Our friends at the Square Eye Film Foundation are back again to share whānau friendly cinematic magic these school holidays.
See some of your favourite story characters come to animated life in five short films based on best-selling children's books by internationally acclaimed and very brilliant New Zealand author, Margaret Mahy.
THE MAGICAL WORLD OF MARGARET MAHY
Dir: Euan Frizzell, 1994, G, 50 mins.
THE THREE LEGGED CAT
Tom is a cat who would dearly love to see the world, but his peg-leg keeps him at home. Cyril doesn't want to give up his seafaring ways but if only he could keep his head warm! Mrs Gimble just wants to be left in peace with a cat who doesn't eat too much. Find out if their wishes come true in this tale of mistaken identity.
THE GREAT WHITE MAN-EATING SHARK
Norvin is a good actor, but rather plain. In fact he looks very much like a shark. See what happens when he turns this to his own advantage and comes up with a cunning plan to clear the water at Caramel Cove.
THE WITCH IN THE CHERRY TREE
One damp dull day David's mother is baking cakes. Everything is fine until a naughty witch comes to settle in their cherry tree. She just can't resist the smell of baking. A hilarious and mouth-watering story.
KEEPING HOUSE
Lizzie Firkin's house is a mess. The cat sleeps in the breadbin and cobwebs cling to the curtains. Lizzie has no time to tidy up – she is far too busy working at a famous nightclub, tap-dancing and playing the trombone. So one day Lizzie sends for Robin Puckertucker, the Wonder Housekeeper, and the result is quite a surprise to them both.
THE BOY WITH TWO SHADOWS
A little boy takes great care of his shadow. He is so careful with it that a witch notices him and gets him to look after her shadow while she goes away on holiday. But minding a witch's shadow turns out to be more complicated than you can imagine.
Booking Essential, Koha.
Presented with the generous support of Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission.
