The 7th Annual San Diego International Children's Film Festival announces an extension to the festival, a final weekend of numerous full-length Chinese family films, with many of the filmmakers appearing in person. 

The festival is proud to present nine full-length children's films from China, Aug. 27-29 at the Hall of Nations in Balboa Park and the San Diego Central Library downtown. These films represent the best in current Chinese family cinema. The films are subtitled, and are suitable for anyone of reading age and older. In addition, a panel discussion on current film opportunities in China will also be held.

 The screenings and discussions are free for everyone. 

The schedule:

 Friday, Aug. 27, Hall of Nations, Balboa Park:

Address: 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, California, 92101 west of the Organ Pavilion

 10:30 a.m. "Tequ Children" (90 min.)

Four short films tell a full story of modern Chinese children's life.

1 p.m. "Tulou My Home" (93 min.)

Three college students went to a distant village as volunteers, learning the differences between modern and traditional lifestyles. Beautiful historical Tulou architecture and cultural background are explored. 

2.30 p.m. Panel discussion:

China is experiencing an explosive film growth, with more new productions than ever before. Yet it remains difficult for U.S. filmmakers to distribute and market their films in China? How can U.S. filmmakers get their work screened in China? Several of the Chinese filmmakers and cultural representatives will offer advice. 

4 p.m. "A Chinese E.T. Boy"

A semi-sci-fi film about a country boy's dream to be an astronaut, as well as a rock musician's and Chinese western-folk singer's aspirations.

Saturday, Aug. 28, Hall of Nations, Balboa Park:

Address: 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, California, 92101 west of the Organ Pavilion

12 p.m.  "New Year Is Really Nice" (92 min.)

Featuring Q&A with filmmakers Baoying Zhang, Qingxin Wang and Ping Fen 

Mofei goes to the countryside for Chinese New Year with a toy airplane admired by the village kids. He sells his airplane to support a village girl in her quest to continue school

 2 p.m. "New Boy JiaLi"  (89 min.)

Boy JiaLi is constantly fighting to win battles at home and school with his twin sister. Then, their teacher is transferred  during a crucial time for the students. 

4 p.m. "Nima's Summer" (80 min.)

Q&A with filmmakers Jin Zhang and Hua Liu

Tibetan boy, Nima goes to study at a big city school. At first, students tease him for differences until he learns to become a leader. 

Sunday, Aug. 29 AMN Healthcare Theater.
Address: 12400 High Bluff Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92130

12 p.m.  "A  Faraway Village" (95 min.)

Q&A with filmmakers Kuangwen Wu and Ping Cao

A college student majoring in art desires to pay off her college debt by teaching students. She goes to the Nuodeng Village with her students and together they set up a cultural and historical exhibition

2 p.m. "The Rain in the Spring" (93 min.)

Q&A with filmmakers Wei Liu and Yinuo Wang

A teacher's abilities greatly inspire a talented student 

4 p.m. "Haohao Makes Havoc in Wordless City" (85 min.)

An animation based on Chinese word charaters. Bugdevil sends Word Soldiers to Wordless City waiting for Haohao and his friends, who find the three treasures to get Word Machine repaired.

 For more film festival information, visit www.sdchildrensfilm.org or  e-mail infor@maeya.org;  or call (310) 541-8040