LEWISTON — The Maine Jewish Film Festival and the Public Theatre will present a free screening of the World War II family adventure film “Belle and Sebastian” at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Public Theatre.

The French film, which won the Grand Prize at the New York International Children’s Film Festival, is set in the French Alps during WWII and tells the story of a resourceful boy and his dog.

“Belle and Sebastian” will be shown in English and is appropriate for ages 8 and older. Children younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Admission is free but tickets are required and can be obtained by calling 207-782-3200 or by visiting www.thepublictheatre.org.

“We are excited to be able to offer this film presentation in Lewiston during school vacation week,” said MJFF Artistic and Executive Director Louise Rosen. “We think the film’s story offers a message of compassion and courage that will resonate in today’s world and is a good way to acquaint Mainers with the 2016 Maine Jewish Film Festival, which will run March 12-16 in locations throughout Maine, including at Bates College on March 12 and 13.”

The Maine Jewish Film Festival is a nonprofit organization that provides a forum for the presentation of films to enrich, educate and entertain a diverse community about the global Jewish experience. FMI: www.mjff.org.