Ark

In addition, Fantastic Flix is delighted to partner with The Ark to offer exciting programmes of children’s workshops and events, covering everything from composing for film to Lego animation workshops and zombie prosthetics.

Fantastic Flix Children’s Jury

Supported by the Ark’s Children’s Council and IFCO, the Children’s Jury offers a group of 10 to 12-year-olds the opportunity to watch, evaluate and review Fantastic Flix titles from around the world before awarding one film the title of Best Fantastic Flix Film. It’s a wonderful opportunity for budding cinephiles to catch great films, enjoy exclusive access to Festival events, share their opinions and find out more about the craft of critiquing film.

Fantastic Flix Young Programmers

Developed with the support of INTO Film and Film London and funded by the Arts Council, the Fantastic Flix Young Film Programmers initiative offers 15 to 19-year-olds the chance to explore all aspects of film programming, marketing, exhibition and distribution, learning how to curate and host events during the Festival.