Ages 5-8 Titles from KIDS FIRST!

By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love the characters and bright animation style of Flip's Fantastic Journal. Running at just three minutes, this short film is entertaining, educational, and fast-moving--absolutely perfect for young audiences. It is amazing how much story and substance they manage to encompass in such a brief runtime.

The storyline follows Flip (voiced by Kennedy Rene) and his friend Muzz after a trip to the Natural History Museum. Inspired by the exhibits, they decide to dig for dinosaur bones in their backyard. When they come up empty-handed, Flip turns to his journal, using his imagination to travel to a magical place where dinosaur skeletons come alive and dance.

The show is very easy to follow and perfectly tailored to its target audience of 5 to 8-year-olds. The animation style and set designs are standout features, offering crisp, bright colors and shapes. Kennedy Rene brings an abundance of excitement and enthusiasm to the voice of Flip. I particularly love the celebration of journal writing, imaginative play, and the charming anthropomorphic dog characters that kids will easily relate to. The background music is equally exciting, driving the film forward at a brisk, engaging pace.

A unique highlight of the film is the second half, where Flip breaks the fourth wall to give the audience a drawing lesson. Using simple, recognizable shapes like circles, rectangles, zigzag lines, and the letter "M," he breaks down the artistic process into easy-to-follow steps. It is so well done that even an adult viewer will feel confident they can draw it! This segment is based on the proven educational work of artist and teacher Angelo DeCesare, whose "Flip" drawing method has been used in New York City schools for over 25 years. DeCesare serves as both the writer and director of this episode.

My favorite part is definitely the drawing instruction, though the film does end rather abruptly right after the lesson concludes. It simply stops without a formal wrap-up or credits sequence. However, everything else about this short is so wonderful and high-quality that it remains easy to recommend.

The show's message is to experience the world around you with friends to help shape your understanding, all while having fun.

I give Flip's Fantastic Journal 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8.

By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give ChimalmAnimals 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Hafsa H., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - ChimalmAnimals is a captivating Mexican short film consisting of five musical pieces inspired by real and imaginary animals. Performed beautifully by Trio Chimalma and accompanied by the poetry of Amaranta Caballero Prado, this multi-national collaboration--featuring composers from Mexico, Brazil, Spain, and the United States--uses acoustic music, puppetry, and a rich sonic universe to introduce contemporary classical music to younger audiences. The dialogue is in Spanish with English subtitles.

The film is well-produced, featuring excellent camerawork, crisp audio recording, and delightful animal puppets that appear whenever music is played. The pacing is full of wonderful surprises; after showcasing brilliant musical performances, the film transitions into tutorials demonstrating how each instrument is played. I was thoroughly impressed by how these accomplished musicians could imitate animal sounds through their instruments, like recreating the sounds of birds or dragonflies.

Director Carlo Olmos Carrillo (from Guanajuato, Mexico) deserves immense credit for creating such an innovative, visionary project. A true highlight is when Heather plays the clarinet to perfectly mimic a dragonfly. The setting shifts gracefully between Mexico and a modern Broadway stage, keeping the visual backdrop engaging and inspiring.

The film's message is that music has the power to connect and bring people together.

I give ChimalmAnimals 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Hafsa H., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Magpie's Lemonade 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Motunrayo A., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I enjoyed the college student short film Magpie's Lemonade a lot! It features great world-building and an entertaining, easy-to-follow plot.

The storyline follows Gerry, a delivery driver for Magpie's Lemonade, who is offered a promotion to Lemonade Salesman. His first assignment is to convince a local stand, Kyle's Kool Lemonade, to join the corporate giant. Gerry is quickly shut down by the owner, Kyle, whose refusal is rooted in family tradition since his father used to run the stand. Set in a modern, "hyper-capitalistic world" where Magpie's owns almost all the children's lemonade stands, the film relies on sparse but effective background music, culminating in an upbeat, calming track at the end.

The performances are stellar. Zeke Bachman portrays Kyle as thoughtful and well-informed, while Rowan Harper plays Gerry with an endearing, clumsy desperation reminiscent of Adam Sandler. You can truly feel that Gerry's job is on the line through his excellent facial expressions. The costumes perfectly mirror this dynamic, charting Gerry's transition from a pink delivery uniform to an ill-fitting yellow suit, contrasting with Kyle's casual plaid shirt.

The camerawork is highly effective; a memorable shot of the duo sitting on the sidewalk on the exact same physical level beautifully visualizes their growing connection. Director and writer Jack Costello successfully highlights the importance of human connection, while production designer Hailey Pago creates authentic, realistic lemonade stands and signage that ground the fantasy world. Gerry is a fantastic protagonist, and his growth is wonderful to watch as he realizes that a job should be something you truly love, not just a means to an end.

Advisory Note: This film contains mild profanity (a character says "holy sh*t" at the 2:15 timestamp).

I give Magpie's Lemonade 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Motunrayo A., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 10 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I highly recommend this for any festival, for students or a general audience; give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Okey dokey, I just found my newest favorite film. This animated short by a team of high school students: Jude Laugelli, Abbott Le-Eldred, Conrad Sokolowksi, Cameron Steege, Finn Wilkinson - really knocks it out of the park. The animation is quirky, colorful and fun. I love how the characters are depicted and especially love the backgrounds - the cardboard balcony is terrific.

The storyline is pretty simple - a new cat moves into the neighborhood and two cars compete for its attention. But hidden in there are all the idiosyncrasies that are either cat or human specific - from bringing food to the newbie to painting her portrait to pumping metal in order to get her attention. Even the credits are enjoyable and reflective about the personalities of the film's creators.

I highly recommend this for any festival, for students or a general audience; give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

We give this 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Charming. I love this. Great acting; terrific concept; great script. This is suitable for our student film category - great humor and well made.

We give this 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

This title has online video!

By Beatriz D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

This title has online video!

By Ari C. KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 13

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

I give Birds of a Feather 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Selene W and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I enjoyed all the bird references and personality depictions in Birds of a Feather. Equating various personalities to their bird type and plumage is amusing.

The storyline follows a neurodivergent teenage boy who has a fixation on birds as he navigates school bullying at the same time he's dealing with his first crush.

