With a continued focus on international children’s film and filmmaking, the fourth annual Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival for Children kicks off April 20 with the world premiere of The Impossible Elephant from Canadian director Martin Wood.

Closing the festival is the Canadian premiere of Cao Hamburger’s award-winning film Ra-tim-bum Castle.

Screening as a special presentation is King of the Hill from Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh.

Maurice Sendak’s Little Bear: The Little Bear Movie will screen as part of the Reel Rascals program (a returning program for kids aged four to eight).

Sandwiched in the middle of the nine-day event is the family weekend program, consisting of films from around the world and behind-the-scenes workshops (April 20-22 and April 28-29), and Sprockets school screenings (April 24-27). Combined, the two programs will showcase 18 features and 33 shorts, representing 20 countries and 16 languages.

For the first time, Sprockets presents an industry event designed to advance its support of children’s productions. Created in partnership with the Rogers Industry Centre, the event brings together key Canadian producers and filmmakers with their international counterparts.

This year, the festival also introduces the new Sun Life Financial Short Film Award, selected by a jury made up of three children aged 10-12. Returning awards include The Il Fornello Young People’s Jury Awards, the YTV Silver Sprocket and the Toronto Sun Animation Award. *

-www.e.bell.ca/filmfest/sprockets2001