The whole family will enjoy the story of Paddington, a young Peruvian bear who travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven. But Paddington will need to learn more about people, both good and bad, and have many adventures before he really has a home to call his own.
So what’s the Jewish connection? Michael Bond, Paddington’s creator, was inspired by the influx of thousands of Jewish children into London before World War II. As a child, Michael Bond watched a group of these children arrive at the train station in the town of Reading, and years later, he recalled the profound impact the sight made on him. So while Paddington can be appreciated by young audiences for its charm, it can also be seen as a testimony to the endurance and character of refugees everywhere.
Craft activities will be available and pizza will be served.
This program is made possible by the Edward H. Daveis Benevolent Fund of the Maine Community Foundation.
MJFF thanks its program partners: the Jewish Community Alliance, PJ Library, and the Levey Day School.
“Charmingly funny and shamelessly punny.” Roger Ebert
“An adorable protagonist & laugh-out-loud gags.” Washington Post
FILM DETAILS
Family / Dir: Paul King / Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters / 2015 / UK / 95 min
Free family event
12:30: Craft and family activities – pizza will be served. The film begins at 1:00 PM. The craft and family activites are in partnership with the JCA, PJ Library and Levey Day School.
