Ages 5-8 Titles from KIDS FIRST!

This title has online video!

I give Crescent Gang 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This film releases on VOD and as a digital release June 13, 2023. By Bria H., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What an incredibly heartwarming and uplifting film Crescent Gang is! It captures the essence of hope and family with its touching story and relatable characters. The talented young actors bring authenticity to their roles, conveying the emotions and resilience of children in the foster care system. It is family-friendly and uplifting.

Crescent Gang follows seven foster kids who face heartbreak when they discover their beloved group home is being sold and they will be separated. Determined to stay together, they embark on a high-stakes scavenger hunt in Las Vegas, where they encounter a family court attorney in search of her inner peace. The film beautifully captures their quirky and adventurous quest, highlighting the importance of friendship, resilience and the possibility of finding a loving family.

I like Crescent Gang for its compelling storytelling, strong performances, and positive message of resilience and family. The film is captivating and enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the talented young actors, including Valeria Camero as the determined new kid. The cast also includes Kira Marie, the spirited family court attorney, and Mariah Taveres, the resilient foster child, both of whom deliver compelling performances that bring depth and authenticity to their characters. The production elements are noteworthy, with the vibrant and bustling backdrop of Las Vegas adding dynamic energy to the story. The imaginative and well-designed costumes add to the visual appeal, complementing the characters' personalities and enhancing their individuality. The direction by Gino Payne and Onyx Keesha, who have drawn from their personal experiences in the foster care system, shines through in the film's heartfelt portrayal of the foster care journey. The plot development and pace keep the audience engaged -- perfectly balancing the kids' quirky adventures with their emotional journeys. Without giving away too much, one of my favorite parts of the film is when the kids realize their hard work and tenacity finally pays off.

The film's message is one of resilience and the power of a chosen family. It reminds us that support, love, and hope can be found in unexpected places and that no matter the challenges we face, we can find strength within ourselves and in the bonds we form with others.

I give Crescent Gang 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18 and adults. It releases on VOD on major platforms June 13, 2023.

By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 12

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

By Gavin S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The documentary, An Inclusion Lens, is so inspiring. It could even convince people to start including people from different backgrounds in the things they do. I also like the background music as it makes the film feel so wholesome.

Also, I like how they didn't just talk about what inclusion is, but also what inclusion isn't.

This film, by 16-year-old Arushi Maheshwar, is very inspiring and teaches a valuable lesson. It reminds us to include people of diverse backgrounds in everything we do. I like the variety of people that speak about their concept of the word "inclusion." They are different ages and from different background. We hear from a young woman, an adult male, a technology professional, a woman artist, a high school student, and a music teacher. They all answer the question, "what does inclusion mean to you," which results in a diverse narrative on the topic of inclusion. Hearing their varied responses is what makes this documentary stand out. The camera quality is good, and combines videotaped interviews with still images, which together work for this film. The background music really hits the spot. The only shortcoming is the uneven audio recording; I had to adjust the volume on my speakers as I watched it in order to hear everyone clearly.

The message is to include people in everything you do.

I give An Inclusive Lens 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 through 18, plus adults. By Gavin S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

By Gavin S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 9 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

This title has online video!

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

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

This title has online video!

By David E, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-17
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

I give 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like Go Crazy. It's a really cute video with a positive message that spreads happiness.

This short film is about being yourself and showing positivity. It showcases different dances from all over the world, as well as people having fun, and doing things that they love.

The cinematography and editing are quite good. There are many different angles used, as well as fun filters and transitions that add interest and attention. I especially enjoyed some of the fun scenic international backgrounds showing people just having fun. This also adds to the diversity of the characters. The main song highlights the concept of the film and really adds to it. This song is super upbeat and sets the mood of how it all plays out. There are many special effects using colors and textures. They are used throughout the transitional moments to enhance the fun feeling. There are no specific characters; it shows many different people having a good time. I enjoy the production design because all of the special editing effects really elevates the entire film.

My favorite part of the film is its message to have fun and be yourself. It's a good reminder to stay positive and be yourself no matter what.

I give 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Global Climate 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Kyla C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Global Climate expresses the effects of climate change as well as ideas of solutions for climate change in one short video. This mini documentary focuses on the information while providing beautiful photographs of landscapes, demonstrating how underappreciated our planet truly is.

Global Climate gives an overview of how climate change has already impacted not just humans, but everything on Earth, how it will continue to impact our planet and what we can do to slow the warming climate.

Global Climate is a short video with engaging visuals and an educational message, perfect for families in search for an introduction to climate change. The presentation of the information flows nicely, with each fact making sense with the picture shown and it is clear how each point connects to the broad topic of climate change. The video is a bit short on creativity as it's just text and pictures, but the simplicity does help get the point across. The photographs are beautiful, with views of many different landscapes around the globe. The lighting makes for spectacular pictures. Not only are these pictures pleasant to look at, they convey the film's message that if we don't do something about climate change, these wonderful things that we take for granted could be gone. The locations used are well chosen to match each fact displayed on the screen, contributing to the main idea of Global Climate. There is some instrumental background music that fits the film quite well. The narrator adds to the film at certain points, reading aloud facts that appear onscreen. My favorite part is the images of the landscapes - snowy forests, enormous icy mountains, vast blue oceans and so much more. These locations kept me engaged throughout the entire video.

This documentary expresses how important it is that every person takes actions within their daily lives to fight the warming climate. The desperation of our planet is conveyed by a demonstration of what we have to lose and astonishing facts about climate change.

I give Global Climate 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Kyla C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

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

I give Battle Plan 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Mikella G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really like the short animated film, Battle Plan, because it tells an important message in a very simple way. It reaches the audience that its intended for which is also important. Overall it flowed very nicely and it stands out.

The storyline follows a young girl who has an epiphany about the current state of our planet. She sees the harm that pollution is creating and designs a plan to help save the earth. It's a musical ode to young activists everywhere.

What a lovely short film from France by filmmakers John Banana and Mathilde Michea. I like how the story raises awareness about climate change. It is entirely non-narrative so the girl and her actions tell her story, highlighting how actions speak louder than words. The 2D animation is really cool. I like how it transitions from black and white to color to show different moods and feelings. It also uses a variety of angles to show us different points of view. The different locations - the girl's bedroom, the shipyard, the shopping center, the school yard - all are well defined. The music, by Tim Bruzon, is perfect for the film and creates a vibe of strife and discontent. The main character, the young girl goes through a major transformation during the film, from her initial awakening until we see her speaking before a huge audience, passionately relaying her message to a group of bored adults. But, the other kids join her and together they her journey of helping the planet. She grows and goes through the different stages. By the end she is affecting others, and making real changes. The ending is dedicated "to all the great little Gretas" in honor of Greta Thunberg. My favorite thing is the film's message which really emphasizes the importance of cleaning the planet, and how change must be done.

The film's message is that climate change is a real thing and helping the planet is a necessity.

I give Battle Plan 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Mikella G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give My Big Big Friend: The Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, but little ones would need someone to read the sub-titles. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love My Big Big Friend: The Movie; it's a colorful and fun animated film from Brazil. The message of facing your fear of meeting new people is perfect for all ages. It brings a smile to my face and reminds me of when I was young. All the children in the film have animal friends including a pink polka dot giraffe, blue elephant, and a green kangaroo. This feature film is based on the TV series My Big Big Friend, and is in Portuguese with English subtitles.

The storyline follows three kids, Yuri, Lili and Matt, whose parents have arranged for them to go to day camp with their imaginary animal friends Golias, Nessa and Bongo. Instead of being excited, the children are afraid of meeting new people. When it is time for them to catch the bus to the camp they run away instead. They find themselves at place that is governed by a clown, Mr. Doodledoubt. Mr. Doodledoubt appears to be their friend but his real aim is to separate the children from their animal friends and make them as miserable as he is. The rest of the story is about how the children use art to rescue their friends, face their fears, and return home.

The story line is magnificent -- I love the close relationship the children have with the animals and how the animals encourage the children to face their fears. The story is very easy to follow and kept me wondering what might happen next. The animation is very well done with vibrant and well defined colors. The figures of the children are realistic but stylized. The art supplies that the children use to help find their friends are also fun and realistic. The backgrounds are beautiful. The colors of the landscape are vibrant and exciting. It is fun to see the children get inside of huge bubbles and fly around the world. The music is original and helps tell the story. The voices are clear and fit perfectly to the animated characters. It is very easy to pick up the tunes and hum them to myself. There are no special effects per se but the animation of the fireworks is very well done. The voice actors skillfully fit all the personalities of the animated characters including the giraffe, elephant and kangaroo. My hat's off to the director, Andres Lieban, who has won several awards for his work on animated films. My favorite part of the film is when the art supplies are singing and dancing about how art is smart. It is very imaginative and fun.

The film's message is that you can learn to face your fears and use your internal resources to deal with new experiences and have fun.

I give My Big Big Friend: The Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, but little ones would need someone to read the sub-titles. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

I give The Tea Party 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kudos to 16-yer-old student filmmaker Arianna Grace Goarley for a lively and thoughtful production. Beautifully made, plus it delivers an important message.

