Tony, Shelly and the Magic Light – Schools Screening

Eleven-year-old Tony was born with a unique ability – he glows. His controlling parents try to keep him at home to protect him from the outside world. Before Christmas, a peculiar girl named Shelly moves into his house and turns his world upside down. For the first time, Tony has a real friend. He introduces Shelly to the fantasy world inside his pillow bunker and she shows him her secret treasure: a magical flashlight. With its light, they create amazing pictures and worlds that only they can see. They embark on an adventurous search for the origin of the mysterious tufts of darkness which suck the sunshine out of the house. 

With everything in the film entirely handmade, Tony, Shelly and the Magic Light is a truly inventive stop-motion animation influenced by the Czech tradition of puppetry. Its allegory for disability together with themes of acceptance and overcoming negative emotions make this a meaningful and touching film. An imaginative story about bringing light into the world, embracing your uniqueness and standing up for yourself.

Advisory

Bullying/humiliation, a house guardian spirit that feeds on light and could be a bit scary.

CfE: First and Second Level

Themes: Making friends, being different, self-acceptance, overcoming negative emotions, having different skills and strengths, being brave in the face of adversity, confronting overprotective parents, imagination as a means of escape, adventure, vulnerability and confidence.