This three minute animated film is compellingly created. The animation is simple but deeply reflective on the storyline. Helen Mavourneen Farrell delivers a narration that is wonderfully clear and articulate. However, the delivery feels a bit formal; a more relaxed, conversational approach would help younger viewers connect more deeply with the story. The protagonist, Darwin, is neurodivergent and has a fixation on birds. His bedroom is papered with images portraying birds' migratory patterns. We see him at school where the students speak and their heads are turned into the heads of the birds that they are most like - a clever way to portray their personalities. It's quite interesting how the animation, which is starkly drawn two dimensional, manages to portray various types of birds and their personalities. We observe how Darwin is beat up by the other students at school and when his parents meet with the teacher (a crow), they say, "He's such a strange bird." And the parents walk out with Darwin in tow. To address how to attract his crush, Birdie, he reaches for a book called, The Love Life Of Birds, and heads out to the school dance. His performance on the dance floor doesn't attract Birdie but it does attract a whole other group of girls who join him and dance all night and, in the end Darwin found his flock. What I enjoyed most are the various depictions of different personalities as different types of birds. This is such a clever device to use. My favorite scene is at the dance when Darwin is joined by the flock of girls on the dance floor.

The film's message is about finding your flock.

I give Birds of a Feather 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Selene W and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

By Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Wow! What an extraordinary film this is! I was deeply moved by Whale 52 - Suite for Man, Boy, and Whale, which reveals the tale of two people adrift and alone, struggling and misunderstood, and how they find each other--and themselves--through art and music.

This short film offers a visual representation of a cross-generational bond formed by Kaufman, a grieving 80-year-old musician (Bruce Vilanch), and Enam, a selectively mute third-grader (Parker Allana Hughes). Writer Edward Jordon draws a profound parallel with a real case in nature: a whale that emits a sound at a frequency of 52 Hertz, which no other animal in the ocean can hear, earning it the title of "the world's loneliest whale." A magical pen and journal enables Kaufman and Enam to communicate, until young Enam summons the courage to utter the one word that lifts the weight of the world off his tiny shoulders.

This film is less of a structured story than it is a metamorphic experience. The connection between Enam and Kaufman is visually developed using a blend of reality, thoughts, and abstract imagery. Produced and animated by two-time Oscar nominee Bill Plympton, the animation is truly a work of art--detailed and expressive in a way that allows the depth of the characters' feelings to shine through. The line between the metaphorical marine world and the real world is often intentionally blurred, creating beautiful moments like the characters riding on the back of the whale.

The original musical score is an incredible masterpiece that mirrors the inner landscapes of the characters. Featuring work by Broadway conductor Charles Czarnecki and Grammy-winning cellist Zuill Bailey, much of the film's beauty and intensity comes from the music itself. I especially loved the scene transitions using a school of fish that starts out completely gray and becomes an increasingly vibrant rainbow each time they cross the screen.

As the story evolves, we learn it features an LGBTQ+ theme. Beautifully, the creators are donating a portion of the film's proceeds to The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ young people.

The film's message is that sometimes lending someone a listening ear can make more of a difference than any words. People tend to enter our lives right when we need them.

I give Whale 52 - Suite for Man, Boy, and Whale 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.

By Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 11 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Where Eaglets Grow 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Yun L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like Where Eaglets Grow very much. It features a beautiful mountain setting that reflects the spectacular wonder of the Earth, balanced with many lighthearted, funny moments. The production values are outstanding--from the top-notch camerawork to the pristine audio recording and smooth editing--making this film a true work of art and spirituality.

The story centers on Jihua, an accomplished young basketball player revered by his friends. When their only basketball pops, everything changes. Learning of an upcoming sheep-herding tournament where the grand prize is a new basketball, Jihua competes and wins. However, when the prized ball is lost, he undertakes a brave journey to retrieve it, making new friends and discovering what he truly values along the way. The dialogue is in Chinese with English subtitles.

This film offers a beautiful window into rural Chinese culture. The traditional attire is deeply tied to the mountain region, and as a new schoolteacher meets with the community, the audience gets to learn their unique stories. We see the authentic reality of their daily lives: cooking over open fires, weaving fabric on simple looms, tending to sheep, and playing music on simple flutes. The cinematography is gorgeous, showcasing majestic eagles soaring over sprawling vistas. A particularly moving scene features a mother sheep giving birth, highlighting Jihua's deep connection to his herd.

The child actors deliver incredibly believable performances, especially Yuanjian Wu as Jihua. While the entire cast is amazing, Jihua's fiercely loyal little brother stands out (though uncredited); their mutual care and supportive bond are heartwarming to watch. Set in a remote area untouched by the tech-infiltrated lives of modern cities, the film captures a simpler lifestyle focused on family and community well-being. The stunning background music beautifully reflects their heritage, and hearing the children join together at the end to sing a song taught by Jihua's late father is absolutely wonderful.

The film's message is that the true value of an object lies in the experiences and lessons you take away from it.

I give Where Eaglets Grow 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Yun L., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

I give Skyward: The Sport Rocketry Revolution 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Andrew B., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Skyward: The Sport Rocketry Revolution is a concise, tightly edited mini documentary that offers a clear window into the world of competitive model rocketry. The film centers on a father-daughter team as they prepare for and take part in an international rocketry competition in Serbia, giving the subject a personal angle without overcomplicating the scope.

While model rocketry may not be a universally gripping topic, the documentary presents it in an accessible and focused way. For viewers with even a passing familiarity with the hobby, there are moments of recognition that add a quiet layer of enjoyment -- the kind of "I know what they're talking about" connection that helps make a niche subject feel more immediate.

The film does not overstay its welcome, and its strength lies in its efficiency. It captures the preparation, competition, and family dynamic with enough detail to be engaging, while remaining compact and easy to follow.

I give Skyward: The Sport Rocketry Revolution 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Andrew B., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 15 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

This title has online video!

