Press room

Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov 

The Barbican’s popular Family Film Week returns this October half term with the best children’s films from around the world, including special previews, new releases and classics, alongside activities, introductions and special events.

Hola Frida! (U*) – Sat 25 Oct

• Animal Friends Shorts Programme (U*) + pre-film Small World Cinema activity – Sun 26 Oct
• The Legend of Ochi (12A) + intro – Mon 27 Oct
• Tara Franks + Animated Adventures (U*) – Tue 28 Oct
• Library Rhyme Time + Zog (U) – Wed 29 Oct
• The Secret of Kells + Éiru (PG*) – Wed 29 Oct
• Relaxed Screening: Bad Guys 2 (U)+ Villainous Film Quiz – Thu 30 Oct
• E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (U) + intro – Thu 30 Oct
• Little Ghost Laban: Back Again (U*) + spooky decorations – Fri 31 Oct
• Tales from the Magic Garden (U*) – Sat 1 Nov
• Kpop Demon Hunters (PG) – Sat 1 Nov
• Special Preview: In Your Dreams (PG) – Sun 2 Nov 

The fun kicks off on Sat 25 Oct with Hola Frida (Canada/ France 2025), a beautiful animation about the legendary artist Frida Kahlo, and her childhood growing up in Mexico. Having screened at festivals around the world, this delightful film is a joyful introduction to the world of this renowned creative and feminist icon.

The programme continues Mon 28 Oct with the stunning fantasy adventure The Legend of Ochi(US 2025), set in an island village in which an isolated young girl named Yuri is raised to fear an elusive animal species known as ochi, but when she discovers a wounded baby ochi has been left abandoned, she escapes on a quest to bring him home.     

Tue 28 Oct sees  Tara Franks + Animated Adventures Shorts Programme, in which parents and toddlers are encouraged to sing and move to the beat with Tara Franks, the creative force behind Tots Tunes. She has selected a range of international music  guaranteed to get all generations dancing, which will then be followed by a curated programme of toddler friendly short films from all over the world. 

The Secret of Kells (Ireland/France/Belgium 2010) screens Wed 29 Oct and is Cartoon Saloon’s first feature from 2010, followed by Éiru, their latest short film, an enchanting story exploring the balance and understanding between humans and the natural world.   

On Thu 30 Oct, Family Film Week heads back to the early 1980s with a special screening of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (US 1982), Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece has been programmed to complement The Legend of Ochi (screening earlier in the week). This is an opportunity for younger audiences to see this Oscar winning classic on the big screen, and enjoy its universal story of growing up, understanding, tolerance, and learning to say goodbye.

Further programme highlights include The Bad Guys 2 (US 2025) + on stage Villainous Film Quiz, a chance to catch up with the latest adventure from the not-so-criminal criminals; Tales from the Magic Garden (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia 2025), a beautiful stop motion animation about family and the healing power of the imagination; and the phenomenally successful K-pop Demon Hunters (US 2025), a dynamic, action-fueled animation with the  catchiest songs on the planet!

There’s also the specially curated Animal Friends Shorts Programme, three new animations about animals and their unlikely friendships alongside an activity from Small World Cinema; and Library Rhyme Time, a fun session of singing along to story books and the best nursery rhymes, complemented by a screening of the hit animation Zog (UK 2018), about a young dragon who is keen to learn how to fly, based on the Julia Donaldson classic

Family Film Week closes on Sun 2 Nov with a special preview of Netflix’s animation In Your Dreams (US 2025). Set in a limitless dream world, this follows the adventures of 12-year-old Stevie and her 8-year-old brother Elliot, who discover a magical picture book that says the Sandman can make any dream a reality. This enjoyable comedy drama sensitively navigates family anxieties as well as having the perfect blend of humour, adventure and heart. 

Susie Evans, the Family Film Week Curator, says: 

“This October half term, we’ve put together a smorgasbord of films and activities designed to invite little ones to young teens into our cinemas to enjoy the big screen experience. We hope that audiences will enjoy our mix of new releases, international festival hits, classics to revisit and specially curated shorts programmes – alongside books, games and self-led activities in the cinema café all week.”   

Screenings and Events:

Sat 25 Oct    

Hola Frida (U*)
Canada/ France 2025, Dirs Karine Vézina & André Kadi, 82min
Sat 25 Oct, 11am 
Cinema 2

Our first film in Family Film Week 2025 is a gorgeous new animated story of Frida Kahlo’s early life in Coyoacan, Mexico. 

Based on the book Frida, c’est moi, by Sophie Faucher and Cara Carmina, this sparkling tale takes its inspiration from the artist’s childhood and how young Frida Kahlo’s tenacious resilience and imagination lead her on a powerful creative journey. 
Age suggestion: 5+

Son of Godzilla (PG)
Japan 1967, Dir Jun Fukuda, 85min
Sat 25 Oct, 1pm 
Cinema 2

A family screening of a Kaiju classic, screening in partnership with the Barbican’s season All Kaiju Attack: Earth SOS! this is an opportunity to introduce young cinephiles to classic characters, special effects gone-by and the joys of an old-school monster movie!

