KIDS FIRST!
35 Most Recent Endorsements

This title has online video!

By Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

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

This title has online video!

Reviewed by Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

I give MAGGIE MAY, An Environmental Story 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 18, plus adults. This film shows recycling in such a simple way that everyone can watch it and still learn the main message. With the use of the music and the colors, younger children will understand the importance of recycling better. Recycling is an action that families should practice at each of their homes so the world can continue to be the beautiful and diverse planet that we all know. This would play well in any festival that includes films about the environmental, recycling, activism and family. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A valuable lesson full of color and with a catchy song! MAGGIE MAY, An Environmental Story is a short film that teaches a great lesson which has never been more important than right now. The animation of the characters is well done and makes the story more appealing. The way the story is narrated, using music, makes the lesson easier to learn and to remember for future scenarios.

Aunt Maggie May loves to travel, and she collects souvenirs after each trip. However, she will have to learn how to deal with all the trash in her house, and she will learn a great lesson about helping the environment.

The continuity of the storyline is great. It shows how something small can lead to a bigger problem if is not addressed early enough. It also shows how adults and their behaviors can have major effects on children, such as how the little girl was observing all the actions that Aunt Maggie May did regarding her trash. The story develops in a way that both the problem and the solution are easy to identify and to apply to real life scenarios.

The animation of the film portrays daily aspects very accurately. Each detail is well-designed and full color, which makes them appealing and easy to associate. The film shows different places that are easy to recognize, such as a house, the store, the planet Earth and the recycling plant. The transitions between each scene help to the continuity of both the story and the song.

As this is an animated short film that focuses on Aunt Maggie May and her niece, each location reflects their daily lives. The shots that include the Earth are well done, as they show most countries where the plane is flying from above. The music by Elliot Sheridan is the main factor of the film. It narrates the storyline and moves the scenes according to what is being sung at the moment. The song is catchy and the words easy, which makes it easier to learn and to remember. The instruments can be all heard and appreciated by the watcher. The song is energetic, joyful and it helps to highlight the overall lesson of the film.

The animation by Kevin Mark is remarkable. Each character is well designed and is easy to recognize who is who and what role they have in the film. All the details of the film are well executed; there are some scenes that mix fantasy characters, which makes it more appealing. Donna W. Guthrie is the director, writer, and producer, and she delivers an engaging and relevant film.

The message is that recycling can make a difference to the planet. The words "recycle, reduce and reuse" have great impact, and how we decide to act will mark our future and that for the coming generations. Collecting memories does not mean to collect trash and unnecessary materials, as the most valuable things in life cannot be bought or collected on shelves. Showing younger generations how they can start changing the world by just recycling can lead to a better future.

The film makes me want to learn about ways to recycle and how I can use those ways in my community. It makes me want to look for recycling plants near me and take all my trash and recycle to help the planet. The scenes where Aunt Maggie Way and her niece are going through all the trash and the recycling bins are so much fun to watch! They really show all the details and the emotions in the characters' faces well. I like those scenes because they show how recycling works and how to separate the trash, so the viewers will learn to recycle in their own communities.

I give MAGGIE MAY, An Environmental Story 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 18, plus adults. This film shows recycling in such a simple way that everyone can watch it and still learn the main message. With the use of the music and the colors, younger children will understand the importance of recycling better. Recycling is an action that families should practice at each of their homes so the world can continue to be the beautiful and diverse planet that we all know. This would play well in any festival that includes films about the environmental, recycling, activism and family. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST! Juror
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 4-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Broken Doll 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18. Reviewed by Winter F. and David O.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really like this film because it brings out a very important message and it represents the LGBT community. It shows the viewers that it is okay to be yourself and not let others determine your path. In this film, a teenager is having a hard time becoming who they want to be because of all the people around them that tease and call them names. They are able to find their true selves in the end.

The story is about a teen that is bullied for being different. Everyone in the community laughs at them for being themselves and it's very hard for them to transition and realize that it doesn't matter what others think, the only opinion that you should care about is your own.

I like the emotion in the film and the deep feelings it shows through the beautiful animation. The expressions on the main characters' faces are very heartbreaking and made me feel sad for them.

At the beginning of the film there is a scene where the protagonist is skating on a rink with their long hair flowing as they glide along. In just four minutes we are transported to a skating rink, town, the main character bedroom, and a high school. It all fits so perfectly together like a puzzle and I really appreciate all the minute details that went into creating this so we could understand what was going through the mind of the protagonist.

The background music consists of a piano playing softly throughout the film and it carries the animation with very soothing sounds.