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Welcome back to the Mushroom Kingdom! The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is one of the few cases where I feel the sequel stacks up to the original. The animation is better than ever, using saturated, vibrant colors to bring gaming vibes to the big screen in a way that makes it fun for all ages.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie continues the stories of Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), two brothers who now, after the events of the first movie, live in the Mushroom Kingdom. They are traveling across the world to help people with warp pipe issues and, along the way, they meet a cute new travel companion, Yoshi (Donald Glover). They soon return to the Mushroom Kingdom and find a Luma, a star, that tells them that Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) is in danger. Going to save the princess, Mario, Luigi, Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and Yoshi, set off to explore the galaxy.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has some of the funniest references in the saga. In the Gateway Galaxy, for example, in the opening scene, you see basically every side character in Mario history, the Piantas from the Super Mario Sunshine game, and so many more. Then, when they get to the space port, Nintendo does the unthinkable: they include characters from their other games. Overall, as someone who played a lot of the old games, every little detail is really fun to see incorporated into the movie. Another funny Easter egg is towards the end of the film - Mario uses the Red Star, which gives him the ability to fly around, this is a particularly good detail because this was a special power-up in both Mario Galaxy games and is a great nod for fans. Each galaxy is beautifully designed by Illumination, the studio behind both Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets. The movie includes tons of nods to the games, like the Honeyhive Galaxy, featured in the original Mario Galaxy game, where they meet the Queen Bee (Issa Rae) and Bowser (Jack Black) makes the ultimate sacrifice.

The film's main message is that with friends you can do anything. It includes themes of teamwork, play fighting, and family bonds. While the movie is suited for children, parents should be aware that the film includes some violence, like when Bowser falls into the lava, but the film makes it fun and suitable for everyone.

I give The Super Mario Galaxy Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It releases in theatres on April 1, 2026.

By Jackson N. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I love The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The film's writing, animation and comedy is really out of this world! (Pun intended.)

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie follows the brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), as well as Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy). Two incidents occur in the Mushroom Kingdom: Rosalina's (Brie Larson) star child asks Princess Peach to help save her from an unknown danger, and Bowser Junior (Benny Safdie) takes Princess Peach's castle trying to free his father Bowser (Jack Black). These events take the characters into space, searching for Rosalina and trying to save her from whatever danger she may be in.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is made for kids, but it is also entertaining for adults. I love the story the most. Its fast-paced, engaging plot twists kept me wondering what could possibly happen next. While trying to save Rosalina, Peach keeps wondering where she came from. Along the way, we get clues and hints about her origins. It's like a scavenger hunt inside a movie. If you want to find out more, you'll just have to watch the film! The film also uses the many possibilities of being in space to its advantage by taking the brothers and princess on side missions that make the story more chaotic, thrilling and, don't forget, fun. A good story is nice, but creativity in animation is what makes a good film even greater, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie does not disappoint! For the most part, the animation style doesn't change from its clean 3D look. What catches my eye is that there are times where we go into whole other mediums: puppet shows, storybooks that look like something you could find in an actual library, comic books, and even a callback to the original pixelated Super Mario games! All this mixing and matching really gives the film a special charm of playing a game for the first time. The jokes don't always land and the film's pacing doesn't leave enough time for the characters to really interact with the worlds, but those things didn't ruin the film for me. It's a great watch!

The film's message is that kindness in helping other people will always prevail over the power of destroying them. Be aware that there are mentions of murder, destruction and gambling.

I give The Super Mario Galaxy Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It releases in theaters on April 1, 2026.

By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

There's nothing quite like the Super Mario Galaxy Movie. From wildly popular video game characters making surprise appearances to clever throwbacks interspersed, this film delivers on all its promises, and still left me wanting more.

In this sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, our heroes Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are joined by Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keagan-Michel Key) enjoying and settling into their life in the Mushroom Kingdom. Sadly, their good times don't last. The appearance of Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie) who's intent on reclaiming his father Bowser (Jack Black) and ruling the universe with him side by side, throws the galaxy into chaos. They plan to achieve this evil feat by capturing Rosalina (Brie Larson), the protector of the cosmos herself. Now, the brothers are thrust into the action, this time with a brand-new friend Yoshi (Donald Glover) tagging along for the adventure. As any Nintendo fan knows, the Super Mario franchise is chock-full of characters that seem larger than life. In this film, a large number of stars show up! Yoshi is my absolute favorite character, and Donald Glover excels in bringing Yoshi's emotions and dialogue to the fore. Wart (Luis Guzm�n), from the Super Mario Bros. 2 video game, makes an appearance, along with Fox McCloud (Glen Powell), from the Star Fox saga. Besides these, there are plenty of past video game references, hidden Easter eggs, and more which any long-time Nintendo fan will appreciate. The detail put into the film's animation is extremely high which allows for deeper connection with the film, without being distracted by subpar graphics. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie differs from its predecessor in how the directors expanded on the world they first created. In the first film, The Super Mario Bros Movie, the plot focuses on the journey that first brought Mario and Luigi to the Mushroom Kingdom. Now that the brothers have gotten to know their new home, the stage is set for a huge expansion. With new faces and new places, plus a numerous score of new Power-Ups, this spectacular adventure is one that truly honors and celebrates the expansive, vast universe of Super Mario.

This film's message is to not give up, no matter how daunting the situation might be. These Brooklyn born plumbers had their hands full when battling Bowser the first time, so a second bout, this time with Bowser's own son by his side, seems impossible to prevail against. Yet, through every foe they encounter, every planet they land on, and every rescue they make, this team finds a way to beat the odds and save the galaxy.

I give The Super Mario Galaxy Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This film launches in theaters on April 1, 2026, so go take a look!

By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

This title has online video!

By Kyla C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

I give Nine Lives 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The story has several strong themes, the most important of which are friendship, working together and saving each other. It also alludes to how challenges help us become stronger. The structure sets us up for understanding that this story is told by a cat who may not see things the way they really are. The dialog is strong and the tone is contemporary. While we viewers realize this is meant to be a humorous story, we also recognize that the occasional serious moments and poignancy of what is driving the plot creates an emotional through-line that keeps us engaged and rooting for the teenaged felines. That said, the action is sometimes confusing and long. Understandably, the intercutting of fast action sequences can make us feel a bit bounced around however, visualizing those shots in terms of transitions that make them clearer can build the tension and smooth the storyline.

I give Nine Lives 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Juror #11.

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: Screenplay

I give The Curious Incident of Everett Wilder 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Evie K., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kudos to creator, Ben Tobin, for a thoughtful and insightful short film that pays homage to a quirky story featuring a quirky character and his pursuit of the magical jackalope.

