Programmers' Picks: Megan Garbayo-López

Bob Trevino Likes It

Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo give such tender performances in this unconventional buddy film about chosen family. A perfect one-two punch of gentle comedy and tearjerker that can be enjoyed by teens and adults alike. A perfect family trip to the movies!

Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds

This sumptuous French animated film captivated my heart and I haven't stopped thinking about it. It reminded me of how I felt watching Hayao Miyazaki films as a child—totally swept up in the magic, adventure, color, and relatable girl heroines. This film is great for the entire family!

Empire Waist

This hilarious comedic romp about an insecure fat girl with a hidden passion for fashion is a breath of fresh air that will leave you wheezing with laughter. Perfectly capturing the awkwardness of adolescence and the healing power of statement outfits, this film is actually the first film I have ever seen with two fat characters who are best friends. Wild, right? This film deftly holds space for so many identities and intersections in a totally natural and deeply hilarious way. Tweens, teens, and parents will love this film.

We Can Be Heroes

This is one of the best documentaries I have seen in a long time! It follows quirky youth campers at a LARPing camp Live-Action Roleplaying) in the Hudson River Valley. As the kids gear up for their three-day LARPing event by creating characters and costumes, the audience gets a peek into the lives of passionate, creative, and deeply human youngsters who find solace and belonging on the battlefield. The combination of character study, teenage awkwardness, and epic footage of the big event makes this film a crowd-pleaser for the entire family.

Where is Anne Frank

This beautifully rendered animated film from the director of Waltz with Bashir is a great conversation starter for young people who are learning about the history of the Holocaust. With a timely message of "Never Again," new audiences will discover Anne and her story through the eyes of her charismatic imaginary friend, Kitty. It's hard to strike a tone about a serious topic that is accessible to youth, and Where is Anne Frank does this masterfully. This film is appropriate for folks ages 10 and up.