MOVIE REVIEW : ‘Too Many’ a Treat for Kids, Parents Alike

“A Festival of Films and Storytelling,” a program for children, screens Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Westside Pavilion. It is composed of five short films based on the short stories of Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, author of “Pippi Longstocking.” Two of them were directed by Daniel Bergman, the son of Ingmar Bergman, and all are shorter than 30 minutes. This event is a presentation of the Children’s Film and Television Center of America, the Swedish Information Service and Svensk Filmindustri.

If the 27-minute “One Jump Too Many,” the only film available for preview, is any indication, parents as well as children are in for a treat. Set in the beautiful Swedish countryside, it is a cautionary tale of warmth and delicacy.

Towheaded Albin (Markus Astrom) and dark-haired Stig (Ramses Ericstam) were born two days apart, and their proud mothers have unwittingly set them up to be fierce competitors even before they were old enough to walk. By the time the boys are 9, they’re ready to prove their bravery to each other and to their pals by jumping off a barn roof. Naturally, their mothers wonder where they ever got such a foolish idea.

In its charming way “One Jump Too Many,” which screens at 11:35 a.m., is a perfect vignette, directed by Johanna Hald with an unfailing sense of proportion and detachment that allows her to convey Lindgren’s serious point on the evils of competition with a disarming humor. There’s a pastoral beauty, a love of nature and people that recalls the rural idylls of Jean Renoir.

The other films are Staffan Gotestam’s “Sweet Pea” (10 a.m.), Daniel Bergman’s “Good Night, Mr. Vagabond” (10:45 a.m.), Bergman’s “Brenda Brave” (12:20 p.m.) and Goran Carback’s “My Very Own Sister” (1:10 p.m.). Each film will be introduced by a storyteller. Information: (213) 743-8632 or (213) 470-2154.