The BIFF Kids Film Festival continues today at the Liberty Theatre. The main feature 'War/Dance' about three child refugees using music to get over their war traumas is on at 1.30 p.m.

Here are some of the other highlights.

KINDERTOONS 1 10.30 a.m

CHARLIE AND LOLA: These simply-drawn cartoons follow the daily trials and tribulations of four-year-old Lola, told through the eyes of her older brother Charlie. This reviewer put it to a tot test in his own household and was given two thumbs up with repeat requests coming long after the review copy went back. While it is not hilarious as the blurb claims, this English effort does neatly cover some of the problems children deal with and how they learn to cope while registering high on the charm scale with Lola's crispy clear accent authentically reproducing child-speak, such as when she borrows her best friend's fluffy coat: "It got a bit slightly lost."

I AM AN ANIMAL: This Irish production is a winner all round. Again sparsely drawn but visually appealing it's a format so simple it is surprising we haven't seen it more - an animal introduces itself and explains how he lives. It's subliminally educational - e.g. the child learns without being preached to (indeed adults might learn one or two things) and the whole thing is utterly engaging. We meet a goofy home-loving beaver, a vain zebra as well as a cow and an elephant. My only quibble was there were some better episodes on the review copy than the four chosen for this showing - but worry not, we might well see some more of these next year.

BEST OF WORLD SHORTS: (Ages 6 and up) 12 noon

FUMI AND THE BAD LUCK FOOT: This American effort might find a funny bone among many a sadistic child but adults might well be put off by the sight of a small girl repeatedly shrieking in pain. What were they thinking?

CARROT: A plasticine effort from Estonia involving a rabbit messing about in the snow which takes seven minutes to watch but no doubt took months and months to make.

HARD BOILED CHICKEN: This classy Dutch effort manages to achieve what all good cartoons must do - create an atmosphere within seconds to hold you in its grip. Visually appealing and amusing, it's a winner.

LA PLUME ET L’ELEPHANT: This excellent Canadian effort also immediately snares you with its mystique and simplicity as a motorist comes face to trunk with a very intractable elephant on a mountain pass.

THE BOY WHO HAD NO STORY:A tale about a journey across Ireland.

ARNIE AND THE DOUGHNUT: I'd defy anyone not to love this tale about a delicious doughnut who gets a shock when he realises he faces the fate of being stuffed in the face of the man who bought him and so desperately bargains to be spared. The pair hatches various plans to put Arnie to good use. A delightful piece of whimsy with some laughs along the way, 'Arnie the Doughnut' will leave you hungry for more.

BEST OF WORLD SHORTS: (Age 9 and up) 4.30 p.m.

MARE CAPOEIRA: This Brazilian tale follows ten-year-old Joao who is determined to master Capoeira - a strange ritualistic dance with elements of fighting. Backed by primitive instruments by an apparent small band of multi-racial bypassers it involves a lot of handstands and head rolls as well as a bit of headbutting. It's all quite baffling but well worth a look. Beautifully shot with some marvelous street scenes as well as stunning sunsets and beach scenes Mare Capoeira is pecularlialy haunting and poignant.

AMAL:A great reminder of how others live, 'Amal' is the story of a bright young Moroccan girl with dreams of being a doctor. But getting to school involves a trek for miles and not everyone in her family believes educating girls is really necessary. Could well be an eye-opener for reluctant students here about how lucky they are.

PRIA: Enjoyable and witty piece about a 15-year-old South Asian girl determined to assimilate in North America by losing her accent and winning the affections of a stranger she has loved from afar. 'Pria' features a classic twist in the tale and is all very sweet.

RAPPING AT FEAR: A gritty documentary about a 13-year-old Columbian boy determined to make it in the rapping world despite threats from fellow-slum dwellers in the Bogata neighbourhood where his family was forced to move to when militia men threatened their farm. This tale ably demonstrates how quickly childhood can be cut short when danger lurks.

SAHAR: BEFORE THE SUN: When the Taliban swept into Kabul in 1996 and tried to set the clock back hundreds of years most buckled but a few brave souls resisted. This film is about an 18-year-old whose family held secret lessons for girls after it was made illegal. With the Taliban circling the family fled to America where Sahar was able to resume her studies. Undoubtedly, it's a tale of triumph but seems to gloss over the inevitable sense of cultural displacement and comes over like something made for propaganda purposes.

RAMP: A likable Norwegian drama about a pair of surly brothers and their even more unappealing friend who have been debating who will be the first to drop from a ramp they have made. What's appealing about this tale is it's honesty about how appalling kids can be - yet still be lovable.