The Providence Children’s Film Festival’s (PCFF) 17th Annual Festival will take place in libraries, museums, and schools all over Providence from February 13 – 22, 2026.

A much anticipated celebration of local, regional, national and international film for youth and families, the Festival takes place during February public school vacation at the Gilder Center at the Wheeler School, the Community Libraries of Providence’s Mt. Pleasant branch, the Chase Auditorium at the RISD Museum and the beautifully renovated 1200-seat Hope High School auditorium. Full schedule and reservations can be found at providencechildrensfilmfestival.org.

2026 Festival Film highlights include 3 Oscar Award nominees!

PCFF is pleased to share that two Festival films are 2026 Golden Globe nominees, and have just been nominated for Best Animated Feature by the American Academy of Motion Pictures! ARCO and LITTLE AMELIE OR THE CHARACTER OF RAIN are both French produced animated films with English voice actors. Both films have garnered awards at some of the most prestigious European festivals and now are up for consideration for the highest American award.

Joining them in the Oscar hunt is the short film FOREVERGREEN, nominated for an Academy Award for Best Short Animated Film, which audiences will find in two of PCFF’s shorts reels; "Be Strong, Be Kind" and "Solving and Evolving".

U.S. Premier + Sneak Peek Films!

PCFF is proud to host the U.S. premieres of two live action feature films. The Spanish film LEO & LOU just had its international premiere in November at the Black Nights Film Festival in Tallinn, Estonia. The Kazakh film SPARK will begin its American film journey with its premiere with PCFF.

PCFF is also hosting an official sneak peek of the animated feature THE POUT-POUT FISH prior to its nationwide release on March 20th. This adventure animation is based on the very popular children’s book and features the voices of actors Nick Offerman and Amy Sedaris. If you asked him to narrow it down, the Pout-Pout fish would probably say he has two main problems: everyone and everything! But when adventure calls, this reluctant hero is thrown into the deep end and comes face to face with his own insecurities.

Films of Special Note!

Screenings of special note include Charlie Chaplin’s THE GOLD RUSH which turns 101 years old, and still hits the funny bone just right. The Hungarian film I ACCIDENTALLY WROTE A BOOK will inspire any young writers out there. TOMORROW I WILL BE BRAVE from Germany will remind viewers of what Junior High was really like…cringe! And the inspiring and engaging documentary FUTURE COUNCIL follows a group of young climate enthusiasts whose infectious passion for the environment helps counter their eco-anxieties.

Finally, nine thematic short film programs fill out the festival schedule, including "Be Strong Be Kind," "Let’s Get Animated," "First Impressions," and "Solving and Evolving."

The 2026 Youth Filmmaker Showcase will take place at Hope High School on Monday, February 16. This juried showcase features short films made by aspiring filmmakers aged 5-17 from around the world!

The Opening Night Celebration: ARCO!

The Festival’s opening night will take place on February 13, 2026 at 6pm at Hope High School, 324 Hope Street Providence where the Golden Globe and Oscar nominated film "ARCO" will be screened, along with a selection of short films, drinks and light bites, live music by Royer’s One Man Band, and open stop motion animation play.

More Than Just Films: Workshops & Tasty Cinema, Skating & Family Dinner!

In addition to film screenings, the Festival offers educator-led stop motion animation workshops for youth ages 9-12, and drop-in animation activities for all ages, to channel film-watching inspiration into hands-on filmmaking opportunities.

Expanding audience’s appreciation of lifestyles around the globe, PCFF brings the flavors of the Festival’s films to film-goers with "Tasty Cinema". Attendees are encouraged to experience a culture or locale depicted on film that day through sampling one of our freshly made regional soups. This year guests can expect to sip delicious flavors from Hungary, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Catalonia, Israel, and South Africa. Naturally, bottomless fresh popcorn is also on the menu!

Inspired by PCFF’s 2026 original silk screened poster, featuring a evening skating and movie party, PCFF has partnered with The Providence Rink to bring families together for an evening skate downtown during the Lumina arts opening on Thursday February 19! Free skating for PCFF ticket holders! (Skate rentals not included.)

On Sunday, February 15, gather with PCFF at Track 15 for a family dinner and film-related activities for the whole family! Special family friendly menu suggestions will be available from the array of Track 15 restaurants. No reservations needed. Attendees will purchase their own meals and drinks. Drop in film-related activities are free!