The Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival for Children, now in its ninth season, aims to open the minds of youngsters and teach them to love film while embracing the diversity of different cultures. This year's festival, scheduled in Toronto from April 21-30, boasts its most prestigious and diverse program ever.

The North American Premiere of director Charles Sturridge’s Lassie, starring Peter O’Toole and Jonathan Mason, kicks off festivities with an after party to open the festival. Lassie herself is expected to walk down the red carpet to see her fans.

Sure to delight audiences is the Sprockets Special Presentations program that includes a work-in-progress print of Over the Hedge and feature films Akeelah and the Bee and Emmanuel's Gift. A Toronto Star Special Presentations pass costs $20 per child and $32 for adults.This pass allows its holder into all three screenings.

Children who are aspiring directors, editors, filmmakers or who like to make funny voices should check out the Film-Craft Workshops, where kids can also learn how to make a film in a day. This popular session teaches children the basics of filmmaking by informing them about positions on film crews and how camera, lighting and sound blend as one. Participants then take turns bringing a script to life and deciding how to edit it. They are all sent a DVD of their work after the festival.

In the Stop-Motion Pro Workshop (new this season)  children will learn the steps in creating a stop-motion film using a computer and props. Basic animation will be covered in a demonstration of the technology involved. After scripts are written and sets are built, the child will shoot his or her own film. Participants will receive a DVD of their efforts, and there will also be a screening of all the films created in the workshops.

The Cutting Edge course teaches children about FORscene technology, a new Web based editing program used by the pros. Kids will take unedited film and turn it into a final product suitable for viewing. An interactive discussion will teach the basics of editing with "before" and "after" screenings to show the differences. Participants are also given a guest account number so they can continue uploading and editing their own projects for a trial period.

The Atomic Betty-Voice-Over Experience is in partnership with Breakthrough Films and Television, the studio that crafts the Atomic Betty series. Participants will visit a sound studio to see how the series comes to life.They will also meet the voice behind the character (Tajia Isen) and learn how she creates the right voice for the character. Participants will then step into the recording booth and try their hand at voice-acting over clips.

Children from age 3-6 have not been forgotten by festival planners. These youngsters will surely enjoy the Reel Rascals series which includes The Little Polar Bear and the Canadian premiere of When Bob Becomes a Builder.

The closing night selection is Booky Makes Her Mark. In this appealing movie directed by Peter Moss and based on novels by Bernice Thurman, Booky (Tatiana Maslany) grows up during the Great Depression. Although she must rely on the school meal program, Booky makes the mistake of mocking the meals served to her. After being booted from the program, she doesn't get the right amount of nutrition. Her only solace? An English teacher recognizes her talent for writing. With Booky's health failing, her family has no choice but to send her to live with her aunt, a woman whose determination to do everything her own way gets Booky excited about writing again. Back in Toronto, Booky finds herself giving writing one last shot by entering the Toronto Telegraph’s writing contest, hoping this will prove to everyone and herself that she's a solid writer.

To make sure children who cannot afford to attend the festival have an opportunity to participate, The Pocket Fund was created. This fund depends on donations and is used to cover the cost of screenings and transportation as well as services for the hearing impaired. Those in need of Pocket Fund details or help should call Emily Scheer at 416-967-7371, extension 2219. 

For more information about the Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival, call the box office at 416-968-Film or visit the festival's official Website.

(Lassie poster: Copyright © 2006 Entertainment Distributors Ltd. All Rights Reserved)