PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — The Sundance Film Festival will soon become more child friendly.

Organizers announced plans Thursday to debut a program of independent films aimed at young audiences at the festival next month.

The Sundance Kids program will feature the world premiere of "Ernest and Celestine," a film about a mouse who forms an unlikely bond with a bear, and the U.S. premiere of "Zip & Zap and the Marble Gang," a movie about twin brothers who uncover a hidden secret at school.

Festival director John Cooper told The Salt Lake Tribune the new program is designed to give children eight and older an appreciation for independent film.

Sundance already conducts outreach programs for high school and college students.

The 2014 Sundance festival runs Jan. 16-24 with films, documentaries and shorts in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and at the Sundance Resort.

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