Lotte Reiniger spent three years cutting some 300,000 frames of paper silhouettes to make this Arabian Nights fable, one of the earliest animated features ever made and a century old this year. Film Forum's Jr. series shows it with live piano accompaniment from Steve Sterner. If you want to show a kid that animation didn't start with computers, this late-morning matinee is perfect.
What to expect
An hour-long silent feature with a pianist playing along, in a room full of families. The silhouettes and colored tints hold even young viewers' attention.
Good to know
- Film Forum is at 209 West Houston Street; the 1 train to Houston St is a block away.
- Film Forum Jr. is aimed at kids and families.
- Runs about 66 minutes.
- No reading required; the silent film uses intertitles, and the piano carries the mood.
- Members get a discount.
Going? Keep it.
Common questions
Is this good for young children?
It is part of Film Forum Jr., the cinema's family matinee series, and runs about an hour.
Is there live music?
Film Forum's listing notes live piano accompaniment by Steve Sterner.