The story follows Alice who becomes anxious when her friends arrive early to her tea party. As her anxiety peaks, it triggers her ADHD anxiety as she imagines her friends to be characters from Alice in Wonderland. Will Alice be able to find the coping skills to make her tea party a success?

What an impressive short film by a young filmmaker with excellent production values from the camera work to the editing, plus excellent sound recording and background music. Azari Ollivierre makes an adorable Alice, especially as she transitions to different emotional states. The other cast members are also quite well cast. Love the set, especially the white chaise. All the details - the food and plates, the hair and makeup - are all very well chosen. I love that Arianna brought her own experience with ADHD into this script and uses breathing techniques to help Alice deal with her anxieties. I have to saw that the portion when the party guests transition into imagined Alice in Wonderland characters is terrific. The silly antics like throwing food, doing handstands on the chair are perfect. And, let's not forget the narrator whose voice and delivery are perfect for this film.

The film's message is about how to handle our anxieties without letting them get the better of us.

I give The Tea Party 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Little Girl, Big Imagination: At the Beach 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Avani M. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Little Girl, Big Imagination: At the Beach offers a charming blend of music and dance.

The film follows a little girl who goes to the beach with her doll, then falls asleep and dreams of her dancing beautifully.

This middle student created film is fun and calming. The location at the beach is quite beautiful and the dancer is quite lovely. The classical music plays big part in creating an overall tone of the film. My favorite part is when the girl starts dreaming in the sand.

The message is that you can be what you dream.

I give Little Girl, Big Imagination: At the Beach 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Avani M. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Elephant in the Room 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Beautifully produced and information, this documentary opens our eyes to an issue that many of us are unaware of.

Elephant in the Room highlights the severity of man-animal conflict and presents a real life case that the world should feel proud of and emulate. The film gives us a first hand example of how a small village migrated from their ancestral village in order to preserve the elephants who first lived there. The young daughter is amazed and delighted when she realizes that her village left their ancestral lands for the sake of the elephants, which is a great example of how elephants and humans can live alongside each other peacefully.

Wonderful and colorful video; I love the opening scene of the villagers all dancing together and celebrating the upcoming birth. I love how the story of the elephants is told in animation. And, most importantly of all, I love how the villagers resolved this story and how their leader recognized that it was the villagers who had encroached on the elephant's territory, not the other way around. This is a wonderful tale that gives an inspiring message to the world.

The film's message is about how man and animals can live in harmony by paying attention to each other's needs.

I give Elephant in the Room 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 10 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Her 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This short film by sixth grader Grace Aisling Landauer is poignant and rather heart-breaking.

The story is about a young girl, a teenager who is excited to celebrate her friend's birthday, but it doesn't quite go as planned.

I really enjoyed the animation of this film, featuring simply drawn characters. The main character is particularly well constructed with great facial expressions that show a range of emotions from anticipation to joy to disappointment. The plot explores the girl's anticipation to celebrate her friend's birthday only to be turned away. It's heart-breaking in a simple way that we can easily relate to, especially during our fragile tween and teen years. However, there's a little light at the end, and for that, I was grateful.

The film's message is about the trials and tribulations of a young girl's life.

I give Her 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 1 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Mortality Tale 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Bravo to six graders Grace Landauer (director) and Siena Gutierrez (writer) for a terrific short animated film on a serious subject, handled in a fun way.

The story line is about a girl who questions her mom about life and death.

I love that these middle school students took on the subject of life and death, cleverly creating an animated piece using line drawings. It's short so it doesn't delve deeply into the topic, but it's a great discussion starter. The narrator of the film (not identified) has a terrific voice that is perfect for this. It's very girly sounding, without being too cute or too serious. I have to say that the film left me wanting more. I would love to see these two girls develop this into a longer piece - but at the same time, it's quite good just the way it is.

The film questions what happens to you after you die.

I give The Mortality Tale 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 2 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Evil Lies Adults Tell Children 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It's silly, imaginative and informative. By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like Evil Lies Adults Tell Children quite a bit; it's visually engaging, has a wacky set-up, and an emphasis on simplifying complex ideas for younger audiences.

The story follows a group of otherworldly life forms that make up one entity seek to dispel myths and mistruths.

This is a hybrid puppet / animation / live-action web-series where otherworldly forms make up one entity and offer advice to children to dispel myths and mistruths, addressing things such as car culture, wealth, privacy, college, grieving, paying rent, devotion to careers, birthday parties, and ageism.

It's not revolutionary or especially surprising, but it gets to where it needs to go quickly.

The animation is kind of fascinating; it has the texture of stop motion and there's some bits of special effects. The characters speak and move with the smoothness of 21st century animation. They appear as a mish-mash of shapes and colors that make up a face-like creature. Each character has distinctive traits, but there's little progression for any of them. They learn things, but it's primarily to teach the audience. My favorite part is the animation.

The film's message is to never be afraid to ask questions; the thirst for knowledge should never be fully quenched.

I give Evil Lies Adults Tell Children 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It's silly, imaginative and informative. By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 22 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Children of Mavungu 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Children of Mavungu is an outstanding documentary film about children growing up deep in the jungle of Suriname which is a county in northern South America. Mavungu is the most powerful forest god who protects children. The children live in Pikin Slee which is a village originally founded by slaves who escaped from plantations during the Dutch colonial rule. The film provides insight into the culture, beauty, and life found in this unique part of the world. The dialogue is in both Dutch and the native language of the country with English subtitles.

This is a tough and adventurous documentary about children growing up deep in the jungle of Suriname, South America. We see a mysterious world full of rituals and forest gods, of which Mavungu is the most important for children. The film focuses three children who are finishing up primary school - Yoseva who is 14, Kenny who is 13, and Maticha who is 14. Since they earned good grades in primary school, they will leave their village and pursue higher education in a city. The film examines the village life of each child and explores their feelings about leaving their village.

This documentary provides a unique opportunity to learn about a part of the world that is unknown to many people. It is a privilege to experience the lives and culture of people who live in areas of the world that are inaccessible to most people. The personal experience of each of the three children shown in the film is handled in a very respectful manner. The cinematography is exquisite and the jungle shots are amazingly beautiful! The close-up shots of the birds, animals and insects are stunning. The filmmaker captures the beauty of the jungle, the Upper-Suriname River, and all the people who live in the village in a remarkable way. The children and their families wear a mixture of the traditional attire and modern clothing. The documentary is filmed in Pikin Slee, a village deep in the tropical rainforest of Suriname. The background music is native to this area, but occasionally modern songs in English are played over the radio. The film traces the lives of the three children, both in school and outside of school. Several of the cultural rituals that early teenage children experience are also shown in the film. I love all of the film, but my favorite scenes are when the children are exploring the jungle. It is very interesting to see the children with cell phones.

The film's message is that, while education is extremely important to society, it also can mean cultural loss as children leave small villages like Pikin Slee to seek opportunities found in cities.

I give Children of Mavungu 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!

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

Berny 2 gets 3.5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is a commendable short sci-fi film made with middle school students as the cast members. The storyline follows a group of school-aged children who set out to discover the source of a strangeness that takes place every year on the summer solstice. It is from Italy with dialogue in Italian and English subtitles.

We love our middle school student actors. It is directed, produced and written by Paolo Pier Luigi Guglielmetti (an adult). The camerawork is quite good with interesting shots. Some of the lighting is a bit lacking, but not enough to make it unwatchable. The storyline is unusual and well developed. All the youth actors are quite believable. I love the odd old man. The use of thought bubbles is well conceived. The background music works very well; it has a driving beat which helps push the film along. We learn that Berny lives in a parallel world 100 light years away but appears on Earth every summer solstice, to run tests on #Earth's inhabitants. The kids form a team to track down Berny and create an imaginative solution.

The film's message is about teamwork and solving problems, even when they're very odd.

Berny 2 gets 3.5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Little Image-Bearers: Jesus: The Savior 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Mr. Phipps is a Fred Rogers sort of host of this show that informs kids about different things in the world.

In this episode, Mr. Phipps visits an emergency medical technician to discuss life-saving measures that are used in emergency situations. In puppet pretend, Prince Bobo must get the key from the dragon to free Fair Lady Lala. Despite Bobo's best efforts, confrontation with the dragon is inevitable. After Bobo's display of courage, Mr. Phipps decides to create his own sword using household items.

This is an episodic show hosted by Mr. Phipps, played by Caleb Phipps, who is also the film's Director, Writer and Producer. In this episode, we meet an emergency medical technician who tells us what epi pens are all about. Caleb's on-camera presence is very calm and direct. You feel as if he is a responsible adult who kids can trust. The segment with the puppets is quite cute and has another good message about helping others. That's followed by a craft segment, making a sword out of a cardboard tube and foil. The last segment features an excerpt from the Christian Bible, which is delivered with great gusto. The film is well produced with good video and audio, including minimal sound effects and background music. I can easily imagine this finding a place on daytime television, but certainly it would be appropriate for a youth and family film festival, provided the Christian content is appropriate for your venue.

