THIS July school holidays the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia is celebrating big screen heroines with a program of empowering, female-driven family films for all ages.

From newer characters like Rey in “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens” to old friends  like Alice, the NFSA is offering “fantastical stories that will inspire and enthral, as female leads take charge of their own adventures.”

All sessions are at noon.

The full program is as follows:

Tuesday, July 5,  Spirited Away (2001, PG)  Legendary animator Miyazaki’s most celebrated film follows a 10-year-old girl who discovers her new town is a secret magical world of gods, witches and spirits.

Wednesday, July 6, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens(2015, M)  Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises.

Thursday,  July 7, repeat, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens(2015, M)  Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises.

Friday, July 8,  Lilo & Stitch(2002, G) A Disney animated feature about an alien monster that accidentally finds itself the adopted pet of a Hawaiian girl.

Wednesday, July 13, Alice in Wonderland (2010, PG) Nineteen-year-old Alice (Mia Wasikowska) returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure. There she learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen’s reign of terror.

Thursday, July 14, Bambi(1942, PG) With beautiful animation following the seasons and friendships traversed by the brave little deer, Bambi on the big screen is an experience not to be missed.

Friday, July 15, Howl’s Moving Castle (2004, PG)Sophie is cursed by the horrible Witch of the Waste, who transforms her into a 90-year-old woman. Seeking a cure for the spell, Sophie travels to the Wastes with her new friend Howl, owner of an amazing walking castle.

“Heroines in Charge”, Arc cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, Acton.  Tickets $8 at nfsa.gov.au/calendar/?startdate=2016-07-05&type=heroines-charge