Kids First! Film Festival 2002

KIDS FIRST! Film and Video Festival 2002

. . . At Last, A Film Festival Just for Kids

2002 Cities
Aliso Viejo, CA; Simi Valley, CA; Fort Wayne, IN; Los Angeles, CA;
Ridgewood, NJ; Mamaroneck, NY; Port Washington, NY; New York, NY; Santa Fe, NM; San Jose, CA; Santa Barbara, CA; Palm Springs, CA; Tampa, FL

PROGRAMMING

The Festival is a melting pot of entertainment from international studios and independent producers, as well as future filmmakers. That's right. Talented and thoughtful youth of America are celebrated in their roles as curators of the Festival, panelists reviewing films, and as filmmakers and videographers screening their own original work. A group of more than 3300 volunteer adults and children nationwide participate as our evaluators and curators. What a fantastic way opportunity for you to experience quality entertainment for kids and families.

Only KIDS FIRST!-endorsed titles are shown at the Festival, giving parents assurance that all selections are free of gratuitous violence, bias or sexual content and are appropriate for each of the three recommended age groups (2-5, 5-8, 8-12, and 12-15). Parents will be glad to know that the films are shown in clusters for each of the four age groups, so they can conveniently attend back-to-back showings of titles appropriate for their child's age. Attendees will have an opportunity to interact with a live panel of KIDS FIRST! Junior Film Critics B kids, ages eight to thirteen, who are active Junior Film Critics. Additional entertainment, such as costumed characters, magicians and musicians will keep both little ones amused and parents happy.

Title Synopsis for Fall 2002 Festivals

For 2-6 year-old

VIDEO PREMIERE
Bear in the Big Blue House: Welcome to Woodland Valley [Jim Henson Television/Columbia TriStar]
He's big but not scary, wise but not preachy, and he makes all kids feel loved and secure. All our friends in Woodland Valley come together to rebuild after a terrible storm knocks a tree into the roof of the library. Bear and the other residents, organize a potluck dinner to help resolve the issue at hand, while the youngsters successfully gather books for the library as a contributing surprise for everyone.

VIDEO PREMIERE
Bert and Ernie's Word Play: Sesame Street: [Sesame Workshop]
Bert and Ernie host a vaudevillian play about words while they play with words, and the word plays keep coming from all angles! New and familiar characters pop in and out with the kind of impeccable comedic timing that keeps those characters on Sesame Street close to our hearts and our funny bones. Kids will never suspect that they are actually learning how to read amidst all the fun.

VIDEO PREMIERE
Blue's Clues: It's Joe's Time [Nickelodeon/Paramount]
Here's an episode from Blue's Clues that showcases its new host, Joe. Blue's Clues is known for delivering lessons that promote understanding new places, strategies for separation, perspective-taking, self-expression, pride, self-esteem and celebrating individuality. Its innovative approach to television viewing encourages young viewers to laugh, think and play along, involving them in learning through "flexible thinking," a theory that recognizes that children can learn how to think through active participation and problem solving

.VIDEO PREMIERE
Caillou: It's a Party (Warner Home Video)
Caillou explores his very own neighborhood, visiting some of Grandma's friend and the new family with twins. Then, Caillou celebrates Leo and Xavier's birthdays, and Chinese New Year. He also tries his hand at being a magician, makes a puppet theater with Grandma, and finds out what's inside a pinata.

VIDEO PREMIERE
Disney's Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year (Nelvana/Walt Disney Home Entertainment)
Share the joy and magic of the season with Winnie The Pooh, Tigger, and the rest of your pals from the Hundred Acre Wood in a brand-new, animated full-length adventure just in time for the holidays. Everyone learns about resolutions as they find out they don't need to change in order to ring in a Happy New Year. Discover the importance of sharing Christmas and the New Year with those you care about most when your favorite friends get together to sing their own very special rendition of "Jingle Bells."

