The mission of Big Eyes, Big Minds (BEBM) is to educate, enrich, and inspire kids, ages 2 to 18,
through original, imaginative, and well-crafted films.
The festival aims to increase film appreciation and media literacy in an increasingly screen dominated world. At Big Eyes, Big Minds, we celebrate and explore film as an impactful medium for telling stories, broadening world views, encouraging critical thinking, and developing creative expression.
BEBM works closely with schools and
cultural institutions, including National Gallery Singapore, National Museum of Singapore, and the Asian Civilizations Museum, to bring thoughtfully curated film programs and workshops to young people in diverse communities.
Each year, BEBM connects thousands of children, youth, parents, and educators to the best animated, live-action and documentary films from around the globe.
BEBM was founded in 2010 by filmmaker, educator, and mom Mabel Gan, who was inspired by the joy and learning that films brought to her young son.
Here's what some good folks have to say about US:
A Bit Lost
(France)
"The best children's films and books have one thing in common - the ability to capture a child's imagination through good storytelling. My children loved the films at Big Eyes, Big Minds, especially watching characters from their favorite books come alive on screen.”
- Eliza Teoh
Author of the Ellie Bellie series
“When you think of childrenʼs films, think of the unsurpassed learning value of reading with your child, telling stories, and spending time just chatting with your child. Attend the Singapore International Childrenʼs Film Festival to see some of the wonderful, imaginative new films available, and get going watching and talking with your child”.
- Dr. Susan Fedo
Wheelock College, School of Early Childhood Education
Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes
(UK)
Spring Jam
(New Zealand)
"The short films shown in each age-appropriate programme were unique in the style of story-telling and in the values and ideas they convey. You don't find such qualities in mainstream films for children. Exposing my son to these films will help him to express himself in his own writings."
- Irene Low
Psychologist