Once again, humanity’s meddling with nature leads to disaster, as scientists seeking to control the weather unleash a dangerous horde of giant insects. Before the film starts, the curators Alex Davidson and Susie Evans, will give a short Kaiju inspired introduction and test the audience’s monster knowledge!
Age suggestion: 9+ 

Sun 26 Oct 

Small World Cinema presents Matchbox Habitats
Sun 26 Oct, 10.30am
Cinema Cafe

We’re delighted to welcome Small World Cinema to the Barbican for the first time! Founder of SWC, Saskia van Roomen, will be in the Cinema Café before the screening, helping the audience get creative to make mini animal habitats inspired by today’s films. 

+ 11.30am Animal Friends Shorts Programme (U*) 
Animals and their unlikely friendships take centre stage in this shorts programme curated especially for Family Film Week. 

Capybaras 
France, Chile, Dir Alfredo Sodeguit 10min 
A family of Capybaras hiding from local hunters, find unexpected refuge in a nearby chicken coop. Based on his award-winning picture book, director Alfredo Sodeguit, has created a striking story of how accepting others enriches us all.

Head in the Clouds
France 2024, Dir Rémi Durin, 11min 
Painterly visuals tell the story of Alphonse, a plucky squirrel, who loves to photograph clouds but sometimes the animals around him don’t understand his hobby. 

The Drifting Guitar
Switzerland 2025, Dir Sophie Roze France, 30min
A travelling weasel who sells neckties is constantly wandering from place to place, but when she ventures into the forest and meets a friendly hedgehog, they discover a lost guitar and their destinies are changed forever. 
Age recommendation: 5+

Mon 27 Oct

The Legend of Ochi (12A) + intro
US 2025, Dir Isaiah Saxon, 95min
Mon 27 Oct, 1.45pm
Cinema 2

Set on a remote village on the island of Carpathia, Yuri has been raised to fear ochi. But, when she discovers a wounded baby ochi who has been left behind, she escapes on a quest to bring him home. 

With influences ranging from My Neighbour Totoro, The Dark Crystal, The Black Narcissus and  E.T. The Extra-terrestrial, director Isaiah Saxon has created a charming and jaw dropping world, mainly using practical effects in a refreshing departure from Computer Generated Images (CGI). 

With a short introduction from curator, Susie Evans, to talk a bit about the film and its influences. 
Age suggestion: 9+

Tue 28 Oct 

Tara Franks + Animated Adventures Shorts Programme (U*)
Approx total event runtime: 60min
Tue 28 Oct, 10.30am
Cinema 2

We’re delighted to welcome back Tara Franks, the creative force behind Tots Tunes. She’ll take us through the paces of music she’s picked out from all over the world to get us dancing and shaking to the beat! Followed by a specially curated toddler friendly selection of international short films, perfect for young audience members in the early stages of their big screen adventure.
Age suggestion: 3+

Film programme:
Animanimals: Woodpecker
Germany 2024, Dir Julia Ocker, 4min
A woodpecker finds a musical solution to a problem.

First Flight
Germany 2025, Dir Adrian Jaffé, 3min
A beautiful stop motion about learning to fly in unusual ways.

Baby Bee’s Boot
UK 2024 Dir David Eden 5min
A baby bee loses his boot in an enchanted garden, filled with rhymes, songs and nature. 

Animanimals: Mammoth 
Germany 2024 Dir Julia Ocker 4min
A family of woolly mammoths form an unlikely friendship with a crab.

Hoofs and Skates
Lithuania 2025, Dir Ignas Meilūnas, 12min
A piglet and a cow overcome their fears when they learn to skate on an icy lake – but what lurks underneath? A lovely stop motion with charming humour and beautifully made models. 

Wed 29 Oct

Library Rhyme Time + Zog (U*)
UK 2018, Dir Max Lang & Daniel Snaddon, approx total event runtime: 60min
Wed 29 Oct, 10.30am
Cinema 2

Come along for a fun, relaxed session of singing, clapping and chatting along to the best nursery rhymes and story books – all led by Adenike Johnson, the Barbican’s children’s librarian. And after that, settle back into your cinema seat for a screening of the much loved Julia Donaldson story of Zog, an accident prone dragon training hard to be the best student in his class – a gorgeous treat on the big screen.
Age suggestion: 3+

The Secret of Kells + Éiru (PG*)
Ireland/France/Belgium 2009, Dirs Tomm Moore & Nora Twomey, 71 min 
Éiru
Ireland 2025, Dir Giovanna Ferrari, 12min
Wed 29 Oct, 2pm 
Cinema 2

Cartoon Saloon’s first feature from 2009 on the big screen, followed by their latest short film Éiru. In The Secret of Kells, twelve-year-old Brendan lives in the Abbey of Kells, a remote medieval outpost under siege from raiding Vikings. One day a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying an ancient but unfinished book, brimming with secret wisdom. This beautiful beginning to Cartoon Saloon’s folktale trilogy is a visually ravishing masterpiece. 