The animators, Gaspar Aguirre and Rom�n Sovrano, draw out the perfect storyline and give every moment thought and care. You can really tell how much effort they put into bringing this story to life.

The message is don't listen to anyone if they are causing you distress, the only opinion that matters is your own. It contains profanity but nothing drastic. Broken Doll has a really important message and I think a lot of people will find it helpful and inspiring to see it for themselves.

My favorite part of this film is when the main character finally stops caring about what everyone else thought and does what makes them happy.

I give Broken Doll 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18. Reviewed by Winter F. and David O.
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 11-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

Reviewed by David L, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - My Other Son is so beautiful and emotional because is a personal story. It is a story about a father and his reaction when facing something unexpected. The film truly captures the emotions of its characters and shows each aspect Gusti goes through during his new journey. Many parents can relate to this story and feel connected with each scene, and that is truly unique. Also, each part when the story shows bonding moments between the father and his son are so good and they really portray the key lesson of the film.

Gusti becomes the father of a beautiful, but a different boy. He goes through different emotional reactions as he faces the reality of his son and what it will mean for Gusti and his family, but he finds beauty in the unexpected.

This is truly one of the most creative, touching and unique films I have ever seen! It is a beautiful story from a parent's perspective about the unexpected having a positive outcome. This short film uses so many artistic techniques, is filled with color and creativity; each scene has a unique personal touch. Many parents will relate to the story, as it is about Down Syndrome and the realities that many go through during those first moments when their child is diagnosed. But the main point is the great relationship between the father and his son.

The film has so many different uses of camera work and techniques. All the shots are full of animation, color, techniques and an artistic perspective. One refreshing touch is the set-up of the film, as it is animated through canvas over a table, giving the idea that the father is narrating his story. This makes it feel more personal and appealing to the viewer.

The film made want to read more about parents with Down Syndrome children and how they have overcome any doubts or fears they had at the beginning. It is beautiful to see and learn how love can overcome anything, and in situations just as unexpected as this one, it is even stronger.

I loved this film from the beginning to the end. The credits have a beautiful surprise that brought tears to my eyes because I was able to watch true joy, happiness and love. But my favorite part is definitely a quote from the dad, "Love doesn't count chromosomes." This quote captures the message of the film, and is such a powerful statement. Love should be unconditional, and love should guide those who are starting this new stage of their lives.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 6 to 18, plus Adults. Gustavo Alonso is the director and the writer; Noem� Fuhrer and Graciela Mazza are the producers. This team has created a beautiful story with a relevant message. The message is very relevant and the fact that is a narrated personal story makes it more honest and unique. Many families will relate to having those fears and doubts in cases like the one presented, but the film can help as emotional support and as inspiration when the challenges seem overwhelming.

Reviewed by David L, KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 11 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 6-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

Thanks to the words of the family weaver and a precious embroidered blanket, the adventures of the young Tristan come to life before Luigi's eyes, to teach him what skills a knight must have.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Boy Who Would Become a Knight tells a tale with a great lesson! This film presents the story of Luigi and how he dreams to become a knight. It film uses music and animation to reveal the tale, which helps to get the message across to the audience. The accuracy of the time period and the high quality of the film helps make the lesson easy to discover at the end.

Luigi becomes afraid of the consequences he may face after a fight with the barber's son. With the help of the family weaver and his tales, he discovers the story of Tristan, and what being a Knight really means.

The story is constructed in such a way that the public can identify the main qualities of a knight - brave, ready for the action, kind, stable and passionate. Even though all these characteristics are necessary, the story highlights the most important of all in the end. The film presents a real-life situation with Luigi and it creates a comparison with the story of the knight to help him see what really is important at the end of the day. This connection is valuable and highlights the message of the film.

The camera work of the film captures the essence of the time period. It shows all the details in both the settings and the characters' costumes. In the animated portion of the film, the scenes are changing and are never static. The costumes suit the time period of the film. They show accurately how a royal or high class family would dress and live during the fourteenth century. The location where everything takes place is a castle. There are many doors, the rooms are huge and everything is incredibly detailed. In the beginning of the film, I felt as if I was walking through the castle, appreciating the beautiful architecture, the paintings on the walls, and the strong columns and stairs.

the music has the classic melodies and tones of medieval music, which is appropriate for the time period. It helps during the transitions between conversations and in the animated part of the film.

All the visual effects take place when the family weaver starts to narrate the story of Tristan and one of his adventures as a knight. The story takes life when the weaver shows Luigi the embroidered blanket he is working on. From there, all the scenes that show the story are animated with both embroidered details and drawings to show what is happening during the film. Lorenzo Degl'Innocenti plays the family weaver; he stands out the most since he is the narrator of the story and helps young Luigi learn the skills that knights must have. Luigi is played by Pietro Leoni and his mother is played by Elena Talenti. The director of the film is Gianmarco D'Agostino and he co-writes the story with Matteo Bortolotti.