VIDEO PREMIERE
Dora the Explorer: Dora's Map Adventure (Nickelodeon/Paramount]
Dora and Boots learn that the map is who to ask when you don't know which way to go in two new episodes: "Super Map" and "Lost Map." 49 min.

VIDEO PREMIERE
Dora the Explorer: Move to the Music [Nickelodeon/Paramount]
Beloved Dora and Boots play instruments, help out friends, march in a parade and dance to the beat in two delightful music-themed episodes.

VIDEO PREMIERE
Dragon Tales: A Kite for Quetzal [Sesame Workshop/Columbia Tristar]
The gang wants to surprise Quetzal by making a kite for "Kite Day" all by themselves. They make a list of the materials they'll need and set off in different directions to locate them. But when they all return with sticks and string, they decide they need a better plan.

BIG SCREEN DEBUT
Gumby [Rhino Home Video]
Originally produced as a segment for television's Howdy Doody Show in 1955, Gumby went on to become a star in his own right. His five-minute shows ran on various children's television programs continuously up into the 1970s. This summer, Rhino Home Video will release the original Gumby shows in VHS and DVD. The world's first and perhaps best-known clay animation character is as charming today as he was when he was new.

DVD PREMIERE
Hello Kitty (San Brio/MGM Home Entertainment)
Explores a world of fun and adventure with Hello Kitty including: Cinderkitty, a take-off on Cinderella where poor little Cinderkitty who is always up to her whiskers in chores is helped by her Fairy Catmother and finds adventure - and true love - all before the stroke of midnight. Also playing are "Grinder Genie and the Magic Lamp" and "Sleeping Kitty."

VIDEO PREMIERE
Jay Jay the Jet Plane: Dog Gone Doggy (Porchlight/Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment)
Jay Jay has decided that he's getting to be a big plane and wants to do chores that big planes get to do. Just as the thought surfaces, Brenda asks him to do an a very responsible job for her - watch an adorable hound-dog named, King, which turns out to be more difficult than he thought. Jay Jay learns a big lesson about responsibility.

BIG SCREEN DEBUT
Oobi [Noggin]
Using little more than plastic eyeballs and hand gestures, Oobi the hand puppet helps kids learn about everyday activities in simple but delightful five-minute acts. Smart and creative, Oobi's one-set segments and simple, two-word sentences are easy to follow. Hand characters are highly imitable, racially diverse and model excellent behavior. Oobi makes kids laugh, dance and do especially clever things with their hands, like make shapes, puppets, and just look at their hands differently.

VIDEO PREMIERE
Rolie Polie Olie: The Great Defender of Fun (Walt Disney Home Entertainment)
Get ready to blast off for out-of-this world fun in Olie's all-new, first-ever full-length movie. It's little sister Zxowie's birthday, and everybody's gearing up for the party. But there's a storm cloud overhead: space pirate Gloomius Maximus (voiced by James Woods) is out to plunder all the happiness out of the whole galaxy. Can Olie and his friends find a way to defeat Glookius' evil plot and save the universe from being "un-fun-erated?"

VIDEO PREMIERE
Sagwa: Feline Festivities (Sesame Workshop/Warner Home Video)
Traditions and celebrations are important to Sagwa, her family and village. This program includes three favorite episodes: In New Year's Cleanup, Sagwa has to reason with a crafty rat as she helps out with the traditional New Year's housecleaning. In By the Light of the Moon, the kittens prepare a special Moon Cake message for Mama. Then, in Ba-Do and the Lantern Festival, Ba-Do learns to appreciate her home and family when she and Sagwa get lost during the lantern festival

BIG SCREEN DEBUT
Silly Songs [Backyard Enterprises/Anchor Bay Entertainment]
Ten interactive silly songs from children's music legend, Hap Palmer, encourages kids to act silly to the music and in the process, learn all sorts of skills and knowledge like rhyming, parts of the body, and how to handle a bad day. With its short and sweet footage of racially diverse kids, including a handicapped child, Silly Songs creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

For ages 5-8

EMMY AWARD-WINNING SERIES
Badger's Parting Gift [Reading Rainbow/GPN/PBS Home Video]
One of the Reading Rainbow Series titles featuring LeVar Burton, this film competently handles the enormous issue of death, scaled down for a child's understanding. Burton introduces the title story, and the book's illustrations are shown while a narrator reads the book. When wise old Badger dies, his animal friends gather and share their memories of him to soften their grief. After the story, Burton interacts on-camera with children who share mementos they have created in the memory of lost loved ones.

