If you often complain about how few films there are oriented toward families, you'll be pleased to know that for this weekend and next, at the 20th Annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival (CICFF), you have more to choose from than you'll probably have time to attend. As expected tickets are in strong demand and at the cost of only $6.00 for children and adults, they are selling fast, so please buy your tickets through www.ticketweb.com or by telephone at 1-866-468-3401.

All films are shown on Saturday and Sunday, October 25-26 and November 1-2. There are two components to the festival, first, of course, are the films and the other the workshops, on things such as clay animation, acting and camera work. The clay animation workshop runs on October 25 and 26 from noon to 4pm. This eight hour workshop is targeted at children ages 11-14. They will create their own clay animation figures, design a story and movie set as the team gets things moving with a short film that will be shown on the second weekend of the festival. The cost is $75.00.

Cinematographer Alan Thatcher ("Stir of Echoes") will teach a 90-minute workshop on filmmaking skills on Saturday, November 1st, aimed at youngsters ages 8-14, at a cost of $15.00,

The Acting Out workshop focuses on auditioning for roles, getting into character and working with directors and crews. Sunday, October 26 from 1-2:30, also for ages 8-14, fee $15.00.

For youngsters who are 2-5 years old, the film "The Zoo Crew" introduces them to various members of the animal kingdom from around the world. "A Walk on the Wild Side" is based on the popular series "Where The Wild Things Are," which turns 40 this year. This fun event begins with a screening of films based on Maurice Sendak's books, followed by a party with cake and other trimmings.

"Extreme Kids" is aimed at children aged 9-12 with stories about "attitude." These kids will go to any extreme to make their statement about life. There is dancing in the street, some Houdini action, rebuilding a bike out of a junkyard throwaway, a boy who decides he will not take out the trash and a girl who chooses sainthood as a way of dealing with sibling rivalry.

If your children just want to be entertained or they hope to one day entertain others with a career in film, don't miss this once a year opportunity to see the best in children's films. For more information on the schedule and location of the screenings and workings go to www.cicff.org.