Narrated by Lucy Payworth (Vanessa Libby), as an adult, as she reminisces about her childhood friend Everett (Nathaniel Ruth) who has a birthday party where he invites his toys, but no people, but secretly wishes for friends. All the same, he has quite the magical party, including meeting a magical bunny with horns -- a jackalope, which he would like to catch for Lucy Payworth (Ripley Dresser).

This fantasy story takes place in the early 1950s, beginning in Everett's backyard with its wide expanse of lawn where the birthday party takes place and a wooded area behind it where the jackalope mysteriously escapes to. Then, we see him inside his hose and at Lucy's which are decorated in 1940 decor from the furniture to the curtains. Everett and Lucy have one thing in common, they have both seen the jackalope, and they both like to do the bunny hop! The costumes also are time compliant; my favorite being Everett's argyle sweater and bowtie. The background music is extraordinary; it is an original score by Andres Soto and well suited to each scene. The visual effects are used sparingly, but are strong. I.e. When Everett chases the jackalope into the woods and it disappears in a wispy cloud. The special effects at the end when Everett finds the jackalope again and it is the size of a moose are quite striking! The camera work and audio recording are well done; so is the editing. My favorite part is the ending when grown up Everett and Luc are dancing together in the old house. Again, the scene is accompanied with beautiful music. The film is dedicated to Robert Parati (1927-2017), whom we don't know anything about but presume he made a huge impact on Ben Tobin's life.

The film is about the magic in the world, which is sometimes just slightly out of reach, but you can grasp it if you keep at it.

I give The Curious Incident of Everett Wilder 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Evie K., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 18 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give When Women Stand Tall 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - When Women Stand Tall is a masterfully crafted, vibrant animated short that delivers a captivating historical overview of the global struggle for women's rights. The narrative follows two curious children, Pomme and Fix, who embark on a time-traveling journey guided by a whimsical, luminescent entity. Together, they journey from the 1800s to the 2000s, witnessing the monumental obstacles women have courageously defied--from fighting for the ballot box to demanding financial independence. By the end of their journey, both the characters and the audience leave with their eyes wide open to the power of resilience.

The animation direction is nothing short of brilliant, utilizing a clever mix of visual textures to delineate past and present. While our young protagonists are animated in a clean, modern 2D format, the historical figures they encounter appear as beautifully textured, stylized paper cut-outs, evoking the feeling of a living history book. Their glowing guide--visualized as a charming cross between a friendly specter and an illuminated paper lantern--adds a delightful touch of magic realism to the adventure.

Produced by the renowned French network Canal+, this is a top-tier, exceptionally polished production. Backed by a large, talented crew, the film boasts flawless pacing, rich sound design, and an accessible, articulate English voice track that ensures seamless viewing for domestic audiences.

When Women Stand Tall is a rare gem that perfectly balances robust educational merit with pure entertainment value. It is a vital, inspiring addition to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival lineup that will spark wonderful post-screening conversations among children and parents alike.

I give When Women Stand Tall 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 11 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Although geared toward young children, I thoroughly enjoyed Takokuma Mini Theater. This charming, dialogue-free animated series follows a fictional character named Takokuma (who is neither an octopus nor a bear) and his distinct animal friends--like a rabbit in a "22" hat and an orange raccoon in a tie--as they navigate adventures through the four seasons.

The episodic, mini-story format is perfect for toddlers. The plot focuses on relatable, everyday challenges like friendship and problem-solving. In one sweet segment, a hedgehog friend reads multiple books to learn how to bake a birthday cake. In another, Takokuma stays out in the winter cold too long trying to pick an apple, and his friends lovingly help him thaw out. The characters also participate in familiar seasonal traditions, like carving Halloween pumpkins and exchanging Christmas gifts.

Director Wei Hsin Tsai, founder of Sunthingood Studio, intentionally designed Takokuma to express "genuine joy" in a taxing world. He beautifully proves that children's media can be deeply captivating without complex language or heavy storylines. Because there is no dialogue, the whimsical sound effects are imperative, perfectly conveying emotions like joy, confusion, and nervousness.

My favorite part is when the friends skip across river rocks. When they accidentally fall into the water, there is no conflict--they simply smile and continue enjoying their time together.

The show's message is that our differences are what make us unique. Even though the characters are all different species, they celebrate each other as best friends.

Originating in Taiwan, Takokuma Mini Theater makes a wonderful special-interest topic for Asian families, though its universal themes make it perfect for all children.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults.

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

By Selene W., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I want to be a part of this posse! Boots and Bandits takes us from candy heists to dance-offs with a thoroughly fun girl group. The story follows four young female bandits who, after pulling off a sweet robbery, take cover in a dusty hideout and stumble upon a pair of magical boots.

This short film is wildly entertaining and serves as a spectacular example of what can be accomplished by a young filmmaker working with friends. Created by eight-year-old, second-grade student Indie June England, this delightful Western romp is actually her third film! Indie is definitely a young creator to keep your eyes on.

The production quality is superb. Indie gathered her friends to help record audio, run the camera, and assist with the set design--even her babysitter got involved to teach them dance moves! All four of the young dancing bandits are fabulous; their genuine connection, dialogue, costumes, and Western accents are completely engaging.

The creative crew deserves major kudos. The choreography by Kaiya Kjar is right on target, and the dusty hideout set designed by Auden Hughes is wonderfully detailed. Audrey Bertrand provides crisp sound recording, and the energetic music drives the storyline straight through to the final scene. The special effects--including the light and smoke that burst forth when the magical boots are discovered in a trunk--are also a total treat.

The film's message is centered on working together to solve problems and reach a common goal, with friendship serving as a very strong underlying theme.

I give Boots and Bandits 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults.

By Selene W., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Magic Flashlight 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for 8 to 12 year olds. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Well made. Love this 7 year old filmmaker and the courage she has to tackle things like this. A lot of kids have fears about what might be there in the dark and she takes it on head first.

I give The Magic Flashlight 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for 8 to 12 year olds. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

By Hafsa H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really like the film Aleque & Issay. It is a very relatable documentary exploring the hardships of moving to a new country, offering many lessons that will be helpful to others.