SPECIAL KIDS FIRST! FILM FESTIVAL PREMIERE
Charlotte's Web 2: Wilbur's Great Adventure (Nickelodeon/Paramount Home Entertainment)
One of the most beloved stories of all time continues with this heartwarming, music-filled adventure (based on the characters from the classic children's book Charlotte's Web by E.B. White). Wilbur the pig knows how important friendship is – he learned that from a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur meets Cardigan, a lonely lamb, Wilbur immediately makes him his friend. Their blissful farm life is interrupted when Farmer Zuckerman sells Cardigan to another farmer at the county fair. Wilbur is joined by a cunning rat named Templeton, and Charlotte's daughters on an unforgettable journey to rescue Cardigan when which they discover that with courage, heart and the love of your friends, you can do most anything.

KIDS FIRST! ALL-STAR
An Eclipse: The Day the Sky Went Dark (Zula Limited)
The Zula Patrol has a mission to help others anywhere in the galaxies, no matter their size, shape or color. A sudden solar eclipse on planet Zula drains the Patrol's energy, and peace is threatened by the villain Dark Truder and his talking toupee. The Patrol helps others, no matter where they are from.

BIG SCREEN PREMIERE
Families of Israel (Arden Media Resources)
Documentary that takes the viewer through a typical day in the lives of two families living in Israel, showing their way of life, family interaction, foods, and celebrations. Visits their countryside, cities, communities, schools and homes. Excellent, effective presentation narrated by kids, stressing respect for family, religion, authority, education, environment and community. Great discussion of Hebrew and the importance of bilingual education

BIG SCREEN PREMIERE
Families of Russia (Arden Media Resources)
Explores daily life in rural and urban Russia through the eyes of two children. This live-action program acquaints other children with the customs of Russian culture, including foods, celebrations, family interaction, schools, homes and more.

KIDS FIRST! ALL-STAR CLASSIC
Ferngully: The Last Rainforest
In this brilliantly colored animated feature, a young man, joined by magical spirits of the rainforest, saves FernGully from destruction. Based on a best-selling book from Australia, featuring the voices of Robin Wlliams, Sheena Easton, Raffi, Ton-Loc and others. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Ferngully: The Last Rainforest delivers an environmental message with sensitivity and compassion for all living things.

VIDEO PREMIERE
Hamtaro: Jingle the Wanderer (Viz Communications)
Laura's father asks her to deliver an important floppy disk to his office. While Laura packs her bag, Hamtaro gets trapped inside. Somehow, both Hamtaro and the floppy disk are lost in the park and it takes Hamtaro and
his friends to save the day and return the disk to Laura and her father.

VIDEO PREMIERE
Hamtaro: Merry Christmas (Viz Communications)
Christmas is almost here and all the Hamsters can think about is what presents they want. Everyone but Boss that is, who has never received a present for Christmas. When he hears that Santa gives presents to "good" hamsters, he tries his best to be a "good" hamster. Hamtaro hopes is Christmas wish - that Santa brings Boss a present this year -- comes true.

VIDEO PREMIERE
Hamtaro: The Snowball Fight (Viz Communications)
Hamtaro is thrilled about the cols but after he sees Laura and her friend go ice-skating,he decides to recruit the Ham-Hams for a bit of fun in the cold. Soon the fun turns into one big snowball fight as they all try to be the
"King Ham of the Snow."

