
Animated Family Shorts: Me and Magical You
Synopsis
Audiences of all ages will enjoy these stories about companionship between characters navigating wild worlds. From fantastical to familial, this collection offers a colorful look into the push and pull of close camaraderie. Featuring works by Justine Aubert, Cassandra Bouton, Grégoire Callies, Maud Chesneau, Anna Danton, Loic Girault, Gatien Peyrude, Justine Raux, Sera Mun, Malin Neuman, Alex Weight, Shiqi Xiao, Ignas Meilūnas, Ruihan Zhang, Wenzi Shan, Xingyi Chen, Laurine Bocquet, Ilona Caucal, Inès Fechner, Jahnice Laurent, Sarah Robert, Emma Roussel, Kevin Vandenbeuck, and Clara Chan.
Without any dialogue, Shellfish (Coquille) (France) shows how a loss can lead to a gain when a hermit crab makes a new friend after losing his shell. Bouncing from one reality to the next, Hana undergoes a kaleidoscopic and kinetic adventure in This World Is a Soda Can We Are Shaking It (South Korea) after an explosion interrupts a music festival. A brave child and her loyal otter friend embark on a mission to save the girl’s hometown from a water crisis in the calm and inspiring Mû (Germany). Venturing into the heart of true friendship, Alone (Australia) follows a lonesome robot facing a tough decision after creating a companion for itself. In the spirit realm of Reunion (China), little Yuan Yuan falls into the hands of a powerful deity who offers to grant her greatest desire. When two friends spend a winter day ice skating on a lake, they encounter a surprise that teaches them to overcome their fears in the delightful Hoofs on Skates (Lithuania). When an old man mistakenly discards a precious memento, a faithful raccoon makes it his mission to return it in the innocent and heartfelt So Long Memories (China). A bunny facing his fear of the dark makes an otherworldly discovery in the enchanting and picturesque As the Sun Goes Down (France). And a heartfelt conversation between an immigrant mother and her daughter comes to life in the colorful and compassionate Have I Swallowed Your Dreams (Canada).
This screening is relaxed and family friendly. Young film enthusiasts are welcome and should feel free to talk or move about the space as needed. If you have questions email access@chicagofilmfestival.com.
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This World Is a Soda Can We Are Shaking It [short film]
Synopsis
At a summer music festival, a galactic burst leads to new dimensions. Two friends thrown apart by the blast try to make their way back together in this brilliantly prismatic short.
This film screens as part of the Family Animated Shorts: Me and Magical You program.
Film Credits
- Sera Mun
- Sera Mun
- Jueun Park
- Jimin Jeon, Kyouman Kim
- Korea National University of Arts

By the Stream Suyoocheon
Synopsis
A retired director (Kwon Haehyo), now running a bookshop, is hastily hired to supervise a short play at a nearby university. He agrees at the behest of his niece (Kim Minhee), who is scrambling to replace the student director who was dismissed due to misconduct. Excited to reconnect, the two work with the student actors to write and stage a work of political theater that irks the school administrators.
Infused with a political edge, By the Stream finds great depth in simplicity. Using a spare plot, stripped down visual style, and a cast of his regular actors, director Hong Sangsoo (On the Beach at Night Alone, 2017) crafts a wistful meditation about regret, human connection, and the creative process.
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Film Credits
- Hong Sangsoo
- Hong Sangsoo
- Hong Sangsoo
- Hong Sangsoo
- Kim Minhee, Kwon Haehyo, Cho Yunhee
- Hong Sangsoo
- Jeonwonsa Film Co.
- https://www.cinemaguild.com/theatrical/bythestream.html

Broker (2022)
Synopsis
An overwhelmed new mother partners with two baby traffickers to find the perfect well-paying parents for her infant in this heartbreaking human story.
Kore-eda Retrospective
This film is part of the 60th Chicago International Film Festival’s Kore-eda Hirokazu Tribute and Retrospective program.
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Film Credits
- Eugene Lee
- Kore-eda Hirokazu
- Kore-eda Hirokazu
- Kyung Pyo Hong
- Song Kang Ho, Bae Doona, Lee Ji-eun, Gang Dong-won, Lee Joo-young
- Jae II Jung
- Miky Lee, Ho Sung Kang
- ZIP CINEMA
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Next Sohee Daeum Sohee
Synopsis
Sohee, an overachieving high schooler, is optimistic about her future. After accepting an internship at a call center, she’s thrown into a chaotic world of grueling hours, crippling expectations, and low pay. Under mounting pressure, she takes her own life. Police detective Yoo-Jin begins an all-consuming investigation into Sohee’s tragic death. This ripped-from-the-headlines social procedural is a gripping condemnation of modern working culture.