By Guest Blogger Kristi Johnson Marion

The 19th annual RiverRun International Film Festival will run March 30 – April 9, 2017, screening 151 films, over 11 days. Tickets are $6 (matinee screenings Monday-Friday until 5:00pm), $12 (regular screenings) and some screenings are free of charge. Students presenting a valid student ID while purchasing tickets in-person at the Stevens Center box office will receive a discount of $2 off film tickets (except matinees).

We have put together a fantastic line-up of FREE events for audiences of all ages for RiverRun Family Day 2017 on April 1st. Beginning with our popular Saturday Morning Cartoons program and ending with a screening under the stars, families and guests of all ages are encouraged to join the fun!

Saturday, April 1st

riverrun4Saturday Morning Cartoons
9:00am – Kids’ art activity with SECCA
10:00am – Films Begin

Sponsored by Salem Smiles Orthodontics
Hanesbrands Theatre
RATING: FM – For children ages 8 and up

Each year RiverRun presents our own version of Saturday Morning Cartoons to our young audiences. We search high and low for the best new animated shorts that we think will appeal to both children and parents alike. This year we have a wide array of films encompassing many different interesting animation techniques and stories. Our Saturday Morning Cartoons truly have a little something for all ages! Come early and join our friends from SECCA for hands-on interactive art-making activities from 9 – 9:45 AM before the show.

riverrun1“What Goes Up”
1:00 pm at Hanesbrands Theatre
Sponsored by Peppercorn at RiverRun

For ages 4 & up. This will take place right before the screening of the animated short “Stick Man.”

Two architects are at it again to find out who can build the sturdiest structure! Watch as they test their creations, and help them decide which building can stand up to the challenge and which building must come down. RUNTIME: 20 min.

riverrun2Stick Man
1:00 pm at Hanesbrands Theatre

Screening
Directors Jeroen Jaspaert and Daniel
UK / 2015 / 27 MIN. / ENGLISH
Sponsored by Peppercorn Theatre and Triad Moms on Main

Stick Man (voiced by Martin Freeman, a.k.a. Dr. Watson on BBC’s “Sherlock”) lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their three stick children. Join Stick Man on his incredible adventure across the seasons as he runs from a playful dog, gets thrown in a river, escapes from a swan’s nest and even ends up on top of a fire and other adventures along the way, finally encountering Santa (voiced by Hugh Bonneville aka Lord Grantham of “Downton Abbey”). Will he get back to his family in time for Christmas?

riverrun3Outdoor Screening – “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory”
Opens at 6: 30 p.m., film begins at 8 p.m. (or sunset) at Bailey Park

Sponsored by Mast General Store & Imprints Cares
Director: Mel Stuart
USA / 1971 / 100 MIN / ENGLISH
RATING: G

Enjoy a free outdoor screening of the beloved 1971 Gene Wilder film. The event will feature food trucks, Hoots Beer Company and Dewey’s Ice Cream. A limited number of chocolate bars from Twin City Hive will be given out, five of which will contain a “Golden Ticket!” Golden Ticket holders will receive fun prizes!

Willy Wonka, the world famous candy maker, suddenly announces that five lucky people will be given a tour of the factory and one will win a lifetime supply of Wonka Chocolate. Young Charlie wants to find a Golden Ticket more than anything in the world. Charlie and his beloved Grandpa Joe, join four other children and their parents to visit Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Five go in and only one will emerge the winner. Will it be Charlie?

riverrunlogoApril 8 – Additional FREE Family Fun at RiverRun

9:00am – Peppercorn Theatre at RiverRun presents “The Prop Shop Pop Up”

Join Peppercorn Theatre and Kaleideum for a pop-up maker activity from “The Prop Shop,” a new exhibit devoted to making and building your own stories! The Prop Shop offers a space for visitors to create puppets, props, costumes and more, all opening this month at Kaleideum’s Downtown campus.

Saturday Morning Cartoons
Sponsored by Salem Smiles Orthodontics
April 8 / Hanesbrands Theatre
10:00am – Films Begin

RATING: FM – For children ages 8 and up

If you missed our April 1st screening of Saturday Morning Cartoons, see it again!

*Sponsored by River Run International Film Festival