The documentary follows twin three-year-olds Aleque and Issay, their younger sister Tiwa, and their parents as they move from Sweden to the bustling city of Beijing, China. Their new apartment is surrounded by skyscrapers, quite unlike their home in Sweden. Naturally, they long for what they left behind, but they eventually learn to love their new environment after navigating unfamiliar foods, a new language, and a bicycle that won't cooperate!

The plot develops chronologically and is uniquely narrated in English by the younger sister, presenting the journey strictly from a child's point of view. The adults are present, but almost as secondary characters. The camerawork is up-close and personal, revealing the kids' intimate expressions as they learn to use chopsticks, play in the park, or visit local restaurants. Being three blond-haired children, they definitely catch the attention of the local families around them.

The film's director and writer, Tora Mkandawire M�rtens, is an award-winning documentarian and the mother of the three children. She captures their energetic, expressive daily lives beautifully. Music is used judiciously, adding an upbeat tune at the end and supporting a reflective moment during their grandfather's funeral. My favorite scene is when Aleque and Issay are running down the Great Wall of China--it is incredibly scenic and shows how happy they have become in their new country.

The film's message is that home isn't a physical place, but is rather a feeling of love and dreams.

I give Aleque & Issay 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults.

By Hafsa H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

I give Only At Night 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Yun L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Only at Night is an interesting film with an interesting storyline.

The story follows a boy who is afraid of the shadows and sounds at night. His imagination keeps him from falling asleep. He sees creepy crawling insects, ferocious creatures and haunting ghosts. He becomes scared and hides under his covers. However, in the morning, when he wakes up, his room that was terrifying last night, is much more peaceful and bright. He is no longer afraid when the sun rises.

The plot is very relatable. Most everyone was once afraid of the shadows and objects in their room at night when they were young. The story develops in a logical way. The film is AI generated, and the characters and backgrounds have a harmonized art style, so everything blends in well. Sometimes, the art style of the boy shifts a little, but mostly his appearance is consistent. The story primarily focuses on one character, the boy and I commend the filmmaker for his look. He is an ordinary boy with a simple design. But his imagination gives him a sense of identity and importance. The location is in the boy's bedroom. It is dark and scary because of the dim light from the pale moon. We see shadows and insects in his room which typically show up at night. All these critters are well designed and just scary enough for the story, but not over the top so that viewers will freak out when they watch the film. The sound effects add to the rhyming words and creepy setting. I like the ticking of the clock and the sound of the child breathing; both make the theme more realistic. My favorite part is a scene towards the end when scary and slender sheep turning into cute fluffy sheep. It really helps us understand that those things that are scary at night aren't so scary in the morning.

The film's message is that the same things may seem different in different settings and times. It is our imagination that changes what we see and if we learn to control what we think, we can overcome anything.

I give Only At Night 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Yun L., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

By Selene, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A Place Called Home offers a caring and creative behind-the-scenes look at young performers at Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins, Minnesota, as they prepare for the world premiere of a holiday musical. While mastering puppetry and building a musical ensemble, the young cast and crew gain far more than theater experience--they forge deep friendships and discover the profound meaning of "home. "I was excited to watch this documentary because I am familiar with the 2013 film Spookley the Square Pumpkin, and couldn't wait to see how they created a Christmas musical starring a square pumpkin! The format is beautiful, avoiding standard "talking heads" to take us right into the rehearsal hall to witness puppet choreography and choral practice. The camera work, audio, and editing are excellent. Director and videographer Steve Fischer delivers an exceptional film that goes way beyond standard "how-it's-made" documentaries, offering a 360-degree look into the production through the diverse viewpoints of the cast, creators, and theater management. The entire youth cast is worthy of praise for their diction, puppetry manipulation, and singing. I particularly enjoyed the vocal performances by Penelope Talatinick (Mistletoe) and Izzy Middlebrook (Spookley). Guided by Gorden Smuder and Bill DeLong, the puppets are eloquent in both design and movement. The holiday sets and catchy music--directed by Jeff Zahn and Joe Troiano--perfectly fit the seasonal spirit and the theme of belonging. My favorite scene is the intimate song rehearsal featuring Penelope and the music composer.

The film carries inspiring messages about collaboration, kindness, family, and finding your sanctuary. Ultimately, it reveals the power of creative spaces to help young people discover their voices, build community, and grow.

I give A Place Called Home 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults.

By Selene, KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I enjoyed Sunny because of its lighthearted tone. Unlike many films today that require intense focus, this short allows audiences to easily follow along and appreciate the story. The plot follows an insecure young girl named Avery (Penelope Trejo) who is celebrating her birthday. During a game of hide-and-seek, Avery and her friends discover a magical genie named Sunny (Jane Anderson). Together, they help the genie prove she can behave before she is trapped inside her lamp for good.

The film develops logically. While the genie element is pure fantasy, Avery's insecurity and self-doubt are highly relatable for young audiences who are discovering who they are and who their true friends are.

The camerawork is very impressive, using drones to capture striking overhead shots, such as following Avery as she runs away from the house. The young cast portrays their characters wonderfully with impressive emotional depth, especially in a scene where Avery gets hurt. The costumes and minimal makeup stay true to their age group, while the genie's intricate teal-and-gold outfit perfectly sets her apart.

The technical elements are well-crafted. The music plays an excellent supporting role, starting with a mystical, optimistic theme during the title sequence and ending with an upbeat credit song. The special effects--featuring a glowing lamp, red smoke, and a fun sequence where Sunny morphs into human form--keep the magic alive.

The work of writer and director Kasha Fauscett stands out the most. Known for training young performers, her expertise shines through as she gives this talented youth cast a chance to star in a film with so much potential.

The film's message is that having true friends by your side can help you achieve anything; through friendship, Sunny learns about selflessness and sacrifice.

Advisory Note: Be aware that there is one bloody scene that takes place toward the end after Avery takes a fall.

I give Sunny 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12.

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 20 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

By Montunrayo A. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like Camille & Cham�leon a lot! The animation is great, and the story is very cute. This dialogue-free short film from Germany follows an energetic girl named Camille and her friendship with a shy chameleon who is afraid of heights. During a game of hide-and-seek in the forest, Camille gets distracted and accidentally ignores the chameleon. Separated, both must confront their fears to reconnect and strengthen their bond.

