A new program for kids — Cinema Circus — is coming from the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival. The children’s cinema offerings will precede the festival’s established summer film series screenings at 8 p.m. every Wednesday in July and August at the Chilmark Community Center.

Besides the weekly 5 p.m. kids’ film, Cinema Circus will feature the talents of local circus performers, face painting, live music, activities for the whole family, and pizza provided by the Scottish Bakehouse, all under a circus tent on the Chilmark Community Center lawn.

Festivities culminate in the screening of a children’s film programmed by Chicago International Children’s Film Festival founder Nicole Dreiske. The films for kids include award-winners from around the world and will be followed by a group discussion and kids’ Q & A. Ms. Dreiske will be on hand to for opening night, July 1.

Chilmark resident, art teacher and mother Lindsey Scott, is the artistic director of Cinema Circus. “Our intention is to engage children in the active process of watching, thinking and questioning what they see on the screen and how it makes them feel,” said Ms. Scott.

Executive director Thomas Bena calls Cinema Circus the next logical step in the growth of his popular film festival.

“MVFF’s progression is organic and focused on fine-tuning our events and reaching more people in our community

Cinema Circus tickets are $5 for kids, $6 for adult festival members, and $12 for non-members.

For details, call 508-645-9599 or visit online tmvff.org.