KIDS FIRST! News

Turning your TV Time into Quality Time

Ranny Levy, Publisher
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Only 5 Days Left! Claim your treasure & support KIDS FIRST!

Dear Friends and Supporters, The clock is ticking! ⏰ Only 5 days left to claim your exclusive treasure and support the next generation of youth voices! Bidding for our KIDS FIRST! Annual Auction officially closes this Monday, June 15 at 11:59 pm MDT. Don’t miss your chance to own rare, one-of-a-kind collector's items while directly funding our incredible youth Film Critics and Film Festival programs! Browse the Full Catalogue & Bid Here (And please share this link with your network to help us spread the word!) Auction Highlights: The Don Hahn Animation Trio: Three original drawings of Pumbaa & Kronk sketched live by the Disney Legend at a KIDS FIRST! workshop in Burbank. Bid here. Autographed Godfrey Reggio Poster & Tote: Personally signed by the internationally renowned filmmaker himself! Bid Here Little Jeff Ventriloquist Figure: … - read more...

Support KIDS FIRST!

Support our KIDS FIRST! Film Festival and new podcast on IHeartMedia. Make a tax deductible contribution here. 

Cheer Dad * The Family Comedy Movie I Didn’t Know I Needed!

The true, heartwarming story of a devoted father who steps far out of his comfort zone to become an assistant cheer coach when his adopted daughter dreams of making it to cheer nationals. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raasti K. comments, “Cheer Dad is a sweet movie, and I like how it focuses on the strong bond between a father and daughter. It is also very sweet and lighthearted, and I laughed a lot!” IvyJoy C. adds, “I love Cheer Dad because of the laughs it gives me, how it resonates with me, and how real it feels. Throughout this film I was chuckling, saying “that's actually how it is,” and “I swear that that's happened to me before.” Brooklyn S. wraps it up with, “As soon as the movie starts, the music sets the vibe of optimism. It is clear and easy to hear and matches each scene perfectly. The music … - read more...

Featured Blog Posts

Granny Ranny's Coming Attractions

Rare Hand-Crafted “Generations Heirloom Quilt” Headlining KIDS FIRST! Auction

The Coalition for Quality Children’s Media (KIDS FIRST!) is honored to announce the auction of a rare, hand-crafted "Generations Heirloom Quilt" as a centerpiece of its 2026 Online Auction. Donated by a family rooted in the KIDS FIRST! community, this one-of-a-kind textile represents both a storied past and a bright future for youth media literacy. The quilt was meticulously hand-crafted by the grandmother of a KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Alumnus. It serves as a stunning example of traditional quilting techniques, representing hundreds of hours of dedicated artistry. For collectors and enthusiasts, this piece offers a unique opportunity to own … - read more...

KIDS FIRST! Radio

Dance the Night Away: Win Box Seats to Derek Hough’s Symphony of Dance: Encore!

Get ready for an unforgettable night of high-energy artistry! We are thrilled to offer two (2) premium tickets (Box F) to Derek Hough: Symphony of Dance: Encore at Boston’s historic Wang Theatre on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 8:00 PM. From the Emmy® Award-winning mind of Derek Hough and co-creators NappyTabs, this dynamic brand-new production blends ballroom, tap, salsa, and hip-hop into a thrilling theatrical experience. Best of all, you'll watch the breathtaking choreography with exceptional views from the Dress Circle boxes—truly the best seats in the house! Don’t miss your chance to experience this sold-out sensation … - read more...

From the Jury

Blue Scuti: Tetris Crasher * Follows An Unexpected Internet Legend As It Explores The Wild Word Of Competitive Tetris

Thirteen-year-old Willis Gibson's life changes overnight when he becomes the first to beat Tetris. It explores grief, community, and the rise of an unexpected internet icon. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashton P. comments, “Blue Scuti: Tetris Crasher is one of the best movies I’ve ever watched. It wouldn’t be possible without the story of Willis Gibson or the game Tetris itself. This documentary explores themes of grief, community and the wild world of competitive Tetris as it follows the unexpected Internet legend.” See his full review below. Blue Scuti: Tetris Crasher By Ashton P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age … - read more...

About CQCM and KIDS FIRST!

The Coalition for Quality Children's Media is a national, nonprofit organization founded in 1991 whose mission is to teach children critical viewing skills and to increase the visibility and availability of quality children's media. . . . More.

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