The show's message is about learning how the world works.

I give Little Image-Bearers: Jesus: The Savior 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 27 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - As a world traveler and ocean enthusiast, I love Aliquam III. This film instills a sense of responsibility and empathy towards marine conservation in young audiences. Following young people as they embark on their scuba diving experiences in the oceans around Australia and New Zealand is incredibly captivating. Witnessing their journey, exploration and discovery is inspiring. I also appreciate the focus on raising awareness about the importance of preserving underwater environments. This film has the potential to entertain, educate and inspire young viewers as they develop a deeper connection with the oceans and become advocates for marine conservation.

This documentary follows ten children as they journey from land to oceans -- taking their first breath underwater and gaining a fresh appreciation for the importance of our oceans so they can spread this knowledge to their own communities.

This documentary offers an opportunity for young viewers to learn about the oceans, marine life, and the significance of preserving underwater environments. It promotes environmental awareness and empowers children to become advocates for ocean conservation while watching peers personal transformative journeys. One aspect of the film that stands out is the children's journey from land to ocean. This narrative arc creates a sense of progression and personal growth for the young people. It allows viewers to accompany them on their transformative experiences, building anticipation and a connection with their individual stories. The emphasis on the children taking their first breath underwater adds an element of excitement and adventure to the film; it serves as a symbolic representation of their entry into a whole new world beneath the surface. The overarching theme of spreading knowledge and awareness to their communities adds depth to the storyline. It highlights the potential for collective action and inspires viewers to consider their role in promoting environmental stewardship. The focus on empowering young individuals to become ambassadors for ocean conservation creates a sense of hope and possibility for positive change. The storyline of this film offers a compelling narrative arc, combining personal growth, adventure and a call to action for viewers. These elements can potentially engage and inspire audiences, particularly those passionate about environmental conservation and the future of our oceans.

Aliquam III is a well-executed documentary that employs various techniques to capture compelling visuals, including underwater shots of the kids' scuba diving, which brings viewers along on the adventure, while effectively conveying the story. The videographers use a mix of exciting angles, close-ups, wide shots, and specific shots that highlight key moments or details. Manny locations provide great aesthetics for this documentary. The ocean is a beautiful and dynamic setting with its vastness and beauty and it serves as the backdrop for the children's underwater explorations, providing a visually stunning environment for their experiences. The interplay of light, colors and marine life create breathtaking visuals, enhancing the viewer's immersion in the underwater world. The boat adds an additional layer to the locations. It is a practical and symbolic vessel, representing the journey and connection between the land and the ocean. The boat offers opportunities for interesting shots and perspectives, capturing moments of anticipation, reflection and camaraderie among the kids. Lastly, New Zealand presents a rich and diverse landscape that provides varied visuals and adds depth to the storytelling. The character development of this film is seen in the stories, experiences and personal growth of the young people who participate in this journey.

The film was directed by Anthony Gordon and Nathan Roderick. The contribution of these two was crucial in shaping the overall quality and impact of the film. Their dedication to the project is evident in the finished projects. My favorite part is the mesmerizing experience of watching the dives and the breathtaking underwater exploration. The filmmakers expertly captured the beauty and enchantment of the underwater world. The scenes are a visual feast, with vibrant coral reefs, graceful marine creatures, and the play of sunlight filtering through the water. As the children breathe underwater, anticipation and excitement fill the screen. I held my breath in awe as they delved into this new realm, surrounded by the ocean's wonders. The underwater footage allowed me to witness their encounters with fascinating marine life up close, from colorful schools of fish to majestic sea turtles and ethereal sea creatures. The cinematography showcases stunning wide shots, giving a sense of the vastness and diversity of the underwater landscapes. At the same time, intimate close-ups capture the expressions of wonder and amazement on the children's faces.

The film instilled in me a deep appreciation for our oceans' fragile beauty and importance. It reminds me of the need to protect and preserve these aquatic ecosystems for future generations.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 34 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Babookums: Seven Fantastic Stories 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Since there are subtitles it helps if the child can read or, has someone to read it to them. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Babookums: Seven Fantastic Stories is an amazing animated film that not only is fun to watch, plus has lots of good messages for children of all ages. The Babookums are adorable creatures whose fun and fantastical adventures that I enjoyed and believe children will also.

The film is about Babookums which are small creatures and robots which live around us. They come in all different shapes and colors and have superpowers. The Babookums go on seven adventures -- fishing, going on a rescue mission, flying from a birthday balloon, shopping for clothing and eating too much. In each story they learn valuable lessons such as it's okay to make mistakes as long as we learn from them and our differences make us special. This feature film is from Lithuania and is in Lithuanian with English subtitles.

This film is fantastic. It has magical animated creatures who find themselves in amusing social and emotional situations. Not only is it fun to watch, the messages are important and relevant for young peop0le. The animation is done masterfully executed. The characters include a green cat, yellow and black and blue robots, an orange fish, a robot that resembles Batman, a hip-hop mechanic and a roly-poly bug on a skateboard. The shapes of the characters are all different and a twist from common characters, but their actions resemble human movement. The backgounds are realistic and help tell the story; included are a human house, a lake and a forest. The animated creatures speak Lithuanian, but are subtitled in English. All of the seven stories put the Babookums in different social and emotional situations similar to what we experience every day. Each story teaches valuable lessons in an easy to digest fashion. The stories and the songs that go with them are memorable. The music is very enjoyable; it's funny and helps deliver the messages. One of the funniest, sung by the green cat, tells us how enjoyable his day is because he slept well and had a good poop. The voiceovers of the characters fit them to a tee. I particularly enjoyed the hip-hop mechanic and the Japanese monk, both of whom sound realistic.

I applaud the director, Tadas Vidmantas, an award-winning Lithuanian filmmaker, for his excellent work. There are so many parts of this film that I enjoy. I loved the adventure of the green cat finding a birthday balloon. Since he has always wanted to "fly like a bird," he attaches the balloon to his waist and then gets stuck when the balloon hits the ceiling. Although he is embarrassed and does not want help from his close friends, he finally realizes that they are the only ones that can help. One of the robots has a laser as his superpower, and he shoots the balloon string and the Babookums are able to catch the green cat.

There are several valuable messages in these seven stories. The ones that stand out to me are that is okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them and that each of us is special because we are different. Not that it does contain acts of violence.

I give Babookums: Seven Fantastic Stories 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Since there are subtitles it helps if the child can read or, has someone to read it to them. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!

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

I give I Want To Be An Eagle 4 out of 5stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Madeleine H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I Wanna Be An Eagle is a delightful animated short music video. The colorful animation is beautiful and fun to watch, plus it tells a great story with nice singing and music.

The storyline is about a sweet anthropomorphic sparrow, Petronia, who sings about her ambition to become a majestic eagle. The film takes us on the musical journey of the sparrow's dream with beautiful animation and a tune that tells of her ambition.

I like the sparrow singing about her dreams for a bigger life. The beginning scene is a little bitter-sweet due to the reasoning behind the sparrow's song and her wish to be an eagle. I like how quickly and easily the music tells the story. We are treated to a realistic flight of an animated eagle soaring across beautiful landscapes and waterways into a big cosmopolitan city. The animation is crisp and colorful; the characters and scenery are quite lovely and very detailed. When the birds take flight it feels as if you are flying along with them. The backgrounds are very realistic looking - the building and scenery below -- which makes this animated film easy to relate to. Aside from the opening scene, most of the scenery is shown from a bird's perspective. Petronia is more cartoonish than the eagle or the backgrounds, but she is drawn in a pleasant way. There is one song throughout, sung by Callen Fu, which tells Petronia's story and her ambition. It is pleasant and quite catchy. My favorite scene is the opening scene when the birds are flying all over.

The film's message is to dream big.

I give I Want To Be An Eagle 4 out of 5stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Madeleine H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give I Don't Want To Go to Mrs. Hum 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Avani M. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really like the film I Don't Want To Go to Mrs. Hum. It is very funny and the story is told in a very catchy song which I can't stop singing now.

Every Sunday, the Nguyen household erupts into chaos as two sisters frantically prepare for their piano lessons. One day, the main character does not want to go to her piano lesson, so she makes a funny song about it called "I Don't Want To Go to Mrs. Hum."

This middle student film is a kick and perfect for KIDS FIRST! It's my favorite film of the week! I recommend this film because it is funny and fun. I like that the story tells of the hardships of learning something new through a song. I don't like that the piano teacher compares the girl to her sibling. The camerawork is well done. The lighting falls a bit short at times, but not distressingly so. Creatively, two actors play all the different characters -- Khang Nguyen and Minhtu Nguyen portray two sisters, as well as the piano teacher, and even the dad. They are also the film's writers, directors, and producers. It's fun that this film is somewhat biographical in telling their own story about piano as an integral part of their daily lives from the whining to the procrastination, jokes and enjoyment. The two of them are adorable and make great appearances on camera. The music plays a big part in this film because the whole story is told through a song. My favorite scene is when they go crazy practicing their instruments.

The film's message is that sometimes kids need a break from their activities.

