(Photo: via Brooklyn Academy of Music)

While we don’t usually cover kid stuff, we can’t ignore the great 14th annual BAMkids film festival, a wholesome and fun treat for both children and parents alike.

Many parents may find children’s television and mainstream films shown in theaters questionable in subject matter and morals, though a festival curated by Brooklyn’s own cultural giant BAM is easy to trust: 73 films from 26 different countries will be crammed into the weekend of February 4th and 5th, covering important themes such as familial bond, courage and self-discovery, portrayed in delightfully fun and clever ways and from a myriad of cultures.

The festival, says BAM director of Education and Humanities department, is “offering families even more choices and opportunities to see films that provide a high quality alternative to what is usually available on television or at the local multiplex.”

One notable film making its New York debut is Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, based on the book by best-selling children’s author Mo Willems.

In addition to film, live performances including music and puppetry will take place each day - on Saturday, Oran Etkin’s “Timbalooloo: Touch of Genius” and on Sunday “Pasta! A Pop Up Puppet Musical” - at BAMcafe.  The BAM lobby will house activities such as face painting, movie-making and other fun activities that go beyond the act of watching a film.

After watching, children are given the chance to vote on their favorite film in categories such as best: feature, animated short, live action short and short film for 2-5 year-olds, presenting an opportunity for reflection on what they just saw; encouraging critical thinking along with a chance to learn how the films were made, the audience will be able to speak with directors following many of the screenings.

Most features run around 75 minutes, with shorts programs running between 60 and 75.

The films, ideal for audiences ages 2-10, will all be screened at BAM Rose Cinemas. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $9 for children 12 & under and seniors, and $7 for cinema club members.  Full schedule information, as well as tickets available for purchase, are available on BAM’s website.  60 Lafayette Avenue, Fort Greene.