Sirocco et le royaume des courants d'air

Echoes of everything from Little Nemo in Slumberland to The Wizard of Oz to Howl’s Moving Castle hold this animated French fantasy aloft. When an author of children’s books babysits her friend’s two young daughters for the weekend, she’s just pulled a writing all-nighter and needs a nap. Unsupervised, the girls promptly tumble into trouble — somehow entering the world of their minder’s fictional creations. There, Carmen and Juliette ally with ethereal singing star Selma as they flee the realm’s mean mayor and his Goodie Gobblers. The trio is wary of the great sorcerer Sirocco, whose moods are literally stormy…but he may also be the key to the kiddies — who’ve magically transformed into kitties! — getting home. Charming and surreal, this vividly colored whimsy finds our wee heroines coping with various bizarre perils as if naturally suited to it. As Selma says, “Adventure is like riding a bike — you never forget.” (Mill Valley Film Festival)