WHAT'S ON
Join us for a fantastic line-up of events for all the family, with arts and crafts, a film playground and animation activities, each accompanied by a film from around the world.
Our events are held in the big hall of Bromley Central Library and in libraries around the UK.
EVENTS
HALLOWEEN
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We always look forward to the start of Autumn, mainly because that means Halloween is around the corner! For our first event of the season we are bringing out our doll's house and decorating it to house witches, bats and other spooky creatures. Join us on Saturday 26 October for a special Halloween event with crafts and animation followed by a screening of Mary and the Witch's Flower.
CINEMINI - A FILM PLAYGROUND
At Small World Cinema we know that film has a major influence on how we see ourselves and the world around us. As the early years are so important for development, how can we make film watching more meaningful for our children? Small World Cinema is responding to this question with Cinemini, a specially designed film event for young children with short films, free play and activities to inspire creativity and curiosity.
Cinemini events offer a moving image 'playground' with short films and creative play activities for children between 3-6 years old. The programme gives children (and parents) the opportunity to discover the diverse world of film and experience the wonder and awe that the moving image can bring. By watching, playing and talking, we want to stimulate the development of creativity and critical thinking and spark a love for film.
Our Cinemini programme is supported by Film Hub London, managed by Film London. Proud to be a partner of the BFI Film Audience Network, funded by the National Lottery. www.filmlondon.org.uk/filmhub.
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INTO Film Festival | Slapstick with live piano
We are very excited to take part in the Into Film Festival this year, the UK's largest film festival for children. On Monday the 9th of December we are presenting our unique slapstick event with live piano from world renowned silent movie pianist John Sweeney. Before the screening, pupils will learn about early cinema and make their own Victorian optical illusion toys. Experience death defying stunts and classic slapstick gags in Buster Keaton's film 'One Week' in which Buster and his new bride try to build a flat-pack house sabotaged by his enemy.
Schools and home educating families can book tickets via the Into Film website. Please check with your school to find out whether they have secured tickets.
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Games & Family fun with Team Marco
Bring your Grandpa/Grandma to the Cinema! Put down your devices and head over to our inter-generational event on Sat 25 January where we encourage you to play some wacky games and bond with family and friends just like our main characters in the warm-hearted film Team Marco.
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Cine-minibeasts
On Saturday 22 February 2025 we celebrate the creepy crawlies that are so important for life on our planet. Children can investigate insects under the microscope which will be projected onto the screen or make their own beautiful shadow play beetles, bugs and butterflies.
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From Europe With Love
We finish our programme on Saturday 29 March 2025 with the return of our day-long mini film festival celebrating stories and films from the continent.
From Europe With Love will feature films, shorts, a giant live animation activity and of course our delicious European tea party...
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WORKSHOPS
SPEEDY TOTORO DRAWING WORKSHOP
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Join Lucy McGeown from London Drawing Group as we draw the magnificent Studio Ghibli characters from My Neighbour Totoro. In this class Lucy will be guiding you step by step in drawing the classic scene when Totoro, waiting for the bus in the rain, meets young Satsuki for the first time. We recommend parents join children in these sessions as it is a lovely activity to share together!
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Duration: 1 min
Recommended ages: 7 -12
MAKE YOUR OWN GIFS​
In this workshop with London-based graphic designer Devi Acharya you will learn the basics of making a 6-frame gif using freely available software online. From simple hand-drawn designs to combining digital graphics and photography, you will create three eye-catching gifs that express your personality perfect for sharing with friends. Workshop templates here.
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Duration: 5 mins
Recommended ages: 6+
ANIMATE YOUR MER-FRIEND
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Watch a merman come to life in this short animation and workshop by a Sasha Langford. Join her in Portugal as she reveals the best ways to make a life-sized animation with your friends using stop-motion animation techniques.
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Duration: 3 mins
Recommended ages: all ages (with adult supervision)
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FILM POSTER COLLAGE WORKSHOP
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Get inspired by Russian film posters such as Man With A Movie Camera (Dziga Vertov, 1929), choose your favourite film and follow this fun workshop video and make your own masterpiece film poster from newspaper and magazine cut-outs! With thanks to Laura Kloss from Lightbox Cinema. Workshop templates here.
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Pre-Recorded
Recommended ages: 8+
Duration: 3 mins
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