VIDEO PREMIERE
King Otis and The Kingdom of Goode : A Tale of Sharing (So Smart Productions)
This fresh new series introduces universal values to kids of all ages, through quirky characters, endearing animated tales and Broadway-style songs. In A Tale of Sharing, McFlicken, a selfish creature who lives in a tree, thinks he'll be happiest if he doesn't have to share with the neighbors, especially his tree worms and wing repair glue. But when he finally gets the big tree to himself, he realizes that, without sharing, there can be no happiness. When a baby Lird appears, McFlicken gets the chance he needs to bring his friends home

VIDEO PREMIERE
Liberty's Kids: Deborah Samson, Solder of the Revolution (DIC Entertainment)
Liberty's Kids is a new TV series coming to PBS this fall. The stories draw from the battles fought and lessons learned by people trying to revolutionize government. Via the eyes of two young apprentice reporters, today's kids go on adventures in search of the real stories of the American Revolution. Sarah is a proper British girl right off the ship from England while James is a fifteen-year-old apprentice who sees things from a cocky colonist's perspective. They meet historical figures that are famous such as George Washington, and those that should be, like Phillis Wheatley - a published poet while still enslaved.

U.S. BIG SCREEN DEBUT
New Animation Showcase from Europe and Canada(Skryptonite)
Outstanding animated shows from England, Germany, Spain, Scotland and Canada are brought together on the big screen especially for the KIDS FIRST! Festival in their US premiere screenings. These short programs provide a great way for kids to be exposed to the esthetics and sensibilities of other countries. Produced by some of the best animators overseas, they feature gentle stories and kind characters. Includes excerpts from Wilf - The Witch's Dog: Wide Awake Wilf (Skryptonite/RTV/ CineCartoon/Jade Animation), Mary Hen: The Violin (Piruli Films), Miniman: Fly Miniman Fly (Chromosoma), Lunar Jig (Red Kite Studios), and Katie and Orbie: Cleaning Out The Basement, (Amberwood Entertainment)

Video Premiere
Pisces and Gemini: a Case of Vanishing Stars (Zula Unlimited)
The Zula Patrol travel the galaxies helping others and saving the universe while promoting non-violence and tolerance. They discover that two constellations have been transformed: one into sharks and the other into sumo wrestlers attacking the spaceship. Pun-like humor compares stars in the sky to movie stars with sub-themes about tolerance and peace.

BIG SCREEN DEBUT
Vidz By Kidz [Children's Media Project, Poughkeepsie, NY]
For the first time ever, this sampling of animated video shorts made entirely by kids is being presented by the Children's Media Project, a not-for-profit art and education organization focusing on technology and media. All of the music is original and made by the young producers as is the creation of each short, from initial concept to final cut.

For ages 6-12

KIDS FIRST! ALL-STAR
The First of May (Forevermore Films, Inc. Directed by Paul Sirmons; screenplay by Gary Rogers. )
A family film adventure of two lifetimes! This award-winning family film starring Julie Harris, Dan Byrd, Mickey Rooney, Charles Nelson Reilly, and the baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, follows two lost souls -- a 12-year-old foster child and an old lady in a retirement home -- who run away together in search of the family neither ever had. Their adventure lands them jobs with a three-ring circus, where they ultimately discover the true meaning of family. The film's star, Julie Harris, recently received a Lifetime Tony Award - her sixth Tony award - for her renowned career on the stage. The film won top awards at seven film festivals, including the Chicago International Children's Film Festival, the Heartland Film Festival, the Burbank International Children's Film Festival, and "Ale Kino!," Poland's only film festival for children.

U.S. Debut
Millionaire Dogs [Dietmar Kablitz, Michael Schoemann]
Successfully released in theaters throughout Europe, this fast-paced feature-length movie with its pop soundtrack and hip animation will especially appeal to the older kids in the 6-12 age group. These five scruffily adorable dogs are a real team. Who needs money when you've got your friends? But sudden wealth turns these pups into a pack of pampered Millionaire Dogs. Quick as you can say 'Who let the dogs out?', they're out of the fat, into the fire, and in for one wild adventure. Can their team spirit overcome their selfish newfound dreams of fame and fortune?

