The CinéSchool Film Selection for the 2025-2026 school year features a diverse lineup of Frenc-speaking films tailored to various age groups, from elementary school to high school. Each film is accompanied by engaging educational resources to enhance your students’ learning experience.
Included below is detailed information about each film, including available viewing dates on the streaming platform FestivalScope, synopses, themes, age recommendations, and content advisories. Please note that the online screenings take place on weekends, and students are required to watch the films individually or in a group setting (for group project) at home on their tablets or computers.
To ensure access, registration is required as there is a limited number of views per screening. You can also find those information in French in the booklet, or on FestivalScope’s website.
Directed by Jean-François Laguionie, 2011, 1h16, France-Belgium**Available for viewing on FestivalScope from Sept. 26-29, 2025**Age 10 & up | In French with English subtitles | Watch the trailerThemes: Painting/Art, Class differences, Discrimination, Tyranny, Stereotypes, Initiatory quest, Artistic creation, Forbidden loveIn French with English subtitles
In this wryly inventive parable, a kingdom within a painting is divided into three castes: the impeccably colored Alldunns, the incomplete Halfies, and the barely outlined Sketchies who are treated as outcasts. Chastised for her forbidden love of the dashing Ramo, Claire runs away into the cursed forest. Ramo and his friends journey after her, crossing over the boundaries of the forest only to arrive at the very edge of the painting – where they tumble through the canvas and into the Painter’s studio. The abandoned workspace is strewn with paintings, each containing its own vividly animated world and characters – and in a feast for both the eyes and the imagination, Ramo, Lola, Quill and Magenta explore picture after picture, in a quest to discover just what the Painter has in mind for his creations. *Please note: One scene shows an artistic nude character (a painting), inspired by Matisse, coming to life and speaking. It also includes a few scenes of confrontation between painted characters.
Directed by David Alaux, 2017, 1h37, rated PG, France**Available for viewing on FestivalScope from Oct. 24-27, 2025**Age 6 & up | In English with French subtitles | Watch the trailerThemes: Adoption, Self-affirmation, Family ties, Martial arts, Teamwork
Maurice may look like a penguin but he’s a real tiger inside! Raised by a tigress, he’s the clumsiest Kung Fu master ever. Along with his friends, The Jungle Bunch, he intends to maintain order and justice in the jungle, as his mother did before him. But Igor, an evil koala, wants to destroy the jungle once and for all, helped by his army of silly baboons… The Jungle Bunch to the rescue! *Please note: The film features action scenes with light violence (falls, blows, captures, scares). No characters are seriously injured, and the tone remains humorous.
Presented in partnership with Occitanie Films and TAT Productions as part of the Fête du cinéma d’animation.The filmmaker, David Alaux, will participate in the interactive exchange on Padlet.
Directed by Sophie Farkas-Bolla, 2023, 1h29, Canada (Québec)**Available for viewing on FestivalScope from Nov. 7-11, 2025**Age 11 & up | French, Ojibwa, English, with English subtitles | Watch the trailerThemes: First Peoples/Indigenous peoples, Canadian history, Colonization, Racism, Forced displacement, Illness, Journey of initiation, Deforestation
On a cold winter day in 1940, Jules moves in with his family at the home of his uncle, mayor of a settler village in northern Quebec. Due to a rare skin disease, he has no friends. So his biggest wish is to get well. When his dog Flagrant flees into the forest, Jules has no choice but to get away from his house to find him. Along the way, he meets Asha, a mysterious indigenous girl. Together, they will venture to the other side of the forest, where nature is full of life and secrets. *Please note: The film deals with sensitive themes linked to the history and culture of Indigenous Peoples, including references to colonization, racism and forced displacement. It also includes a scene of violence against these populations.
Presented in partnership with le Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie du Québec and Québec Cinéma.
Directed by Caroline Attia, Ceylan Beyoğlu, Olesya Schchukina, Haruna Kishi, Camille Alméras and Natalia Chernysheva, 2024, 1h10, France-Germany**Available for viewing on FestivalScope from Dec. 5-8, 2025***Age 4 & up | In French, English, with English subtitles | Watch the trailerThemes: Sharing, Cooperation and, solidarity, Christmas, Winter, Nature, Tolerance, Generosity
Enchanting stories unfold in “Animal Tales of Christmas Magic”, where festive wonders come to life. Delve into these heartwarming and modern tales as animals embark on spellbinding journeys from France to Japan to the Far North and its northern lights, spreading joy and generosity. Each story is a whimsical adventure filled with charm, laughter and the beauty of the winter season. Let the poetry captivate your heart and transport you to a world where Christmas magic knows no bounds.
Directed by Alexandre Heboyan and Benoît Philippon, 2014, 1h25, Rated PG, France-Canada**Available for viewing on FestivalScope from Jan. 23-26, 2026**Age 8 & up | In French with English subtitles | Watch the trailerThemes: Courage, Freedom, Search for self-identity, Responsibility, Self-sacrifice, Overprotection, Tolerance, Old age and grief
As legend has it, the first Guardian of the Sun threw a harpoon into the cosmos and roped the sun to bring light and warmth to all of humanity. Then the Guardian of the Moon lured the moon to the Land of Darkness to provide a balance to the sun and supply the world with dreams. At a momentous ceremony to appoint the two new guardians, an accident seems to occur; the heir apparent is passed over, and the title Guardian of the Moon is bestowed on the waif-like Mune, a small and frightened forest faun who seems wholly unprepared to take on such a weighty responsibility. This news excites Necross, the nefarious ruler of the Underworld, a corrupted ex-guardian who decides to take advantage of Mune’s weakness and steal back the sun for himself. Now it is up to unlikely hero Mune and his friend Glim – a headstrong young girl with wax for skin – to save the sun and restore order to the world. Don’t miss this breathtaking new adventure from the producers of The Little Prince. *Please note: Some of the dialogue initially suggests a stereotypical view of female characters, but Glim’s character asserts herself as courageous and essential as the male heroes.
Directed by Cheik Doukouré, 1994, 1h30, France-Guinea**Available for viewing on FestivalScope from Feb. 6-9, 2026**Age 14 & up | French and Malinké with English subtitles | Watch the trailerThemes: Africa (Guinea), Football (Soccer), Training, Poverty, Immigration, Solidarity, Determination, Tradition and modernity
In the heart of Guinea, 12-year-old Bandian, known as “Turbo Makono” for his lightning speed, dreams of soccer stardom. Gifted a genuine leather ball by a visiting French doctor, Bandian’s journey kicks off as he flees to Conakry, the capital. There, his remarkable talent catches the eye of scouts, propelling him onto the national team. With his eyes set on the horizon, Bandian is determined to chase his soccer dreams to the fullest. The film is freely inspired by the life of Malian footballer Salif Keïta, the first African to win the Ballon d’Or, in 1970.*Please note: The film contains some colloquial or coarse language, references to alcohol and the prison world, as well as sensitive cultural elements (polygamy, a local slaughterhouse, mention of slavery, drag).
Directed by André Kadi and Karine Vézina, 2024, 1h22, France-Canada**Available for viewing on FestivalScope from March 20-23, 2026**Age 7 & up | In French and Spanish with English subtitles | Watch the trailerThemes: Frida Kahlo’s childhood, Illness – disability, Mexican culture, Difference, Creativity, Resilience, Inclusion
It’s the story of a little girl who is different. Her world is Coyoacan, Mexico City. Sparkling, vibrant, everything interests her and when difficulties arise, she faces them with an overflowing imagination. This little girl is called Frida Kahlo! Based on the book Frida, c’est moi (text by Sophie Faucher and illustrations by Cara Carmina), published by Edito. *Please note: Some scenes (school bullying, illness, accident) may be unsettling for younger viewers, but they are handled with sensitivity and highlight Frida’s strength.
Directed by Dominique Othenin-Girard, 2022, 1h27, Switzerland-France**Available for viewing on FestivalScope from April 24-27, 2026**Age 13 & up | In French with English subtitles | Watch the trailerThemes: Adolescence, Time travel, Mother-daughter relationship, Parental absence, Traditional Swiss festival, Self-discovery, Discovery of the world of adults, Lies
13-year-old Colombine, runs away from home and from a conflictual relationship with her mother to look for a father she has never met. Her quest takes her to travel through time and she finds herself thrown into the middle of a gigantic live-show, the Fête des Vignerons… Dazzled by surreal surroundings and stuck in a strange adult world, she can only rely on her wits and her heart to find her way. *Please note: The film sometimes contains explicit language, references to alcohol consumption, and allusions to adult themes. Part of the story takes place in locations linked to wine culture.
Presented in partnership with The Embassy of Switzerland in the United States.
Directed by Arnaud Demuynck, Célia Tocco, Célia Tisserant, Frits Standaert and Pascale Hecquet, 2020, 52 min., Belgium-France**Available for viewing on FestivalScope from May 8-11, 2026**Age 4 & up | In French with English subtitles | Watch the trailerThemes: Food chain, Nutrition, Baking, Food, Folk song, Japanese storytelling
An amusing look at the food chain, how to make your own muffins and why some people overeat. An adaptation of a comical Japanese tale and a new take on an old French song. In addition to your five fruit and veg a day, here are five tales that our Cinema Owl has cooked up for you, with a pinch of that special magic that only animation can provide.
Presented in partnership with Wallonie-Bruxelles International.
Photo credits: Le Tableau © 2011 Gkids – Blue Spirit Animation – Be Films – Blue Spirit Studio – Sinematik – France 3 Cinema – Rezo Productions – RTBF; Les As de la Jungle © 2017 Shout! Factory – TAT productions, SND – Groupe M6, France 3 Cinéma, Master Films; Jules au pays d’Asha © Bêtes lumineuses, Terre Innue, Coop Vidéo de Montréal; Le Grand Noël des animaux © 2024 Arte France – Les Valseurs – Luftkind Filmverleih – Gaoshan Pictures – Le Bureau; Mune : Le Gardien de la Lune © 2014 Gkids – Onyx Films – Orange Studios – Kinology; Le Ballon d’or © Rialto Pictures – StudioCanal; Hola Frida ! © 2024 – Haut et Court Distribution – Tobo Media – Du Coup Studio – Production Maison 43; Colombine © Dreampixies – Coupains Production; La Chouette en toque © Les Films du Nord.
Curated by Nathalie Charles, Program Officer, in charge of CinéSchool.
Nathalie Charles | Program Officer nathalie.charles@villa-albertine.org | phone: 929-505-0841