Dedicated to kids ages 2 to 18, Big Eyes, Big Minds (BEBM) aims to educate, enrich, and inspire through passionate storytelling and vibrant filmmaking.
The BEBM international film festivals showcase diverse and imaginative films from around the globe to broaden world-views and stimulate critical thinking. By engaging kids with well-made and enjoyable films, we aim to cultivate film appreciation and inspire creative expression through the craft of filmmaking.
BEBM works closely with schools and
cultural institutions to bring thoughtfully curated film programmes to young people in diverse communities in Asia and the United States.
In 2018, BEBM connected thousands of children, youth, parents, and educators in both Singapore and St. Louis (USA) to the best animated, live-action and documentary shorts from over 30 countries.
BEBM was founded in 2010 by film and television writer/director Mabel Gan who was inspired by her own child's response to film. The Singapore International Children's Film Festival is the first and only children's film festival in Singapore.
In the U.S., Big Eyes, Big Minds is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. It aims to fulfill its mission to educate, enrich and inspire kids through the International Children's Film Festival of St. Louis.
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
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