From the Artists'Specials, 1999 Winner of the Humanitas Prize
Monet: Light and Shadow [Devine Entertainment Corp.]
Convincing sets and costumes, engaging historic characters and a sharp sense of the creative process put the Artists' Specials by Canadian producer David Devine in a class by themselves. A youthful Monet is portrayed as a penniless painter whose unique style has not yet been accepted by the mainstream art world of the late 1800s. He befriends the young son of his landlady and they sort through life's tribulations. Riverside scenes of stylish French ladies in period attire are an Impressionist painting brought to life.

KIDS FIRST! ALL-STAR
The Penny Promise (Feature Films for Families)
Will Duncan, a clumsy school teacher with a heart of gold, demonstrates why honesty should be everybody's policy in this comedy with a conscience. Weaving elements of drama, humor and positive social values, Penny Promise addresses contemporary issues for pre- and early-teens.

VIDEO PREMIERE
SpongeBob, SquarePants: Nautical Nonsense and Sponge Buddies;10 Sea-Worthy Stories
Join SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs and Sandy for over-the-top adventures from down in the deep blue sea. From ripping his pants to being frozen in the freezer to jellyfishing and to watching Sandy's
pet caterpillar turn into a butterfly, SpongeBob and his friends get "in-deep" in excitement.

For ages 12 - 15
Cusp (by Ruth Sergel; distrubuted by Women Make Movies) 2000
Cusp is a portrait of Alice, a spirited 12-year-old, hitting the wall of early adolescence. Her fierce struggle to retain her sense of self, despite the onslaught of other voices, denotes the unique experience of a girl coming of age. As Alice teeters on the edge of adolescence, her connection to her mother begins to seesaw and the tensions of sixth grade social order begin to dramatically play themselves out. Cusp sensitively captures the difficult journey out of girlhood and the even more painful entry into the teen years. It played at the Black Maria Film Festival; Hamptons International Film Festival; Portland International Film Festival; Lower East Side Girls Club Film Festival; Stony Brook Film Festival; Michigan Womyn's Music Festival; and the United Nations NGO Committee on the Status of Women for the Special Session on the Status of Children. Note: Contains some profanity; we recommend this film for ages 12 and older. 25 minutes

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE
Legacy [Nomadic Pictures,Tod Lending Director, Producer]
Hours into a five-year project to document families accepting public assistance, the fourteen-year-old high-achieving grandson of participant Dorothy Jackson is gunned down. This film captures the family's grief and disbelief, but is unflinching in following the vicious cycle that welfare had become for three generations. Lending shows young viewers the Real World in a way that MTV will never be able to. Generous funding for the National LEGACY Outreach Campaign is supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and W. K. Kellogg Foundation.

When I Was a Girl (Women's Entertainment Network Produced by Linda Ellerbee)
Offers viewers a rare glimpse into the early years of female celebrities including Candice Bergen, Edie Falco (The Sopranos), astronaut Sally Ride, and Gillian Anderson (X-Files). Focusing on previously untold stories from their youth, the program celebrates the differences and sameness of all women. From the time when parents seemed all-knowing, to the awkward era of adolescence, each of the women disclose intimate memories as they speak candidly from their heart.

Title Synopsis for our 2002 Spring Festivals

For 2-6 year-olds

DISNEY CLASSIC 25th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL BIG-SCREEN SHOWING
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh [Walt Disney Home Entertainment]
Celebrate the magical and heartwarming stories that have delighted families for generations! Pooh's first and most beloved feature film marks its 25th anniversary with a special edition of the classic animated movie favorite. These charming stories are filled with timeless Pooh adventures, such as the very first meeting between Tiggerand Pooh. Accompanied by the engaging songs that endeared Winnie the Pooh to fans everywhere, these classic moments continue to enchant children and Pooh-lovers alike! Length: 83 min.