I give I Don't Want To Go to Mrs. Hum 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Avani M. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Commander and the Silly Woman 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This reminds me of the "upside down story" as a child is in control and the one adult follows his direction.

The storyline of this elementary student made film questions why adults think they have the right answers, know best, and have rules for everything. In this film things turn things around as a young commander flies through brain space, helping a young enjoy her life more fully. The opening and closing images stars and space set the scene for this short film. The young commander directs the woman to dance, eat chocolate cake messily, put her feet up on the table and walk barefoot outside. It's full of fun images and surprises throughout.

The film's message is to play more, work less.

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

I give Alpha Generation 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Keila V., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really enjoyed Alpha Generation because it has adorable and realistic animation, plus a powerful message about friendship and the importance of being a kid.

The storyline follows a young girl named Rebeca who loves to read and use her imagination. She tries to convince her neighbor Marcelo to play outside with her. Instead of joining her, he plays video games all day. The film is from Brazil but is non-narrative so there is no language issue.

It is important to remind children (and adults) that friendship is very powerful. I like that the young girl has perseverance and never gives up trying to convince her friend to play with her. The animation is fantastic and the quality of the production is amazing. The backgrounds are very well done and ties the story together. Rebeca and Marcelo are two children who are best friends. They enjoy opposite things but when it comes to using their imagination they are two peas in a pod. The directors, D�bora Resendes and Luri Moreno worked very well together in creating a high quality production. My favorite scene is when Rebeca sets up an obstacle course to cheer Marcelo up after she drops Marcelo's gaming device into water.

The film's message is about the power of friendship and how opposites complement each other.

I give Alpha Generation 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Keila V., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 11 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Great Pyramids of Giza 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Madeleine H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Delete
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really enjoyed The Great Pyramids of Giza. The vivid cinematography places the viewer right with the Great Pyramids. There is an abundance of well-researched information narrated in a friendly, easy-to-understand way. And the hosts are two young boys.

This documentary takes you on a trip to Egypt hosted by 10-year-old Oliver and his younger brother Lucas, for a fascinating look at the Great Pyramids of Giza. Interesting and fun facts are presented in a professional way as Oliver narrates the film.

This documentary is very high quality, informative and beautifully filmed. The young hosts are exceptionally good as they show us the beauty and mystery of these giant pyramids. I enjoyed learning about this from a young person's point of view. We tour the great pyramids and learn so much about them. It feels almost as if you are actually there. The cinematography is vivid and stunning. It beautifully captures the greatness of these ancient buildings that have survived for hundreds of years with amazing views from many angles; even soaring high above, like a bird. The beautiful location in Egypt is awesome and historical. The great pyramids are world renowned and this film brings them to you, showing both the inside and outside. The use of Egyptian music really helps set the mood for this film and its location. Animation is used to help show what scientists and archeologists believe to have existed within the pyramids and paint a fascinating visual picture of the ancient culture. The young hosts arrive in Egypt eager to learn and share their interest with great detail while enjoying their amazing trip. I love the level of excitement from these two boys from the minutes they first arrived\ at the Great Pyramids of Giza and throughout the film. Their excitement is contagious. The only shortcoming is that the film doesn't really have a proper ending. It just ... stops. That is very weird because everything else is so terrific.

The message of the film is to learn about the Great Pyramids of Giza.

I give The Great Pyramids of Giza 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Madeleine H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Delete
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give A Liberian Wedding 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marilyn S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Very enjoyable overview of a Liberian wedding. Oliver and Lucas travel to Liberia to attend a traditional Liberian wedding that will be held in a small Liberian village called Peace Town. Liberia, a tropical country located in West Africa, is rich in culture and customs and so Oliver and Lucas have an amazing time learning and making new friends in this beautiful tropical country.

This sweet documentary is made by two young Australian boys, Oliver Rafeh (Director) and Lucas Rafeh (Cast) and written and produced by Genway Rafeh. The boys arrive in a village in Liberia and we follow them as they become involved in the community as it prepares for a wedding, making music and dancing. The boys join in the festivities and are warmly greeted by the gatherers, young and old. At the wedding, the bride appears in a gorgeous white dress led by a group of attendants all dressed alike, singing and dancing. Good camera work; good audio and good narration by the young hosts. What a lovely introduction to Liberian culture and its beautiful people. It definitely only scratches the surface, but it's a good start at understanding this culture.

The film's message is to show us a traditional Liberian wedding.

I give A Liberian Wedding 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marilyn S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 8 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love discovering films such as this by a young person who just wants to get a story out there. It shows how simple it can be to just capture the story, so you can share it with others.

Jude was introduced to filmmaking at a workshop at the Mystic Aquarium hosted by Green Planet Films. He saw an article in his local newspaper about salmon in the CT River and a project that tried to bring them back. Since he was studying ecology at school he thought it would be interesting to learn more about this. He interviewed Steve Gephard who worked on that project for 42 years, until it ended. This film is about his work.

12-year-old Jude Rodricks has created an admirable short documentary about a project of interested in his home town and the man, Steve Gephard, whose insight into the challenges posed by climate change are explored in this film. His camera work is quite good, as is the audio track. There are a few shaky images, but they are inconsequential and don't detract from the story.

The film's message is about a local salmon restoration project in Connecticut where he lives.

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

I give Something Terrible Happened to Joey 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love the animation of this film - it looks like the images originated as water colors; everything is very impressionistic and there's a sense of constant movement. I love the storyline; what a wonderful way to encourage others to let go of horrible experiences that are holding them back. This short animated short film is about surviving and thriving after childhood trauma. Joey experiences "a terrible thing" and "everybody saw it. Everybody knew." One day, after the "terrible thing" happens, Joey wakes up to find a huge bag of coal next to his bed. He has to carry it with him everywhere he goes. Eventually Joey grows up and becomes a storyteller who helps other people tell their stories. When Joey tells his own story of the Terrible Thing, he finds out that others have their own bags of coal too. Joey opens his bag of coal and examines the lumps one by one. One by one they don't seem so heavy. He encourages others to examine their bags of coal as well, As Joey's story unfolds, winter turns to spring, gardens bloom and the bag of coal becomes a balloon that lifts Joey joyously above the town and "everybody saw him. Everybody knew."

The story is well told and unspecific. The "terrible thing" is never defined and could be just about anything, which is what makes it so compelling. What did Joey experience exactly? Abuse, Divorce, Disability, Separation, Illness - all are terrible things that kids experience. Joe's terrible thing could have been something horrific or something simple that, for one reason or another, was horrible for Joey. I love the resolution even more, as Joey learns to dissect his experience, break it up into itty bitty pieces, pieces small enough to deal with, as opposed to the big bag of coal that was overwhelming. I especially love Joey's friend Ricky who stuck with Joey, even when everyone else moved away from him. It is the definition of true friendship. The director, Joseph F. Lovett, brings his own personal experiences to this film and you can feel its impact. Hats off to Oscar Wyndham Lewis for outstanding animation and to Rosie Perez for beautiful and touching narration and Julia Vasiliev for a lovely musical score. This is a perfect film for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - gorgeous and an incredible message.

The film's message is about learning to let go of the traumatic experiences we've had in order to move forward, or upward.

I give Something Terrible Happened to Joey 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 11 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Shot Boot Three 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a sweet story! An entertaining and well-produced film, Shot Boot Three is perfect for dog lovers and fans of realistic fiction. With crisp cinematography and chuckle-inducing dialogues, kids will love this film.

Kailash gets a pet dog named Max for his birthday with the help of his friends Pallavi and Ballu and some good old fashioned pleading with his parents. When Max goes missing, Kailash and his friends embark on an entertaining journey to find him.

Shot Boot Three has a heartwarming story that, while not anything pathbreaking, will enthrall young viewers. The film engages you from the get-go with a relatable struggle: Kailash wants a dog but his mother puts her foot down. And from the initial moments onwards, you're invested in Kailash's life and his journey. For those who love films with some drama and scheming, the second half of the film delights. The camera work is wonderfully crisp and effective in the film. There are no shots that feel out of place, and the mix of close-ups, medium shots, and even some interesting low-angle shots are sure to impress. The camerawork is certainly suitable for exhibition. Filmed in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu fits the story well; every scene is believable. The background music perfectly fits the film. At some point, a traditional sitar is used for background music, and in other places standard film SFX and background music are used. There are some visual effects around Ballu's head at times - for example, superheroes fighting - to show his imaginative nature. Max the dog is also the product of some pretty great visual effects. Everything in the film is effective and believable... except, perhaps that we don't hear Max bark for quite a while. Heet Bokadia plays Kailash, the protagonist. I might be a bit biased since he looks immensely similar to my cousin, but he is one of my favorite characters. He pours himself into the character and you're on Kailash's side for the entire film, feeling like you're finding Max along with him. Vedanth plays Balvindar "Ballu" Singh; many Indian films overdo the trope of using Sikhs as comic relief. In this case, Ballu contributes meaningfully to the film -- a smart decision by director and co-writer Arun Vaidyanathan. Pranithi Praveen as Pallavi is the perfect balance to Heet and Vedanth's characters: the pragmatic young lady. The casting is certainly one of the strong points of the film. The direction by Arun Vaidyanathan and the writing by Anand Raghav and Arun Vaidyanathan propel Shot Boot Three to new heights. Vaidyanathan also produced the film. The mirthful dialogues and purposeful feeling of every scene makes this a special watch.

