Watch Kids' Reviews of
COLOR OF AUTUMN

I love the intention of this film with its racial and educational implications. One thing I like about this film is that it is narrated entirely from the actor's point of view, which is a unique and original way of telling the story.

Inspired by a true story, in 1966, a young Black girl, Dottie (Ramiyah DeGray), resides with her parents and grandmother in a comfortable neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Being part of a middle-class family and living in a harmonious community, the girl did not experience racial discrimination or the hardships of segregation. The warmth and love of her family provided her with a happy childhood. However, as she grows up and interacts with white people, she begins to witness the harsh realities of the world.

The grown-up protagonist, Adult Dottie (Zealyne Marchelle Williams), remembers bits and pieces of his childhood. The production is exquisitely made, using warm colors to contrast with the nostalgic images. The camera angles and video style create a captivating visual experience, while the high-quality video lends a calming effect to the overall viewing experience. The sets and locations perfectly fit the story and the era. The entire film is shot around the scenes of the main character's life and the locations were carefully chosen to match the overall effect of the movie. For instance, at the beginning, the house is surrounded by flowers and a brightly colored tree. As the film transitions back to the main character's childhood, the tone of the entire movie changes to a yellowish-gray color. This change in color tone is maintained throughout the rest of the movie. The background music is well chosen in this film, with a variety of selections that really enhance the mood from scene to scene. The ending music is particularly insightful. Kudos to director Aimiende Negbenebor Sela for tackling a difficult topic. The most impactful part for me is the moment when Dottie is subjected to malicious discrimination and her friend courageously stands up for her. Witnessing a friend standing up for what is right is truly heartwarming. It is a reminder that by supporting each other and speaking up against injustices, we can make a positive impact on the world. I feel this movie is an important one for children to watch because they may be subjected to stereotyping associated with their race, which can lead to discriminatory treatment by their peers, including behavior can be harmful. Educating children about discrimination is important, especially before they encounter it personally.

The film's message is about how there is brutal racism, not just in 1966, but even in our world today, but there are also people who are brave enough to stand up against it and speak up for their friends. Be aware that there is definitely an unsavory of nasty racism and use of the "n" word.

I give Color of Autumn 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Changyang L. and Julie S, KIDS FIRST!

I love the intention of this film with its racial and educational implications. One thing I like about this film is that it is narrated entirely from the actor's point of view, which is a unique and original way of telling the story.

Inspired by a true story, in 1966, a young Black girl, Dottie (Ramiyah DeGray), resides with her parents and grandmother in a comfortable neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Being part of a middle-class family and living in a harmonious community, the girl did not experience racial discrimination or the hardships of segregation. The warmth and love of her family provided her with a happy childhood. However, as she grows up and interacts with white people, she begins to witness the harsh realities of the world.

The grown-up protagonist, Adult Dottie (Zealyne Marchelle Williams), remembers bits and pieces of his childhood. The production is exquisitely made, using warm colors to contrast with the nostalgic images. The camera angles and video style create a captivating visual experience, while the high-quality video lends a calming effect to the overall viewing experience. The sets and locations perfectly fit the story and the era. The entire film is shot around the scenes of the main character's life and the locations were carefully chosen to match the overall effect of the movie. For instance, at the beginning, the house is surrounded by flowers and a brightly colored tree. As the film transitions back to the main character's childhood, the tone of the entire movie changes to a yellowish-gray color. This change in color tone is maintained throughout the rest of the movie. The background music is well chosen in this film, with a variety of selections that really enhance the mood from scene to scene. The ending music is particularly insightful. Kudos to director Aimiende Negbenebor Sela for tackling a difficult topic. The most impactful part for me is the moment when Dottie is subjected to malicious discrimination and her friend courageously stands up for her. Witnessing a friend standing up for what is right is truly heartwarming. It is a reminder that by supporting each other and speaking up against injustices, we can make a positive impact on the world. I feel this movie is an important one for children to watch because they may be subjected to stereotyping associated with their race, which can lead to discriminatory treatment by their peers, including behavior can be harmful. Educating children about discrimination is important, especially before they encounter it personally.

The film's message is about how there is brutal racism, not just in 1966, but even in our world today, but there are also people who are brave enough to stand up against it and speak up for their friends. Be aware that there is definitely an unsavory of nasty racism and use of the "n" word.

I give Color of Autumn 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Changyang L. and Julie S, KIDS FIRST!

Inspired by a true story, in 1966 Chicago a sheltered Black eight-year-old is blindsided by cruel and casual racism while play grounding with white children. Narrative short film Color of Autumn depicts a precocious eight-year-old Black girl who lives with her hardworking parents and her adoring, wise grandmother in a quaint house on the Southside of Chicago. Nestled within the safety of her neighborhood and focused on the comforts and stresses of her family's hard-won middle class life, Dottie Grimsby has little awareness of racial tension or the isolation of segregation. But she is about to find out.