🎬 On Screen 2026

The Films 2026 Lineup

Eight incredible animated short films from six countries β€” chosen to spark imagination, giggles, and wide-eyed wonder in children aged 5–12.

8 Films
in lineup
6 Countries
represented
74 Minutes
of films
5–12 Recommended
age range
Kuap film still
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡­ Switzerland ⏱ 7 min 38 sec
Kuap
Directed by Nils Hedinger

A tadpole somehow misses out on becoming a frog and is left behind, alone. But there is much to discover in the pond and spring is sure to come again next year. A little story about growing up.

Buzz film still
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ United Kingdom ⏱ 10 min
Buzz
Directed by Andrew Brand

On a prairie millions of miles from home, a grumpy space farmer is having trouble with one of her hive: a robot bee called Buzz that keeps going rogue. After failing to reprogram the mischievous bee she follows him into the belly of a volcano and discovers something that will change life on Mars forever.

9 Million Colours film still
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡Ώ Czech Republic ⏱ 15 min
9 Million Colours
Directed by BΓ‘ra Anna

Stop-motion underwater musical. The ocean is a paradise for Fran the shrimp β€” her deadly claws take whatever they desire. For the blind fish Milva, it's a daily fight to survive. Fran sees her as beautiful and wants her to see the ocean the same way. Can they overcome their differences? There will be singing, involuntary organ donation, and looking for love.

Bats & Bugs film still
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡­ Switzerland ⏱ 11 min
Bats & Bugs
Directed by Lena von DΓΆhren

Deep in the jungle, life follows its usual course β€” until a streetlamp is lit in the night and insects go crazy, drawn to the light. A little bat pup rescues a firefly, a fly, and a moth from the dangerous spell. When the bat pup injures itself protecting them, the insects are immediately at its side to help. What luck!

The Girl with the Occupied Eyes film still
πŸ‡΅πŸ‡Ή Portugal ⏱ 7 min 54 sec
The Girl with the Occupied Eyes
Directed by AndrΓ© Carrilho

A girl wanders through the city, countryside, and beach β€” always clutching a phone she never looks up from. Along the way she meets a bear, dolphins, pirates, and an alien. Everyone tries to capture her attention, but she's indifferent to everything. After a brief space trip she lands in a circus and climbs a roller coaster β€” where the phone finally slips from her hands.

Peter the Beetle film still
πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡ͺ Estonia ⏱ 9 min
Peter the Beetle
Directed by Meelis Arulepp

A bittersweet story about a small bug named Peter who dreams of performing in front of a large crowd at the zoo. He leaves home determined to make his dream come true. Unfortunately, due to his tiny size, he goes unnoticed by the people. But all ends well β€” back at home, Peter finds his own audience, who appreciate him for exactly who he is.

Eureka film still
πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Belgium ⏱ 9 min 54 sec
Eureka
Directed by Kris Borghs

An extraterrestrial duo travels the universe to share their advanced technological brilliance with less… gifted civilisations. On one particularly peculiar planet, things do not go quite according to plan. What follows is pure, award-winning comedic chaos β€” genuinely funny for every single age in the room.

Wolf film still
πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ Germany ⏱ 4 min
Wolf
Directed by Julia Ocker

The wolf is wandering through the woods, trying to find a peaceful spot to practise his secret hobby. But then a spectator shows up in the bushes. A charming and funny short from German animator Julia Ocker.

How We Choose Our Films

Every film in our programme is hand-picked by Milli with one question in mind: will this make a child's eyes light up?

We look for films that are visually rich, emotionally honest, and genuinely funny β€” stories that respect young audiences and trust them to feel something real. We select films from festivals around the world including Clermont-Ferrand, Annecy, Berlinale, and more.

Films run between 4 and 15 minutes, making for a varied, pacy programme that keeps even the youngest viewers completely captivated.

🌍

From Around the World

Films from Switzerland, the UK, Czech Republic, Portugal, Estonia, Belgium, and Germany.

⏱

4–15 Minutes Each

Short enough to hold attention, long enough to tell a proper story. Perfect for ages 5–12.

πŸ’¬

Accessible for All

Many films are dialogue-free or have simple English titles. Great for all ages and backgrounds.

βœ…

Fully Family-Friendly

No scary content, violence, or adult themes. Curated specifically for young audiences.

Come See Them on the Big Screen!

Tauranga Β· 9 July 2026 Β· Graham Young Youth Theatre Β· Sessions at 10am & 1pm

🎟 Get Tickets β€” from $8pp