I love the duo of Kailash and his father. Kailash's heartfelt performance, especially in the initial and final moments of the film when he gets Max and when he is finally close to finding him. Both scenes are wonderful. Perhaps the best-written of all the characters, Kailash is a show-stealer. His father Swaminathan is the dream parent, always supportive, sometimes overindulgent, but never unfair. Together, they light up the screen for the first forty minutes.

The film's message is that friends will always be there for you, especially when things you value are at stake.

I give Shot Boot Three 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST!

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

I give Rainbowflower: My School Of The Future 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The film Rainbowflower: My School Of The Future is a compelling exploration of the struggles and aspirations of children in Ecuador, where school dropout rates are amongst the highest in Latin America.

This documentary is a poignant and inspiring film that sheds light on the challenges faced by children in accessing education, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In terms of story development, viewers may appreciate how the film provides a platform for children to express their views on education and the challenges they face in accessing it. The film also highlights some innovative solutions that are being developed to address these challenges. One potential area of criticism could be the lack of depth in exploring the issues facing children in accessing education. While the film provides a valuable perspective on the challenges, one may feel that the documentary could have delved deeper into the systemic issues and underlying causes of school dropout rates in Ecuador and around the world. Still, this is a thought-provoking and inspiring documentary that raises important questions about the future of education. It is a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about how to create a more equitable and inclusive school system for all children. This is a documentary-style film that captures real-life situations and interviews with children. The camera work is visually engaging, with a mix of wide shots to establish the setting and close-ups to capture the emotions and expressions of the children. The settings are in real-world locations, including schools and homes, which provide an authentic and relatable setting for the interviews and footage. I appreciates the use of music and sound to create a sense of cultural and regional identity, reflecting the diversity and richness of Ecuadorian and Latin American cultures. The puppets used in this film are adorable and add a whimsical feel to the film. The children in the film share their experiences well; their answers and comments feel real and passionate. My favorite aspects of this film are the puppet interludes.

The film's message is focused on working towards a more equitable and accessible education system for all children

I give Rainbowflower: My School Of The Future 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 62 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Cinda Real 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Madeleine H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love the animated film Cinda Real, because it addresses diversity and overcoming physical challenges. It's a loveable take on the classic Cinderella story.

The story follows Cinda, who has one leg, but it does not stop her from her love of dance. Because of her disability her step-mother and step-sisters are cruel to her and deny her a ticket to the Prince's Ball. With the help of a kindly old woman and some forest animals she is able to attend the Ball where she just wants to dance and be her true self.

This is a familiar story with a beautiful new twist and a sweet reminder to celebrate our differences. This film was developed and executed through contributions from both children and adults. It is super cute seeing all the forest animals helping Cinda. I especially like the joy they bring when she is able to attend the Ball. The animation is stunningly beautiful; the characters and scenes are beautifully drawn in gorgeous, vibrant colors. The main characters and scenery are created in an artistic hand-drawn fashion -- like colorful sketching. The secondary characters and background scenes are simple in muted tones of gray. The scenery places the characters in familiar backgrounds including a cottage kitchen, a fairytale forest and a Princely Castle; they transport you along with the characters in a very pretty way. I like that the background music and sounds are subtle; the sound effects of the animal chitter-chatter is expressive without being too literal. The film is from Slovenia with dialogue in Croatian, English, French and Slovenian. It is subtitled in English.

Cinda goes from being a lonely character content with dancing by herself, to a very motivated person set to change herself to fit in as she discovers her true self and passion for what makes her special and happiest. Cinda's graceful dance movements dancing are particularly well done. I love the scene where Cinda makes pancakes for her step-family; she turns a mundane task into an opportunity to dance and express her inner joy.

The film's message is that if you are passionate about doing something you can make it happen.

I give Cinda Real 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Madeleine H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 17 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5-12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The blue-footed boobies of the Galapagos Islands have a rule that only males with blue feet can be popular. After being rejected in a courtship dance by his favorite female, the protagonist sets out on a quest to find "blue sneakers" in Tokyo, across the sea.

Wow! Bright colors and wonderful, percussive background music. I love the animation of this film. It completely wakes you up. And the storyline is adorable. Poor little Blue-Footed Bobby's feet are not true blue, so he takes off to Tokyo to find himself a pair of blue sneakers so he can capture the heart of his beloved. And yup, he finds a dandy pair, buys them and struts out of the store. A trickster crow connives to get the sneakers from him and he ends up back in the Galapagos without his sneakers, but with a big bouquet of blue flowers, which his girlfriend adores. This is absolutely adorable and fun.

The film's message is about being true to yourself. You don't need to hunt down the perfect footwear to impress your beloved.

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

I give Buckets City 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Carlee S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Buckets City is really a terrific film with great animation and a good message. The storyline about the rivalry between the two bullies and Duckhammer and Kid Squirl is very engaging and relatable. The quality of the animation is good and adds just enough details to catch the viewer's attention.

Protagonists Duckhammer (a duck) and Kid Squirl (a squirrel) compete in a game of basketball with bullies. Years later, the two of them learn new moves and decide to do a rematch against the bullies.

This film will captivate the audience's attention with its entertaining storyline and terrific animation. I like how the storyline doesn't shift from the goal of the main characters' dilemma over a basketball game against bullies and trying to impress others. It starts with the bullies defeating the protagonists and ends with the protagonists winning a game. The animation is mostly smooth and showcases some details in both the settings and characters. The action of the characters is really outstanding. Each character has distinguishing details that define their personalities. Kid Squirl and Duckhammer are always in workout clothes. They are friends and constantly are sort of nagging each other, in a friendly way. There are times when the basketball game is being introduced where the animation for the animals shifts to images of realistic animals and words added on screen. I like this and found it very creative. I also like the details of the city setting showing the buildings and various activities in the background. The characters wear clothes that fit their personalities. For example, Duckhammer is sporty and wears athletic clothes and an athletic headband. Claire wears a skirt and top that makes her seem girlish, although she is also actually sporty, too, which adds a surprise to the story. The interior of the house, after years have passed, shows how it has aged. The deterioration of the couch makes it seem like time has definitely passed. The neighborhood changing to a big city also shows how time has passed. Some of the city details in the background are interesting. For instance, there are different shops and characters doing different things. During the basketball matches the music is upbeat which builds suspense and excitement during the game. There are also sound effects added at different times, such as in the city when they are walking. The sounds reflect those you might hear in a city such as a traffic signal and someone skateboarding. The detailed sound effects in the basketball game and in the city stand out and add interest to the film. The main characters are Duckhammer (Kyle Branton Ross) and Kid Squirl (Dave Quion). The bullies are Rhinokill (Desnar Pandiangan) and Geksniper (Kyle Blanton Ross). Claire (Jana Joy Quion) is a squirrel that Kid Squirl likes. All the voice actors match their individual characters quite well. Dave Quion is the director, writer, animator and background artist, in addition to voicing Kid Squirl. Kyle Blanton Ross did the sound and music effects recording, in addition to voicing Duckhammer. The film's message about perseverance and believing in yourself is intriguing. The twist at the end is also a highlight of the film. My favorite part of the film is when Duckhammer and Kid Squirl reveal that they had tricked the bullies into believing that they were too full to play well in the basketball game.

The film's message is that with perseverance, hard work and teamwork, you can achieve your goals. A second message is that you don't need to impress others with fancy things for them to like you, just be yourself.

I give Buckets City 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Carlee S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to18, plus adults. By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I Won't Stand For It is incredibly compelling! The film tackles important and timely themes such as social justice, activism and the impact of the pandemic. It addresses the struggles Indigenous communities face and highlights a young activist's determination to make a difference. The film's focus on these pressing issues adds to its appeal and relevance. There is an empowering young protagonist as the central character, Miyawata. Her story of resilience and determination demonstrates the power of youth activism.

The storyline follows Miyawata, a 15-year-old Indigenous activist, as she fights for justice, organizes school strikes for climate change, and seeks to reignite the movement in her hometown after the pandemic. Miyawata's on a mission to help Indigenous voices be heard and included and is the first organizer of school strikes for climate in her hometown. The climate movement in Winnipeg had big momentum... until COVID hit. Now that the end of the pandemic is in sight, can she get the movement going again?

This film is engaging and thought-provoking and tackles social justice, activism, and the impact of the pandemic. These themes resonate with current societal issues, making the story relevant and engaging. The film represents underrepresented communities and highlights the power of youth activism. This narrative structure has the potential to create tension, emotional engagement, and an emotional arc for the characters, making it compelling to follow their journey. This film has several compelling aspects. An essential and relevant theme is the focus on an Indigenous activist and her determination to fight for justice and amplify Indigenous voices. The second is her focus on the climate movement and the challenges faced during the pandemic, which adds to the complexity of the film.

