No recycled ogres or animals allowed

Parents seeking an alternative this summer to Hollywood’s overly familiar offering of green ogres, talking penguins and clever rats might want to head downtown to REDCAT in Disney Hall for its second annual International Children’s Film Festival.

Curator Elizabeth Shepherd says the festival (which runs weekends through June 24) offers a terrific way for children “to experience film as an art form.” She’s particularly excited about a program spotlighting animator Michael Sporn (the next three weekends) that includes his Oscar-nominated William (“Shrek”) Steig adaptation short “Dr. DeSoto.”

Pixar fans, meanwhile, can whet their ratatouille appetite by indulging in a retrospective of the animation studio’s shorts (three weekends beginning Saturday), which contains its first creation -- and future mascot -- “Luxo Jr.” along with Oscar winners “Tin Toy,” “Geri’s Game” and “For the Birds.”

Kids number among the filmmakers too. On June 16, the Young Animators Showcase highlights the work of L.A. County middle schoolers who participate in a CalArts/Sony Pictures Media program.

Animation, however, doesn’t totally rule the festival. The “Legends, Fables and Dreams” program (the next three weekends) features a re-imagining of “Little Red Riding Hood,” and the prickly comedy “Mr. Vinegar and the Crossword” shows up in the “Amazing Journeys and Joyful Noises!” series this weekend.

REDCAT executive director Mark Murphy proudly heralds the festival’s international scope. Its 40-plus films originate from 15 countries, providing audiences with a window to the world -- and not just another mass-marketed trip to far, far away.

--

REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival, REDCAT at Disney Hall, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. Through June 24. (213) 237-2800; www.redcat.org.