And in Éiru, Cartoon Saloon’s enchanting new short film, a young girl is desperate to be a part of her warrior clan’s fights, but when she volunteers to discover why the water in their village has dried up she learns that being a champion can take many forms. 
Age suggestion:8+

Thu 30 Oct

Relaxed Families: The Bad Guys 2 (PG) + on stage Villainous Film Quiz
US 2025, Dir Pierre Perifel & JP Sans, 104min
Thu 30 Oct, 11am 
Cinema 2

After the events of the first film, The Bad Guys are attempting to re-enter society and get honest jobs, but the arrival of an audacious new super-villain known as the Phantom Bandit throws suspicion their way. Soon Mr. Wolf and his pals are drawn into a high stakes heist that could bring down not only the gang, but the entire planet. With wall to wall wise-cracks, fast-paced action and zippy animation – this sequel is an absolute blast, not to be missed on the big screen! 

Before the screening starts, we’ll be hosting our annual Villainous Film Quiz to find out how well you know your cinematic scallywags!

Please note: this will be a relaxed screening in an environment that is specially tailored for a neurodiverse audience, as well as those who find a more informal setting beneficial. 
Age suggestion: 6+

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (U) + intro
US 1982, Dir Steven Spielberg, 115min
Thu 30 Oct, 2pm
Cinema 2

To complement our Monday screening of The Legend of Ochi, we’re screening one of the films that influenced it, giving audiences the opportunity to introduce young ones to the iconic Spielberg classic. 

When a young alien accidentally gets left behind on Earth and is befriended by a local boy, Elliot, the pair form a strong friendship that is tested to its limits. The climactic bicycle flight accompanied by John William’s soaring score is one of the most exhilarating moments in cinema history and a must see on the biggest screen possible!

With a brief introduction from curator, Susie Evans, about E.T. The Extra-terrestrial and other films it connects to. 
Age suggestion: 6+

Fri 31 Oct

Little Ghost Laban: Back Again! + Spooky decorations in the foyer
Sweden 2024, Dir Lasse Persson, 44min
Fri 31 Oct, 10.30am
Cinema 2

This charming anthology of stories is an adaptation of popular books from Sweden and introduces audiences to Laban – a young ghost who is afraid of the dark.

Living in Gomorronsol Castle with his family and the royal owners is hard for Laban because however much he tries to haunt people, he only ends up scaring himself!

And after the film – why not stick around in the foyer and get creative? We’ll provide you with some spooky bunting sets to colour-in and decorate to take home with you. 
Age suggestion: 4+

Sat 1 Nov

Tales from the Magic Garden (U*)
Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia & France 2025, Dir Patrik Pass Jr Jean-Claude Rozec, 71min
Sat 1 Nov, 11am
Cinema 2 

This gorgeous stop motion animation is a beautiful exploration of family bonds and the healing power of imagination. 

When three siblings go to stay with their grandpa, soon after their beloved grandma has passed away, Susan – the middle sister – becomes the family storyteller. During her stay, she weaves three wonderful tales of magic, friendship and courage that bring joy and connection into their family life again. An utterly charming animation that celebrates creativity and its power to connect us to those we cherish.
Age suggestion: 5+

Kpop Demon Hunters (PG)
US 2025, Dir Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, 100min
Sat 1 Nov, 1.15pm 
Cinema 2

If you’ve not experienced the phenomenon that is KPDH, or even if you’ve viewed it 100 times already - now is your chance to live it out on the big screen! 

Kpop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey use their secret identities as demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together, they must face their biggest enemy yet – a rival boy band of demons in disguise. This fun, energetic animation is full of snappy one-liners, bubble-gum vibrance and the catchiest songs that will leave you singing long after the film has finished. 
Age suggestion: 8+

With thanks to Netflix

Sun 2 Nov 

Special Preview: In Your Dreams (PG)
US 2025, Dir Alex Woo, 91min
Sun 2 Nov, 11.30am
Cinema 2

A preview of a brand new animation set in a limitless dreamworld – an end of school holiday smasher! 

Stevie and her younger brother, Elliot, magically journey into the world of dreams in search of The Sandman, the fabled figure who promises to make their wildest dreams come true. Along the way, they discover that as long as they have each other, they can overcome anything—even their worst nightmares.

This fantastic animation sensitively navigates family anxieties as well as having a perfect blend of comedy, adventure and heart. Featuring the voice talent of Simu Liu, Craig Robinson, Cristin Milioti and Omid Dajalili – this special preview an unmissable half term treat! 
Age recommendation: 7+

With thanks to Netflix