This film was shot in digital format, and the shots are framed to capture the story's intensity. The film is aesthetically pleasing, and the close-up shots make the documentary feel intimate. The camera techniques track the subjects and capture the mood and emotion of Miyawata and others. The lighting is mostly natural and uses an icy color palette, rich in whites and blues, to impact the visual experience. The cinematography captures thematic moments and actual events and people.

Caroline Bacle, director and producer, has over 20 years of experience creating documentaries and children's content for prestigious networks. Her passion for storytelling and dedication to educating and inspiring young audiences are obvious in this film. My favorite part of the film is watching Miyawata speak and move with power and conviction. Her determination, resilience and commitment to fighting for justice and amplifying Indigenous voices make her particularly inspiring and compelling. The scenes showcasing Miyawata's activism, speeches, or interactions with others stand out as impactful and thought-provoking moments. I recommend this film for a youth and family film festival because the themes of activism, resilience, and social justice are relevant and essential for youth and families to explore and discuss. Additionally, the documentary format allows viewers to better understand real-world issues.

The film's message is about the importance of activism, amplifying marginalized voices, and the resilience of youth in the face of adversity. It highlights the significance of standing up for what one believes in and the potential for positive change through grassroots movements. The film touches upon the intersectionality of social justice issues, such as Indigenous rights and climate change.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to18, plus adults. By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give You Are Enough 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love the short film You Are Enough and the message it offers. It relates to kids of all ages, and adults, too. It was created by a group of primary school children, which is really fascinating. This film promotes positive behavior and overcoming obstacles.

The storyline follows Abbie, a student that is battling with life in primary school and many situations that conflict with her school life. She finds eventually finds her true self.

This film was directed, written, produced and cast by the children at St. Luke's Primary School in the UK. What they have created is incredible! The film is for kids, by kids. Their teamwork and resilience throughout this process is admirable, especially because they are pretty young (ages 8-12). I like that the story starts off gloomy and negative, but eventually switches to cheerful and grateful. The story teaches us about overcoming our problems and the methods that can help others. This spreads awareness so people can help themselves, as well as the people in their lives. The camerawork is interesting because it shows the Abbie's point of view, plus her classmates and even her teacher's. It also shows her dreams, in which they do many activities. For instance, Abbie plays a video game against negative feelings like embarrassment, fear, guilt, depression and more. The character she chooses is "herself." She battles those negative emotions and wins. It's a very creative way to make people aware of mental health issues. Plus, the video game is entertaining. The film mentions that school brings a lot of stress to kids, so a lot of the scenes take place at Abbie's school. Some effects they use are filters to blur out the background when Abbie is having a nightmare. It has a nice affect and makes you think you are in another reality. Abbie starts off being gloomy and devastated; however, throughout her dreams she overcomes her obstacles and feels joyful and relaxed. This character vs. character conflict brings hope to others who feel the same way. My favorite part is Abbie. I love her transformation throughout the film, especially when she gains confidence in the end. Abbie represents many young tweens and their mental health, so the target audience will definitely relate. Anxiety is a serious situation for many people, and this film emphasizes that mental health is important. I recommend this for a youth and family film festival because it shares a wonderful message for kids. Kids will definitely relate to this and it helps prepare them for going to school in the future.

The film's message is that overcoming your fears and worries is possible. It's important to talk to the people around you to make sure you aren't holding it all in. For example, Abbie speaks with her teacher about her feelings. Some people that are willing to listen are family, friends, teachers or school counselors, and therapists. They are there to help! Another message in the film is that there's a bright side to everything, whether you see it or not.

I give You Are Enough 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 15 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Stories of the North 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Adorable! I love the concept of this show and the execution is excellent!

This TV series for children helps teach Cree through stories told by a Moshoom to a young girl.

What a charming show! It's made combining animation and live action, with the live action portion being a conversation between a young girl, Natanis (Mya Hoskins Fiddler) and an adult man, Moshoom (Morris Cook). In this episode, Natanis asks Moshoom about where their food comes from and he tells her stories about the foods they grow on their land, using Cree words as he does that -- not just for a single word, but complete sentences. He also sings a song to her, with drum accompaniment. Both Moshoom and Natanis are completely natural in their conversation and the viewer feels as if they are observing an actual conversation between the two. This has excellent production values, from the camera work to the audio. The live action part all takes place in one place; they are sitting on a sofa with a red and white striped covering on it. I can imagine this show would be a big hit with Native families, but really anyone that is interested in learning about other cultures will enjoy it. I think I might have even picked up a few Cree words that I can remember. It helps that at the end of the show, they review key words that they have used in their conversation. Nice background music also.

The film offers audiences insight into the Cree culture, guided by Moshoom, specifically in teaching simple words and phrases.

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

I give Death in Normandy 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S.,, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What an amazing piece of work this short stop-motion film is. Using figurines to represent the soldiers, this young filmmaker has created quite an amazing piece that rivals work by filmmakers much older than him.

This stop motion animation tells the gruesome stories of German soldiers as they battle for their lives throughout the theaters of WWII.

This is an impressive piece made by Leo Kahn, an 11 year old who has been making stop motion films since he was 7. The film has a lot of violence in it, albeit with figurines, not real people. But, as, Leo points out, war is violent. He shows the human side of the soldiers. The detail of this production is astonishing. Knowing how time consuming it is to make stop motion film, you have to admire the patience that Leo shows in creating this piece.

The film's message is about the brutality of war and the horrific experiences that soldiers have.

I give Death in Normandy 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give MeiHouWang 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Keila V. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I enjoyed MeiHouWang because of the music, drama and its outstanding creativity.

Sun is an unpretentious little boy who goes to preschool for the first time and tries to make new friends; he ends up channeling the strength of the legendary Monkey King to earn the respect and recognition of his somewhat nasty classmates.

I like that Sun tries several ways to become friends with anyone on his first day of school. When that doesn't work, he draws upon something deep within himself to take on his classmates, which are pretty tough little preschoolers. The 2D animation is terrific and the background music is awesome - which is essential since this is entirely non-narrative. The animation is based on Asian drawings. The story's theme incorporates the traditional character of the Monkey King who is a martial artist. The film takes places entirely in the children's classroom. Director and producer, Justin Ni, definitely has mastery over this topic and succeeds in bringing the story to life, while giving us a little bit of insight into the Monkey King. My favorite part is when Sun makes his creation of his battle stick to defeat the pirate.

The film's message is a reminder that when you have a problem you always have your friends to support you.

I give MeiHouWang 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Keila V. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Saving Mango - A Cat's Story 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Cat lovers will particularly enjoy this, but really anyone will. By Bria H., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I am not an avid viewer of films about animals; however, two minutes into this film, I was instantly drawn by the narrator's voice, which is the "voice" of the cat, the protagonist named Mango. I sensed a twinge of Ryan Reynolds' dialect, mixed with original delivery. The voice actor is Josh Bloomberg. I like the Garfield-esque direction of the film that allows the audience to hear thoughts of the cat. It is refreshing to see a cat being natural and not using CGI to create mouth movements. The CGI editing for the cat appears at the twenty-five minute mark and it is a tad distracting.

The story of this film focuses on the emotional response of a cat named Mango, who lives a suburbanite life with his suburban family. The family leaves and is involved in a car accident and Mango is forced to survive on his own - missing them and hoping they will return someday.

This is a terrific film movie that would be enjoyed by adults and children alike. I love how the film transports the audience into the mind a cat and how it reacts to the situation he finds himself in. There is a misconception that only dogs miss their families, when in reality, cats have an emotional connection to their owners as well. I was impressed by how the cat's movements match the narration. For example, in one scene there is a man who tries to provoke Mango with a rock, but Mango stares him down and says something like, "I am not a dog! Stop! I am not a dog." Plus, the eye movements of the cat match the narration. I did not enjoy the scene with the snake; it happens very suddenly and made me very uncomfortable. The cinematography is commendable and follows Mango as he moves about the house and outside. When the man takes Mango to a home and rings the doorbell, it is raining and the light is dim; it feels like the man is trying to get the cat to its home on a rainy day. I enjoyed some of the shaky camera movements like when Mango is transported by the man, the camera shakes a bit to showcase the tension between Mango's thoughts and what is going on. There are not a many other actors because the story is focused on Mango, but we do see a little girl, a man who seems to be homeless and the grandpa. The set design is pretty minimal; we see the kitchen floor, an outside area with a lot of leaves and a road. The director doesn't focusing much on the locations, which would have been a distraction. There is a selection of background music that is very nonintrusive - gentle piano music and nature sounds primarily. In the two scenes that turn dark the score ramps up and gets louder to match Mango's emotions. In the beginning, the effects are solid. I was not distracted by the cat, but around the twenty-five-minute mark, the CGI effects seem a bit off-putting. Those effects go away and I became invested in the story again. Mango goes through a great deal of character development. In the beginning, his voice seems to have a sense of pride with a bit of snarky humor. As the story progresses, his attitude turns into self-assurance, but with a sense of longing. The homeless man does not have many lines, but when he is on screen, he captivates the scene by unintentionally playing off the dialogue Mango has in his mind. The grandpa allows the cat to make up his mind about wanting to leave or stay. The director, Oren Peled, describes the inspiration behind the film as when his cat Simba, who plays Mango in the film, went missing - that event led him to craft this movie. His wife also helped craft the story. Oren mentioned why cat films starring real cats is not big. He noted that cats are extremely hard to control, especially when the camera is rolling. Since cats are reluctant by nature and skeptical of anyone who is not a member of the family, a real cat can be a nightmare to work with. So Peled decided to only have the family members that Simba knew as crew for the film and that made Simba more comfortable and made the filming go smoother.