The plot is easy to understand through pure visual storytelling and clear emotional expressions. The exquisite animation looks like a series of vibrant watercolors with creative camera angles. In one clever shot, the camera takes on a binocular shape, pulling the audience directly into Camille's search.

While Camille starts off a bit self-focused, she becomes deeply emotionally aware once she realizes she hurt her friend. Her simple clothing makes her adventurous movements easy to read visually. Meanwhile, the chameleon's tail dynamically changes color to match a flock of purple birds when he tries to blend in after being left behind.

Set in a playful, fantasy-style forest, the film relies heavily on its music and sound effects to drive the narrative. Sounds like rustling leaves, footsteps, and bird noises beautifully bring this animated world to life. Director, writer, and animator Lucie Nichelmann--along with animator Manuel Schroeder and sound designer Tilman Kohler--deserves high praise for masterfully executing a story without any dialogue.

My favorite part is the ending, where the duo reunites. Camille is hoisted onto the chameleon's back for a hug, and she slides down to his tail, where she is gently rocked to sleep like she is in a hammock.

The film's message is about the value of friendship and the importance of recognizing and honoring another person's feelings.

I give Camille & Cham�leon 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults.

By Montunrayo A. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 12 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

Technically, the visual imagery is clear, though the pacing is quite rapid, causing images to change before viewers can fully absorb them. The narration leans toward a formal, academic reading, making the presentation feel more like an excellent visual book report than an entertaining festival film. However, the content remains fascinating--particularly the explanation of how social inequality began when certain farmers generated surplus wealth and trade. The documentary is exceptionally well-organized and gains significant academic credibility by incorporating insights from author Tom Standage and UC Berkeley professor Lisa Maher. A highlight is Standage's compelling discussion on how the shift to farming was a necessary step to support a growing population rather than a sudden lifestyle choice. Ultimately, the film's message is that the Agricultural Revolution served as the foundational building block for modern civilization. Programming Note: Although we are endorsing this film based on its educational merits, we recognize that our venue partners may find the format too academic and not entertaining enough for general audiences. However, we stand by our support. I give Seeds of Change 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Motunrayo A., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Seeds of Change is a highly informative documentary that explores the historic shift to the Agricultural Revolution. Utilizing still photographs and historical drawings, the film effectively illustrates the key turning points of this era.

Directed, written, and narrated by a middle school student, the documentary explains how the Neolithic Revolution laid the foundation for modern civilization while inadvertently introducing social inequality. The filmmaker deserves tremendous credit for tackling a complex topic, logically mapping out how humanity transitioned from hunter-gatherers to permanent farming societies. The script highlights key historical milestones, such as the cultivation of wheat and barley in ancient Mesopotamia, and millet and rice in ancient China.

Technically, the visual imagery is clear, though the pacing is quite rapid, causing images to change before viewers can fully absorb them. The narration leans toward a formal, academic reading, making the presentation feel more like an excellent visual book report than an entertaining festival film. However, the content remains fascinating--particularly the explanation of how social inequality began when certain farmers generated surplus wealth and trade. The documentary is exceptionally well-organized and gains significant academic credibility by incorporating insights from author Tom Standage and UC Berkeley professor Lisa Maher. A highlight is Standage's compelling discussion on how the shift to farming was a necessary step to support a growing population rather than a sudden lifestyle choice. Ultimately, the film's message is that the Agricultural Revolution served as the foundational building block for modern civilization. Programming Note: Although we are endorsing this film based on its educational merits, we recognize that our venue partners may find the format too academic and not entertaining enough for general audiences. However, we stand by our support. I give Seeds of Change 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Motunrayo A., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 19 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Classroom 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Hafsa H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like the short film The Classroom. It is highly relatable, accurately depicts a typical middle school setting, and definitely resonated with me.

The story takes place on book report day, and the students are noticeably bored listening to their peers. The entire dynamic changes when a student finishes her presentation and shrieks upon discovering that the class hamster is missing! What begins as a complete disruption evolves into a full-out hunt to find their beloved pet. The students put aside their petty annoyances and collaborate to find the culprit, with one student providing the key evidence that solves the mystery. Through this shared mission, they develop a new understanding of each other and themselves.

What's most impressive about this short film--which was created by middle school students--is the mid-way plot twist that shifts the narrative from a dry classroom scene into an engaging detective mystery. The production values are quite good, with steady camerawork, clear audio, and sharp editing. The opening montage is a highlight; it provides a clever, engaging backstory for each of the characters and is excellently executed.

The film is set in the present day, and the student wardrobe is typical for kids today. However, the teacher's outfit feels a bit risqu� for a school setting, featuring an off-the-shoulder sweater when most teachers wear more conservative clothing. My favorite part of the film is when the class finally uncovers who took the hamster and learns the deeper story behind the "thief."

The film's message centers on the importance of collaboration, proving that we can accomplish so much more when we work together toward a common goal.

I give The Classroom 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Hafsa H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 18 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Message On the Waves 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Avani M. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Message on the Waves is a heartfelt animated story that connects people around the world. I was a bit disappointed in the AI generated animation because it falls short in details but the story is solid regardless. Still, this is a beautiful story connecting many different cultures and countries.

The storyline begins when a boy writes a note and puts it in the bottle and releases it into the ocean. This bottle is discovered and rediscovered time and again, as it travels across the world. The story is told without very little dialogue and the movements of the people and places relay the story as the bottle travels from India to Africa, Japan to Hungary, Chile to Israel and more. It gives us an overview of how people are alike and different.

This is a very heart warming story about how we are all connected. As the bottle travels around the world, people pick it up, study it, take their time to add a note to it and, eventually it returns to the original boy, now a grown man. The animation is a bit inconsistent - sometimes the same person is animated differently. In the African dance scene, people blend together or disappear entirely. I really like the scene where the boy wakes up in bed. There are many characters in this film; each of them writes a message that gets put into the bottle. I like how the bottle travels to different places and shows people of different ethnicities discovering it. Since this takes place around the world notes are left in many different languages. I love the inclusion of music and dancing, which beautifully tie the film together. I like the act of kindness when the boy gives a man on the street some food and how kindness is repeated as the bottle travels the world. I love the inclusion of the lighthouse in the story; the boy's journey begins and ends there - with him as the lighthouse keeper. I also like how the locations are included in the end credits. My favorite part is at the end when the messages are all taken out of the bottle and we see what every person wrote. The film's message is that everybody has a different story to tell and that we are all connected in some way.

