(TRENTON, NJ) -- On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the Trenton Film Society will present a special program for children 8+, in partnership with the renowned New York International Children's Film Festival. Celebrating Black Stories spotlights Black narratives that transcend national boundaries, culture, and language. With roots in history and tradition, these films share the joy, determination, resilience, and complexity of being young and Black while underscoring the vibrancy of Black storytelling.
The films include a wordless animated film, Hadu, about a young girl trying to reproduce her beloved grandmother's recipe for a Nigerian specialty. Through vivid memories of cooking together, she succeeds in re-creating a taste of home. Between screenings, one of our own board members, Adebisi Shofu, will show off her own culinary skills. Magic comes through again in Supa Hair, where a Dominican girl finds a strange comb after her mother's death that helps her bring back memories of her parent's loving touch.
In Yuri's Way of Enjoying Life [O Jeito Yuri de curtir a vida] we meet Yuri from Brazil. Yuri's parents came from the Democratic Republic of Congo and are very proud of their roots. He celebrates his culture by performing "La Sape," where men and women dress up elegantly and strut their stuff, with his favorite uncle and fashion mentor. Two films about friendship between unlikely couples are set in Los Angeles.
Struggling musician Amaru meets mischievous ball of energy Shai while performing at his local community center in Just One. When Shai's parents don't pick him up, Amaru is tasked with taking him home. If only Shai remembered where he lives. Andre makes even more unlikely friends in Bat Boy. Taking refuge from bullies under an LA underpass, He becomes fascinated by the resident bats. One day, when his beloved bats go missing, and Andre enlists the help of a jaded biologist to find out what happened.
These amazing short films from around the world are sure to inspire curiosity and conversation for viewers big and small. There will be two screenings, at 1:00pm and 3:00pm, at the Mill Hill Playhouse (205 E. Front Street) in Trenton, New Jersey. Tickets are only $5. Visit http://trentonfilmsociety.org for tickets and more information.