My favorite part of the film is Mango the Cat! I love Josh Bloomberg's voiceover and how he brought life to a real cat. The cat's personality matches his voice perfectly and it is a delight to experience. The random outbursts from Mango made me chuckle, like when he keeps telling the homeless man, "Brush your teeth." It is a bit random, but the picture on screen and the cat's voice makes that interaction hilarious. I can certainly see this film screened at film festivals.

The film's message is about not taking anything for granted. Mango was so used to a semi-privileged lifestyle that, when his world turned upside-down, he lost a sense of self. Mango had to learn how to process feelings that he was unaware of. It's a beautiful message for children or adults as we can lose touch with what is real and what we desire our reality to be. As an adult, it made me reflect on how I would process my emotions if I came across a situation where everyone in my life just up and left without any explanation.

I give Saving Mango - A Cat's Story 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Cat lovers will particularly enjoy this, but really anyone will. By Bria H., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 78 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Shyraq 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Avani M., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like Shyraq a lot, because of the animation of the candle and the story.

This story is about a little Candle who lives in an attic and is extremely afraid of people. One day, a house cat sneaks into the attic and steals Candle's most beloved friend, a toy doll. Now, Candle must overcome his fear and go down to the people to save his friend. The film is from Kazakhstan.

This is a fun, family oriented and heart-warming film. I like how the disconnected family becomes a connected one in the end. At the start, the family isn't a connected family, but when there is a power outage, they come together again. The film's animation is stunning and really well done. The color palette is very calming and the texture of the animation makes it look very realistic. The candle is white and has a blue saucer. The doll has a pink beanie and dress. The humans are dressed appropriately to represent their roles. The music is a very crucial part of the film because it doesn't have any dialog. The music is very nice because you can hear and feel the intensity and emotion of the characters. The candle is scared at first and becomes brave because his doll is taken. The music is very well done, and you can feel the characters' emotions throughout the film. My favorite part of the film is when the candle changes his flame to cheer the crying baby up.

The message of this film is to be aware of and present to the people around us, especially our family.

I give Shyraq 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Avani M., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 25 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. I recommend it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals because it really has a wholesome relationship between Layla and her grandmother, which is a great example for kids. By Nyara A., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really love the wholesome storyline of the short film, Mr. Purr's Magical Suitcase! The plot is well written and the acting is very relatable -- the viewer easily connects with the protagonist and their journeys. The magical world in the suitcase, which is the main premise of the story, is well edited and feels real, almost like Narnia. I really love the relationship that the grandmother and the daughter have and how it develops positively over the course of the film.

The story follows a young girl name Layla, who has a cat named Mr. Purr that she loves dearly. She notices that he keeps appearing in random suitcases around her house, almost like magic. One day, her grandmother arrives at their house, at first she seems angry and cold, but as Layla begins to talk to her, she develops a kind of relationship with her that they did not have before. Layla and her grandmother travel into a special world deep inside the suitcase.

I really love how simple the storyline is, but also how the writers were able to fit so much context into the plot. The magical world in the suitcase is a metaphor for how beautiful our imaginations can be. Specifically, I love how the cat keeps coming back into the storyline, whether it helps the plot, or just adds a little nuance and simplicity. I also love how Layla works hard to make sure her grandmother has access to their little adventure, even though she is in a wheelchair.

The camera work is very high-quality; it feels like a feature film. The editing, especially in the suitcase, is well done and believable. The cinematography shows specific emotions in the actors' faces, and really highlights their intentions, even when they aren't saying anything. It would look great on a big screen. The costumes suit, the storyline and, although they are simple, they have meaning. When the grandmother decides to take off her head scarf, it shows a level of comfort she has with her granddaughter. Also, the adventurous outfit that Layla has on at the end looks almost thrown together, something a child would have in the room, which is perfect for the scene. The locations set the story perfectly, complementing the plot and adding to the visuals. The scene where Layla runs around in an open field stands out to me because the simplicity and vastness of the green is just beautiful and represents the story very beautifully. The background music is pretty simple, but suits the idea of the film. The music reflects the emotions of the actors.

The only special or visual effect is the suitcase. The light coming from the suitcase is a well-known effect in many storylines, and it's a well-used here. When we see the inside of the suitcase and glimpse a piece of sky, it is mostly believable. The editing is not flawless, but it's good. The character development is really beautiful. Anna Lucia Gualano portrays the character Layla in a very friendly and warm way. The relationship that she develops over the course of film with her grandmother shows just how much a character can mature and learn from their elders. It also brings a sense of imagination to her after she hears the different stories from her grandmother. My favorite part of the film is when Layla describes the magic suitcase to her grandmother and it starts to light up. The look on her grandmother's face, when she realizes that Layla's imagination has come to life, is just beautiful. It's a wholesome moment shared between them.

The film's message is that people have so many layers beneath what you see on the surface. People are sometimes very guarded and you have to really get to know and understand them before you understand what they are feeling.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. I recommend it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals because it really has a wholesome relationship between Layla and her grandmother, which is a great example for kids. By Nyara A., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 15 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

The film's message is to value diversity, family and friends. I give The Prairie Dog That Met the President 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Prairie Dog That Met the President is a fun film and a great way to introduce opera to young audiences. I like that it's based on the historical Lewis and Clark Expedition when Captain Lewis sent a shipment to President Jefferson that included Indian objects, animal skins, bones and antlers, along with a live prairie dog, four magpies and a grouse. Not only is the music catchy, there is a song to the prairie dog that the audience sings to help him engage with the world. The message of valuing diversity, family and friends is a good lesson for all ages.

This interactive and engaging opera for young audiences is a fantasy based on some true events of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806. The story follows a magpie and a prairie dog that are discovered in the Great Plaines by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Captain Lewis decides to send a magpie and prairie dog to President Jefferson in Washington DC while he and Lieutenant Clark continue west with Sacagawea and other members of the Expedition. The trip to Washington DC takes them down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, around the Florida Keys, and up the Carolina Coast to the Potomac River. Along the way, both learn to appreciate the diversity of life they encounter and the value of friendship. They meet other critters along the way including a pelican in the Bayou, flamingos in the Florida Keys and an oriole in Baltimore and become familiar with the diversity of life and the value of friendship and family. The prairie dog finds his voice and ends up teaching the President a valuable lesson when he finally arrives at the end of his journey.

This film is a great introduction to opera and has a historical basis. It is very entertaining and has a great message. It tells the seldom-taught story of the gifts sent by Captain Lewis to President Jefferson from the point of view of the prairie dog and the magpie. It masterfully unfolds and it is not at all predictable. The quality of the camera work is outstanding; the camera effectively captures not only the various birds and animals, it also captures the personalities of the characters. The actors are transformed into the various birds and animals with very imaginative costumes which include face masks and wigs. The use of pink tutus and pink boas for the flamingos is brilliant. The film uses a combination of nature scenes and virtual backgrounds to tell the story. The brilliant green grass of the prairie and the plants in the bayou stand out. The film serves as an introduction to opera for young audiences with easy-to-understand lyrics and voices portraying the personalities of the various creatures. The actors that play the prairie dog and the magpie are especially suited both in voice and mannerisms to the characters they play. The film is a creation of the Music, Film, And Theatre faculty and their students at Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia. Director Shandra McDonald is an award winning screen writer and director whose magic clearly comes through in this production. My favorite part is the scene where the prairie dog and the magpie meet the three flamingos in the Florida Keys. They are dressed in pink tutus with pink boas and strut around just like real flamingos.

The film's message is to value diversity, family and friends. I give The Prairie Dog That Met the President 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 49 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Radioactive Babies 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Avani M. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Radioactive Babies made me laugh. The story itself is imaginative and perhaps a bit frightening if you take it at face value.

The storyline is about a brother (Elliot Ward) who is mad at his baby sisters because they whine all the time, so he gives them a sleep medicine to keep them quiet, not knowing the bottle is contaminated with radioactive material.

I have to give credit to this elementary student-made production in terms of camera work and audio work. The storyline is a bit disconcerting and I did not like the brother giving radioactive medicine to the babies to put them to sleep, but of course this is a fantasy. And, it's funny when the babies become empowered from taking the radioactive medicine. I definitely liked the ending where the family is happy again. The brother seems to not like the babies at the beginning, and in the end he is nice to them. It is funny near the end when the mom and brother sing a lullaby to the babies to put them to sleep.

The message of this film is - "read labels" - you should never give anyone medicine without reading the label first!