I give Message On the Waves 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Avani M. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 17 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Kina 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kina is a sensitive, thought-provoking short film about the bittersweet transition from childhood to adolescence. The story follows eleven-year-old Skye, who intentionally leaves her inseparable doll, Kina, behind at summer camp to explore her teenage identity--only to realize she wants her back. Critic Janet S. praises the mother-daughter collaboration, noting its excellent production values, beautiful cinematography, and minimal but effective dialogue. It is a relatable visual poem about exchanging one chapter of life for the next.

I give Kina 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 9 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give With Grace 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - With Grace is a spectacular, short documentary set in Kenya that tells the story of an upbeat, funny young girl named Grace. Co-directed by Dina Mwenda and Julia Dahr, the film uses Grace's authentic point of view and heartfelt narration to recount her childhood, her loving family, and the traumatic impacts of climate change--from severe droughts to crop-destroying rains. Critic Anna Clara B. praises the stunning visuals, the perfectly toned musical score, and the emotional opening scene of Grace reflecting on her life from a tree branch. It is a powerful, inspiring look at resilience in the face of environmental hardships.

I give With Grace 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 39 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Elephant Who Wasn't the Last 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, mainly because the dialogue is in Polish with English subtitles, so you need to be able to read in order to enjoy this. If your native language is Polish, then I would say it's suitable for those ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Delightful animated short showing the impact of friends.

The storylines follows an elephant who escapes from the circus at the behest of a flea secretly living in his ear and meets up with a dog who encourages him to get his act together and return to his native habitat in Africa.p>Wonderful animation and lovely story. I love the scenes with the rain in particular, they're outstanding. And I love the relationship between the dog and the elephant.

I give The Elephant Who Wasn't the Last 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, mainly because the dialogue is in Polish with English subtitles, so you need to be able to read in order to enjoy this. If your native language is Polish, then I would say it's suitable for those ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

I give The Little Train 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a sweet nostalgic short film following the life of a toy train.

The film opens at Christmas time when a gift under the tree is a toy train. The train is used happily for many years until it breaks and is discarded. Someone rescues it from the trash and reinvents it beautifully.

Kudos to Angel Wang for a beautifully animated story that brings back memories of times past in the form of this sweet Christmas train. It reminds me of one that my own family had for many years.

I give The Little Train 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Blue! The Big ol' Whale Flies in the Sky 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Note that the dialogue is in Japanese, with English subtitles, so the audience needs to be able to read. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Interesting twist on how three unlikely people become friends.

The story follows a shut-in boy, a local misfit boy, and a girl who is a long term hospitalized patient. The misfit, Kanta, watches the shut in, Shoya, and vice versa. One day, some local troublemakers bully him and, miraculously, Shoya comes to his rescue The girl, Hitomi, observes it all from her hospital room and comes down to the street where she meets up with Shoya and they are joined by Santa. They form a pact with each other and agree to meet there every afternoon, which changes the life story for each of them.

This took me a while to get into, but once I did, I could relate to it. I was once shut in as a child for almost a year due to an illness and that experienced changed my life forever. These three kids represent misfits of many different kinds and their solution - to bond with each other and help each other deal with their problems, is solid. The film is well made, with good camera work, audio recording, editing and acting. I particularly enjoyed the song at the end.

I give Blue! The Big ol' Whale Flies in the Sky 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Note that the dialogue is in Japanese, with English subtitles, so the audience needs to be able to read. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 24 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Curious Incident of Everett Wilder 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Evie K., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kudos to creator, Ben Tobin, for a thoughtful and insightful short film that pays homage to a quirky story featuring a quirky character and his pursuit of the magical jackalope.

Narrated by Lucy Payworth (Vanessa Libby), as an adult, as she reminisces about her childhood friend Everett (Nathaniel Ruth) who has a birthday party where he invites his toys, but no people, but secretly wishes for friends. All the same, he has quite the magical party, including meeting a magical bunny with horns -- a jackalope, which he would like to catch for Lucy Payworth (Ripley Dresser).

This fantasy story takes place in the early 1950s, beginning in Everett's backyard with its wide expanse of lawn where the birthday party takes place and a wooded area behind it where the jackalope mysteriously escapes to. Then, we see him inside his hose and at Lucy's which are decorated in 1940 decor from the furniture to the curtains. Everett and Lucy have one thing in common, they have both seen the jackalope, and they both like to do the bunny hop! The costumes also are time compliant; my favorite being Everett's argyle sweater and bowtie. The background music is extraordinary; it is an original score by Andres Soto and well suited to each scene. The visual effects are used sparingly, but are strong. I.e. When Everett chases the jackalope into the woods and it disappears in a wispy cloud. The special effects at the end when Everett finds the jackalope again and it is the size of a moose are quite striking! The camera work and audio recording are well done; so is the editing. My favorite part is the ending when grown up Everett and Luc are dancing together in the old house. Again, the scene is accompanied with beautiful music. The film is dedicated to Robert Parati (1927-2017), whom we don't know anything about but presume he made a huge impact on Ben Tobin's life.

The film is about the magic in the world, which is sometimes just slightly out of reach, but you can grasp it if you keep at it.

I give The Curious Incident of Everett Wilder 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Evie K., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 18 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Titan & Nic 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Titan & Nic is a visually stunning, family-friendly animated short about two Atlantic icebergs--Titan and his son, Nic--determined to redeem their family's reputation after their ancestor famously sank the Titanic. While Titan wants to fight climate change, young Nic dreams of joining a pirate crew to find gold. Critics Selene W. and Julie S. praise the film's charming voiceover work, detailed backgrounds, and adorable side characters like hockey-playing polar bears and seal pirates. However, the film's animation is relatively static, and the ending becomes confusing when the climate change message gets abandoned for a treasure hunt. Still, its beauty and humor make it an enjoyable watch.

I give Titan & Nic 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The World We Share 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Very sweet and idyllic portrayal of a child exploring her community.

This short animated film follows a young girl walking through a park with her dog and we observe her encounters with other children, adults, dogs, and the natural elements in the park. People are kind to each other, helping each other out, and engaging with the park's pond, leaves and rainbows.