VIDEO PREMIERE
Everybody's Special: Bear in the Big Blue House Series [Jim Henson Television/Columbia TriStar]
He's big but not scary, wise but not preachy, and he makes all kids feel loved and secure. Whether it's time to do chores, go to bed or see the doctor, Bear's gentle guidance helps kids to work through their everyday trials. In Bear's Big Blue House, everyone is valued. Even parents can benefit by the wonderful role model Bear provides. This showing includes two episodes, As Different as Day and Night, and Bats Are People Too. Length: 48 minutes

VIDEO PREMIERE
We're Special: Dragon Tales [Sesame Workshop/Columbia Tristar]
Six-year-old Emmy and her four-year-old brother Max magically travel to Dragon Land for wonderful adventures with Ord, Cassie, Zak & Wheezie and Quetzal -- whimsical dragons possessing very human qualities. They learn how to accept differences and work together as they build musical instruments, visit an amusement park, and fly with a unicorn. Rich animation, catchy songs and imaginative characters transport kids to a realm where solving life's little problems seems more magical than difficult. Length: 43 minutes

VIDEO PREMIERE
Dora's Backpack Adventure: Dora the Explorer [Nickelodeon/Paramount]
Returning books to the library becomes an adventure for the keen and capable Dora when her parents give her a nifty backpack full of helpful items. Preschoolers join Dora and Backpack in their first adventure as together they solve a riddle, climb the Big Rock, and try to return Dora's eight books to the library before it closes. Dora mixes Spanish words with English very naturally. Length: 50 min.

VIDEO PREMIERE
Little Bear Campfire Tales [Nickelodeon/Paramount]
Based on the books written by Else Holmelund Minarik and illustrated by Maurice Sendak, this Little Bear feature takes kids on four outdoor adventures in the gentle Little Bear style that encourages children to use their imagination. Includes four stories, The Camp Out, Captain Little Bear, Top of the World and Whale of a Tale. Little Bear makes going into the outdoors a great adventure. Length: 33 Minutes

VIDEO PREMIERE
Blue's Clues: Reading with Blue [Nickelodeon/Paramount]
Kids love following the animated dog Blue and her trail of clues, and learning fun new things with real-life Steve. Whether reading words or stories, interacting with Steve and Blue make learning fun. In Words, preschoolers help to figure out what Blue wants them to do with her words, as they build their vocabulary and begin learning to read. In Blue's Book Nook, preschoolers figure it out what Blue wants to read and visit librarian Marlee Matlin at the library. Length: 51 minutes

BIG SCREEN DEBUT
By Kidz [Children's Media Project, Poughkeepsie, NY]
For the first time ever, this sampling of animated video shorts made entirely by kids is being presented by the Childrenos Media Project, a not-for-profit art and education organization focusing on technology and media. All of the music is original and made by the young producers as is the creation of each short, from initial concept to final cut. Length: 24 minutes

For 6 to 12-year-olds

VIDEO PREMIERE
Air Bud 4: Seventh Inning Fetch [Walt Disney Home Entertainment]
Air Bud knocks one out of the park when he takes up baseball in this all new fun and heartwarming Disney adventure! This time, Buddy, joins in and shows that he's a natural baseball player with major league talent! In the midst of the season, however, a terrible discovery is made: Buddy's now-grown puppies have mysteriously begun to disappear from their new homes! Now it's up to Buddy to stop the dog-nappings and find his pups before it's too late! Length: 93 minutes

EMMY AWARD-WINNING SERIES
Badger's Parting Gift [Scholastic/PBS Home Video]
One of the Reading Rainbow Series titles featuring LeVar Burton, this film competently handles the enormous issue of death, scaled down for a child's understanding. Burton introduces the title story, and the book's illustrations are shown while a narrator reads the book. When wise old Badger dies, his animal friends gather and share their memories of him to soften their grief. After the story, Burton interacts on-camera with children who share mementos they have created in the memory of lost loved ones. Length: 30 min.