I give Radioactive Babies 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Avani M. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 8 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

The challenge of writing a good screenplay is more than telling a good story, it's telling and sustaining a good visual story within the confines of the annoyingly rigid screenplay format. It drives all screenwriters crazy, but unless you're close buddies with Spielberg or someone like that, your scripts have to conform or - they won't get read. Good luck and never stop writing. I give Carlsbad 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18. By Juror #10
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Carlsbad is a well written story with a classical hero structure and a very likable, relatable young protagonist, Ovi, who is in line to be the next tribal chief - much to his dismay. Ovi doesn't like to hunt and do all the things the other boys do. He has a strong attachment to the natural world around him and an extraordinary appreciation for all things living.

Initially, it seemed that he might become a medicine man but that's not quite what happens. His external conflict is that he doesn't want to follow in his father's footsteps. He doesn't want to be chief but - and this is what makes the story work - it's not that Ovi is afraid, he simply knows who he is and knows he doesn't have the necessary skills to lead his people. Nor does he have the interest. This makes for an interesting protagonist. The continuing conflict, external and internal, drives the story and after the sudden shock of his father being killed by a bear, Ovi leaves rather than staying to become Chief. He falls into a deep cavern and after drinking water bubbling out of the earth, discovers beings that live below the surface and a world where he seems to fit in.

Ovi is a good role model for a young audience. He is troubled by all the things most young people feel. He feels different, doesn't fit in with the other young men and knows that he is a disappointment to his father and his tribe. This could cripple many characters, but Ovi takes strength in knowing who he is and trusting that knowledge even in the face of rejection. This is an important self-actualizing story for young people - especially creatives.

In the world under the surface, he experiences pure, unbiased love but it isn't without challenges. The challenges and the love and support of his new friends - especially a bat named Echo, provide him with the courage he felt he lacked on the surface, the courage to save his new tribe.

Excellent storytelling with great animation potential. Carlsbad is beautifully described prose but needs to be more cinematic - each scene, a picture, - each scene concisely moving the story forward with conflict and emotion. The writing needs to be tightened with precisely the perfect word choice that alludes to the important visuals that the camera needs. When on page 23 and 24, Ovi is drifting in and out of consciousness in the dark cave; the camera has to see something. To see something, there has to be light. How do we light the scene? Perhaps as his eyes adjust, there is a faint glowing bacteria or glow worms, (which sometimes there is), on the rocks around him which lights his face ever so slightly and helps both him and us to stabilize before he finds the water. These are the cinematic considerations that have to be thought out as you write each scene.

The challenge of writing a good screenplay is more than telling a good story, it's telling and sustaining a good visual story within the confines of the annoyingly rigid screenplay format. It drives all screenwriters crazy, but unless you're close buddies with Spielberg or someone like that, your scripts have to conform or - they won't get read. Good luck and never stop writing. I give Carlsbad 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18. By Juror #10
Runtime: 95 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Persephone 4 out of T stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Juror #10.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Persephone is a cleverly conceived and written script with significant potential as an animated feature. The characters are clear and strong and carry their personalities well and the story is a complex one, balancing the tragedy of the coming of the seasons with the celebration of the coming of a young woman's independence. It's humorously written with a splash of parody and a lightly irreverent tone. As both a theatrically produced musical and a musical screenplay, the pacing must depend on the frequency and the emotional expression of the songs. Another run or two through the script will help make other musical opportunities clear. Also check out the "La La Land" script. The use of the children's book at the end might not be necessary. There's something rather heart-rending/warming just watching the snow start to fall around Demeter as Persephone and Hades ride away. Maybe the villagers scurry by busily singing their 'Prepare' song. That also acknowledges an old film writing axiom that a film should end in approximately same scenario as it begins. As mentioned earlier, this version is much more enjoyable than the original. This is a nicely-turned tale with the heart and substance necessary for an animated feature.

I give Persephone 4 out of T stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Juror #10.

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

I give Water, Star Medicine 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It would be very suitable for an event that is focused on the environment or climate change. Reviewed by Sydney S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The film, Water, Star Medicine, is very informative with lots of helpful information that can change people's mindset about water. I like that this was made by middle school students.

The documentary follows a class that examines the purposes of water. They learn that water is a big part of humanity and life.

This short documentary, produced by middle school students, conveys information that not everyone is aware of, which I like. The camerawork is quite varied from outdoor shots, to a zoomed interview, to nature shots. At times the students appear are speaking from their classroom at Turquoise Trail Charter School in Santa Fe, New Mexico. One of my favorite parts is the music collage at the beginning expressing how people worldwide feel about water. The words of the song include: "Water within, all around and below, connecting all life, liquid diamond, precious flow" and expresses how we rely on water and should be grateful for it. There are no special or visual effects, but there is a creative mode that gets the viewers' attention and is a fun way to interact with the information. The speakers in this documentary are students and experts in the field.. They share facts and personal experiences. One interview is with Veda Austin, a New Zealand Maori scientist. The director, Dr. Lisa Spencer, put together this class that works together to teach people about the importance of water. Her motivation and dedication, as well as the students', is impressive. Their creativity is shown broadly throughout the short film. It's a beautiful tribute to nature and to Native culture, as well. The production values are mostly pretty good, with the exception of the zoom interview, which is low resolution. Because of that I would not recommend this be played on the big screen, but could easily be played in a classroom on a smaller screen.

The film's message is that water deserves credit for so many wonderful things in life - from beautiful plants to human beings, water sustains all biotic parts of nature. Water is under-appreciated and this film spreads the message of how important water is.

I give Water, Star Medicine 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It would be very suitable for an event that is focused on the environment or climate change. Reviewed by Sydney S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 10 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Why? 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Avalon N., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Why? is such an amazing and touching film. The subjects are so touching and really speak to my heart.

There is really no plot, it simply talks about all the wrong and hate in the world and how sometimes we come together from that hate, but asks why can't we come together without that hate.

The content is great. Made by middle school students, it questions things that we have seen on television and in photos, unsavory things. There are also some actors acting out a few scenes. All of the video clips from television have great camera work and quality and those filmed by the kids who made this documentary also have good quality camera work, although nothing really stands out. There is a lot of great background music that sets the tone and enhances the topics and ideas presented in the shot documentary film. The questions are definitely my favorite part. The question of why; why do we continue the way we are when we can be better is thoughtful and provoking.

The film's message is about becoming a better human and making the change you want to see in the world. It has lots of mention of shootings, wars, holocaust and other moments in history that younger children might not be aware of or ready for.

I give Why? 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Avalon N., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 2 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8-12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - If you are interested in history, particularly of World War II, this film will definitely resonate with you.

This is the story of unsung hero Desmond Doss who saved many lives during World War II without firing a shot.

From middle school student, T.J. Decker, comes this touching documentary about an unsung hero of WWII. This short film uses archival images with narration by the filmmaker. The background music is reminiscent of the WWII era. The narrator rushes a bit through the script, but otherwise, this is a pretty flawless short documentary and gives credit to a man who deserves to be remembered.

The film's message is to honor Desmond Doss, a WWII hero.

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

The film's message is that words cut deeper than any manmade blade.I give The Power Of Your Words 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Gavin S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really like the film, The Power Of Your Words, because it is very inspirational and could change someone's perspective of themselves. I really enjoyed the ending when students crumble up paper with negative words such as ugly or annoying written on it and, when they open the paper the words have changed to positive ones such as pretty and warrior.

This film, made by middle school students, is about how words can both hurt and heal. We see students in school being called names like ugly, stupid and annoying, until their friends come to comfort them with healing words and they feel much better.

This film is very inspirational. I like the story development with the film starting off sad as students are called negative names and then, towards the end the mood changes and the students are more confident in themselves. The camerawork is a bit shaky and blurry, especially at the beginning, but the film still holds up. This film is about middle schoolers and the film takes place at a school. The background music is well chosen and really sets the mood for the scenes. My favorite scene is when the student crumbles up the papers with the mean words and reopens them to show positive words like smart, funny, warrior and pretty.

The film's message is that words cut deeper than any manmade blade.I give The Power Of Your Words 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Gavin S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Time 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Gavin S., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really liked the student film, Time, because of how the suspense builds up. I also like the background music, which is very dramatic and background sounds. The sound of the clock ticking really sets the mood.

The storyline follows a teenage student who forgot about her writing assignment and doesn't have a lot of time to finish. As she is working and typing, the timing of the clock seems to go slower, faster, and even backwards her more time to finish.

What I like about the storyline is how the girl barely has any time on her hands, but still manages to finish her assignment on time. However, it seems that that there is not much of an explanation for this. The camerawork is quite good, particularly for a middle student made film. The background music is very dramatic and really enhances the mood. The main character (and only character) is the girl. She seems very stressed out and overwhelmed at the beginning of the film, but at the end when she finishes her assignment she is calm. Erin Jimuro is the director, writer and actor in the film. My favorite scene is when she looks at the clock and it seems to be moving backwards.

The film's message is to always do your homework on time. (Don't wait til the last minute)

I give Time 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Gavin S., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO