Family Film Event

Belle and Sebastian

Sunday, April 10
Weinstein Auditorium, Wright Hall, Smith College, Northampton

Free pizza lunch and educational event from 12-12:30 PM.
Film screens at 12:30 PM.

The 2016 Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival presents a family film event with the screening of Belle and Sebastian, the inspiring story of an unshakeable bond between a boy and his dog set in the snowy French Alps during World War II. Based on the beloved 1965 children’s book, the film is a well-crafted outdoor adventure in the old school Disney tradition.

Before the screening, children and their families can meet three extraordinary service dogs and learn about how Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs and Reading Buddy Dogs are helping transform people’s lives across the Pioneer Valley.

King is a 7-year-old English Setter, a Grand Champion show dog, a certified Therapy Dog and a certified Reading Buddy dog at the Hilltown Charter School in Easthampton. King will be joined by Cynthia Hinckley, Executive Director of Bright Spot Therapy Dogs.

Miss Pie is a guide dog that visits public school classrooms on a regular basis. Miss Pie will be accompanied by Barbara Black, Early Childhood Coordinator for the Northampton Public Schools.

Aster is a therapy dog-in-training. She is a 10-month-old Standard Poodle, who will be accompanied by Nancy Jessup, a school counselor at Plains Elementary School in South Hadley. Nancy's previous dog, Ruby, went to work with her every day and became a beloved fixture in the school community.

Among the highest-grossing French films of recent time, Belle and Sebastian is a heartwarming tale that will thrill audiences of all ages. Winner of the Films4Families Youth Jury Award at the Seattle International Film Festival.

The film is appropriate for ages 9 and older, and will be shown in a dubbed version rather than the original French.

Co-sponsored by Circles for Jewish Living and Lander-Grinspoon Academy.