There may be slim pickings for children's fare at chain theaters, but East Lansing will host more than 90 films from 13 countries in 14 programs this weekend.

The seventh annual East Lansing Children’s Film Festival runs through Sunday and kicks off today at 4:30 and 7:00pm at NCG Cinema-Eastwood Towne Centre (at Lake Lansing Road and US 127) with When Zachary Beaver Came To Town. The film, not rated yet, has content similar to a PG rating and runs 88 minutes.

Based on the award-winning novel, When Zachary Beaver Came To Town is the coming-of-age story of 12-year-old Toby Wilson (Jonathan Lipnicki) who, during one unforgettable summer in his tiny Texas town, meets Zachary Beaver, finds that his mother is leaving home to become a country/western singer and learns what tragedy, friendship, adventure, loyalty and faith can mean.

"Passionate and humorous, heartbreaking and uplifting, this is a wonderful film," says Jerri Puerner, festival director. "We will welcome special guests, including actor Jonathan Lipnicki and director John Schultz." In one session, Jonathan will answer questions from the audience about the film and his career.