The 14th Kodomotachino Kinder Film Festival takes place Aug. 4-6 and Aug. 8-13 at Hino City on the outskirts of western Tokyo and at Aoyama's Round Theater, aiming to introduce high-quality films to children.

In addition to screenings of children-friendly films such as "Pingu," lesser known films from around the world will also be screened such as the Latvian animation short "Skudrulauva" and Ali Vazirian's "Once Again Rain," a film about a boy waiting for the rain so that he can use his new umbrella bought for him by his mother.

This year's festival also includes a workshop on clay animation and a workshop led by Anita Killi, the award-winning director of "The Hedge of Thorns." Voice over screenings (with films shown with live voiceovers from actors) will allow even young children unable to read subtitles the chance to enjoy films.

The festival takes place Aug. 4-6 at Hino City Hall (Satellite Venue), 1-12-1 Shinmei, Hino City, a 15-minute walk from Hino Station on the Chuo Line, and Aug. 8-13 Aoyama Round Theatre, Kodomo no Shiro 3F, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, a 10-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station's East Exit. Admission to Hino City Hall is free and for Aoyama Round Theatre admission is 500 yen for children (aged 3-17) and 700 yen for adults. For more information in English or Japanese, including the full schedule, visit www.kinder.co.jp