FROM THE ARTISTS' SPECIALS, 1999 WINNER OF THE HUMANITAS PRIZE
Monet: Light and Shadow [Devine Entertainment Corp.]
Convincing sets and costumes, engaging historic characters and a sharp sense of the creative process put the Artists' Specials by Canadian producer David Devine in a class by themselves. A youthful Monet is portrayed as a penniless painter whose unique style has not yet been accepted by the mainstream art world of the late 1800s. He befriends the young son of his landlady and they sort through life's tribulations. Riverside scenes of stylish French ladies in period attire are an Impressionist painting brought to life. Length: 55 min.utes

KIDS FIRST! Best of the Year Award
My Little Devil [Productions La Fête]
Engrossing and powerful, this story unfolds slowly and thoughtfully, giving young viewers a chance to step inside the sandals of a ten-year-old boy whose life is worlds away from their own. Yet they will immediately identify with Joseph's isolation as he tries to adapt from his village life to life in the city. Based on the memoirs of Joseph Macwan and filmed in India on 35mm film, this extraordinary production makes an unforgettable impression of poverty and sadness, but ultimately, of triumph and joy. Length: 88 minutes

U.S. BIG SCREEN DEBUT
New Animation Showcase from Europe and Canada
Brief animation features from England, Spain and Canada are brought together on the big screen for the first time in the U.S., especially for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. It's a great way for kids to get exposed to the esthetics and sensibilities of other countries, but without the violence that often is in foreign animation. These are kind characters and gentle stories from some of the best animators overseas. The Showcase provides kids with a sneak preview of animated titles slated to air on U.S. TV this fall. Length: 52 minutes

KIDS FIRST! Best of the Year Award Nominee
Trouble on Planet-Wait-Your Turn [Big Idea Productions, Inc.]
From the creators of VeggieTales comes a hilarious video series with faith, fun, and flightless birds. Twins Jason and Michelle learn about patience from toy penguins -- Zidgel, Midgel, Fidgel and Kevin -- who come to life and transport the twins to a planet where they learn how to behave, be patient, and how to make the best of a bad situation. Distinctive animation and lots of humor keeps this title from being preachy, even when it quotes Bible verses. Length: 30 minutes

KIDS FIRST! Best of the Year Award Nominee
Kirikou and the Sorceress [Artmattan]
Kirikou is a new-born infant who battles ignorance and so-called evil in his African village with perseverance and wit. This exceptional production with traditional African music soundtrack shows the superstitions of a distant, primitive culture and its customs: women are bare-breasted and boys run about naked. Kids are fascinated by the exotic flavor of the story and its imagery. While initially embarrassed by the nudity, they soon accept it as natural. Length 74 minutes

FIRST U.S. BIG-SCREEN SHOWING
Millionaire Dogs [Dietmar Kablitz, Michael Schoemann]
Successfully released in theaters throughout Europe, this fast-paced feature-length movie with its pop soundtrack and hip animation will especially appeal to the older kids in the 6-12 age group. A motley group of dogs inherit the wealthy Miss Lilly's house and money and then have to learn about the pitfalls of too much money. Plus they have to work as a team to keep Miss Lilly's evil, scheming twins from taking away their wealth. Length: 84 minutes

Titles for 12 to 15-year-olds

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE
Legacy [Nomadic Pictures,Tod Lending Director, Producer]
Hours into a five-year project to document families accepting public assistance, the fourteen-year-old high-achieving grandson of participant Dorothy Jackson is gunned down. This film captures the family's grief and disbelief, but is unflinching in following the vicious cycle that welfare had become for three generations. Lending shows young viewers the Real World in a way that MTV will never be able to. Generous funding for the National LEGACY Outreach Campaign has been provided by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Length: 90 mi

KIDS FIRST! Film Festival