The film is written, directed and produced by Frank Passalaqua, who also composed the music. I presume he used AI to create the animation, and it's exceedingly well executed. The story portrays how the simplest things can make us happy - whether it's the smile of a friend in the park, or a grandparent's blessing, or someone helping a child recover from a fall on a bike, acts of kindness are their own reward.

The film's message is about the value of kindness in our everyday lives.

I give The World We Share 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Sherlock Holmes and the True Believer 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Sherlock Holmes and the True Believer is a polished short film that blends classic mystery with holiday magic. When young Danny (Graham Tucker), a relatable boy escaping school bullies through his imagination, is gifted a mysterious book, he is transported into a Victorian adventure to save a kidnapped Santa Claus. Critic Zamyra G. praises the film's high production value, from its authentic period costumes to the spot-on performances of Sherlock Holmes (John Lee) and Watson (Joe Svec). While some CGI effects feel a bit pixelated, the slow-motion action and magical chimes build delightful tension. Ultimately, it's a heartwarming story that reminds audiences to keep their imaginations alive.

I give Sherlock Holmes and the True Believer 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 27 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Navigating the Net 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Wow! This is the best film I have seen recently about media literacy -- pointing out the affects of misinformation and disinformation online and where it comes from.

This short documentary was created by students at St Luke's Primary School, Northampton, England. Over 40 students, ages 5 to 11 participated over the course of a year to create this. They wrote the script, selected costumes, and acted in it - all under the guidance of their teacher. Their focus is on the impact of computers, social media and the internet on young people and they nailed it!

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this and, when I learned how involved the students were from scripting it to performing, I was doubly impressed. The camera work, audio recording and editing are all outstanding. The background music is adequate - nothing stands out really. The graphics, however, do stand out - and the use of text enhances the presentation greatly. This is really impressive work and so timely.

I give Navigating the Net 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S, KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Beautifully created documentary about Kafeel Ahmad Ansari, one of Delhi's last remaining hand-sign painters and Urdu calligraphy artist.

This short film offers an inside look at Kafeel Ahman Ansari's work, life and life philosophy. It is lovingly shot, with great camera work, audio recording and editing. The one shortfall is the background music which is very repetitive and doesn't add much to the film. However, it doesn't detract from the charm of the film and the loving portrait that the high school student filmmaker, Danicca Bajaj, has created.

I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 10 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Joy O'Dance 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Have you ever wondered what it's like to be in a dance company? If so, Joy O' Dance is your opportunity to glimpse behind-the-scenes at the joy and magic of performing.

Joy O' Dance highlights young performers in Yorkshire, England preparing for a show. The film demonstrates how dance practice and performance builds confidence and deepens relationships. Pure joy for the dancers and the audience is the result.

This 20 minute documentary is easy to understand because of backstage interviews and preparation. The camera work and locations are beautiful. Lighting is a challenge when shooting backstage and even on-state, but it's quite acceptable. Some of the footage seems spliced together from different shots so the quality varies, some of it feeling pretty home spun. The intense feeling of the cast members is evident. I particularly enjoyed the interviews with the twins and the group of boys. The costumes, hair and makeup are quite good in this production. I particularly loved the animal costumes. My favorite scene is when the twins are dancing in the roles of Aslan and the White Witch. I also enjoyed scenes with the youngest dancers as ballerinas and mice. I love the sense of comradely in the film. Joy and fulfillment can result through dance, especially when connecting with the other performers around you. Opening oneself to these opportunities and experiences enriches your life whether you are performer, audience, a volunteer or a family member.

The film's message is that connection and community are important.

I give Joy O'Dance 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 20 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Fantastic Adventure of Felix Fischer 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Zamyra G., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Fantastic Adventure of Felix Fischer is a humorous, heartwarming short film about grief, honesty, and sibling love. The story follows young Felix (Lewis Ferrell), who spins an over-the-top, exaggerated tale about a VIP aquarium trip to impress his classmates during show-and-tell. As Felix tells his story, funny flashbacks reveal what actually happened. Underneath the comedy lies a touching subplot about Felix's late brother, Xander. Critic Zamyra G. praises Lewis Ferrell's bubbly performance, the excellent close-up camera work, and director Cristina Marin�'s pacing. It's a gentle reminder that we don't need to lie to prove our worth to others--or to the loved ones we've lost.

I give The Fantastic Adventure of Felix Fischer 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Zamyra G., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 8 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Dog & Pony Travel the World 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Avani M., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really enjoyed the short film Dog & Pony Travel the World. This cute animated film has music that gives it a perfectly happy and adventurous tone. The animation is endearing and has many different characters. Even without the dialogue, the dog and pony express their feelings through their actions.

The story follows the Dog and the Pony who are hanging out in a field when they see a plane, pack their bags and decide to travel. Their first stop is London where we watch them traveling and having a good time.

I really like the animation of this film and especially like how everything has a rounded look to it. I particularly like the shot of the plane going up into the sky. We see Dog and Pony arrive in London, which is easy to identify because the scenery clearly depicts London. I really enjoyed the closeup when they stare at the guard. Dog and Pony are animated and they don't talk, but we can tell it is happening from their facial expressions, especially the closeups of their eyeballs! It takes place in the present. The background music offers a happy vibe and really the entire film has an upbeat feeling. I commend the animators for the attention to detail. The way the animation is done makes it feel softer. Also, the colors are very vibrant and cheerful. My favorite part is when they are trying to break the British Guard's concentration. That is very funny and I love how it is animated. I can't wait to see more from these two characters as this seems like the start of a fun series.

The film's message is that animals want to have fun too.

I give Dog & Pony Travel the World 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Avani M., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 1-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

I give On Harnessing Your Weevily Doubts 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Michelle P. KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - On Harnessing Your Weevily Doubts is an adorable short film driven by a young teen's encouraging message to embrace artistic expression without fear of judgment. Critic Michelle P. praises the film's strong production values--including its high-quality camerawork, editing, and sound--while celebrating its central theme: art doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to bring you joy. It's a heartwarming reminder that life isn't a competition, and sharing creative pursuits with a friend makes it even better.

I give On Harnessing Your Weevily Doubts 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Michelle P. KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO