New York International Children’s Film Festival 2026 Returns: Three Weekends of Global Cinema, Where Childhood and Light Intertwine

The New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) has officially announced that the 2026 festival will take place from February 28 to March 15, offering exciting screenings across three weekends at multiple partner venues in New York City. Under the theme “Childhood in Light and Shadow, Resonance with the World,” this edition brings together the finest new films from around the world suitable for audiences aged 3 to 18 and above, committed to presenting diverse cultural perspectives and creating an immersive viewing experience and expressive space for young audiences.

Opening Spotlight: Global Premiere of Disney·Pixar’s All-New Animation “Hoppers”
The festival’s opening film will prominently feature the all-new animated comedy-adventure Hoppers, a collaboration between Disney and Pixar. The story follows animal lover Mabel (voiced by Piper Curda), who uses new technology to “hop” her consciousness into a lifelike robotic beaver, enabling direct communication with animals. As she explores the wonders of the animal world beyond imagination, Mabel befriends the charismatic beaver King George (voiced by Bobby Moynihan) and must unite the entire animal kingdom to confront a human threat posed by the smooth-talking local mayor, Jerry Generazzo (voiced by Jon Hamm). The film boasts a star-studded voice cast, including Kathy Najimy, Dave Franco, and Meryl Streep.

Special Screening: “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain” Member-Exclusive Event with Director Q&A
This year’s festival will also specially screen the animated adaptation of author Amélie Nothomb’s autobiographical novel, Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (Note: This film is not part of the official competition section). Presented in a unique animation style by directors Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han, the film tells the story of young Amélie in post-war Japan, who, through forming a deep emotional bond with her family’s housekeeper, Mr. Nishio, gradually discovers the beauty of nature and the hidden truths beneath her family’s idyllic life. This visually stunning work tenderly and profoundly explores the healing power of human connection.

Ticketing Information and Festival Passes

Member Priority Sales: Starting January 31, 2026 (16mm-level members receive a 5% discount on all tickets; 35mm-level and above members receive a 10% discount)

Public Sales: Starting February 4, 2026

General Screening Tickets: $17 (covers most in-person screenings)

Special Event Tickets: $20 (includes Opening Night, Festival Highlights, and screenings with director Q&A sessions)

Festival Pass: Starting at $185 (pass holders gain access to all festival events)

Focus on Diversity and Inclusion, Amplifying Young Voices
As an Oscar-qualifying annual film festival, NYICFF is dedicated to elevating the voices of historically underrepresented communities, providing a platform for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, and disabled artists to showcase their work, and allowing young audiences to see their lives reflected on screen. In addition to screening approximately 100 short and feature films, hosting conversations with international filmmakers, and conducting audience voting, the festival fosters an environment that genuinely respects children and encourages them to express their views. Festival awards are determined by audience votes, with weighted consideration given to ballots from viewers under 18.

In-Person Gathering, Childhood Celebrated
All screenings and events for this year’s festival will be held in person across February 28–March 1, March 7–8, and March 14–15 at various partner venues in New York City. The curated selection of films will also form the core of the festival’s year-round follow-up activities, continuing to provide high-quality artistic experiences for young audiences.

From monster movies to oceanic adventures, from papaya seeds drifting in the wind to the little philosophies of growing up—New York International Children’s Film Festival 2026 looks forward to meeting every curious heart.