The message can be summarized by a quote from the film: A knight does not obey his sword; he is guided by love because love conquers all. This is an important reminder, especially during those moments in life where we feel overcome by anger, frustration or we need to think before acting. A strong word or fight will not achieve anything and they will make the situations worse. But a loving response, with kind words, not only achieves a determined goal, but also helps create better relationships with those around us.

I love the locations and scenery of this film. As someone who appreciates details and is very interested in architecture and design, the scenes at the beginning of the film are intensely captivating. I love seeing the dimensions of the castle and the many great details in the paintings, the furniture and in all the construction. The actors in the film include Lorenzo Degl'Innocenti, Pietro Leoni and Elena Talenti.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 15, plus adults. The most moving element was structuring the story through the traditional embroidered blanket.

Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Boy Who Would Become a Knight tells a tale with a great lesson! This film presents the story of Luigi and how he dreams to become a knight. It film uses music and animation to reveal the tale, which helps to get the message across to the audience. The accuracy of the time period and the high quality of the film helps make the lesson easy to discover at the end.

Luigi becomes afraid of the consequences he may face after a fight with the barber's son. With the help of the family weaver and his tales, he discovers the story of Tristan, and what being a Knight really means.

The story is constructed in such a way that the public can identify the main qualities of a knight - brave, ready for the action, kind, stable and passionate. Even though all these characteristics are necessary, the story highlights the most important of all in the end. The film presents a real-life situation with Luigi and it creates a comparison with the story of the knight to help him see what really is important at the end of the day. This connection is valuable and highlights the message of the film.

The camera work of the film captures the essence of the time period. It shows all the details in both the settings and the characters' costumes. In the animated portion of the film, the scenes are changing and are never static. The costumes suit the time period of the film. They show accurately how a royal or high class family would dress and live during the fourteenth century. The location where everything takes place is a castle. There are many doors, the rooms are huge and everything is incredibly detailed. In the beginning of the film, I felt as if I was walking through the castle, appreciating the beautiful architecture, the paintings on the walls, and the strong columns and stairs.

the music has the classic melodies and tones of medieval music, which is appropriate for the time period. It helps during the transitions between conversations and in the animated part of the film.

All the visual effects take place when the family weaver starts to narrate the story of Tristan and one of his adventures as a knight. The story takes life when the weaver shows Luigi the embroidered blanket he is working on. From there, all the scenes that show the story are animated with both embroidered details and drawings to show what is happening during the film. Lorenzo Degl'Innocenti plays the family weaver; he stands out the most since he is the narrator of the story and helps young Luigi learn the skills that knights must have. Luigi is played by Pietro Leoni and his mother is played by Elena Talenti. The director of the film is Gianmarco D'Agostino and he co-writes the story with Matteo Bortolotti.

The message can be summarized by a quote from the film: A knight does not obey his sword; he is guided by love because love conquers all. This is an important reminder, especially during those moments in life where we feel overcome by anger, frustration or we need to think before acting. A strong word or fight will not achieve anything and they will make the situations worse. But a loving response, with kind words, not only achieves a determined goal, but also helps create better relationships with those around us.

I love the locations and scenery of this film. As someone who appreciates details and is very interested in architecture and design, the scenes at the beginning of the film are intensely captivating. I love seeing the dimensions of the castle and the many great details in the paintings, the furniture and in all the construction. The actors in the film include Lorenzo Degl'Innocenti, Pietro Leoni and Elena Talenti.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 15, plus adults. The most moving element was structuring the story through the traditional embroidered blanket.

Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST! Juror
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-15
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Little Cowboy 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Joy P., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Little Cowboy is a quirky coming of age short film that audiences of all ages will relate to. Everyone has felt like an outcast in some way or another, and this film tells a narrative in a way that is both natural and magical all at once. It deals with serious topics while feeling lighthearted and sweet.

The storyline follows Valentin, only 10 years old, but teeming with ambition to become a writer. These ambitions, it seems, are crushed when he is unable to speak because of his stutter. Bullied and cast off by his classmates, he finds himself in the world of a mysterious cowboy who takes him on an unexpected journey of self-discovery.

The plot is clich� at times - run-of-the-mill backstory and predictable. There is the element of magical realism and a quirky side character to contrast. It would seem that these elements should not mesh, but they do. The story is tried and true, and the director's artistic take makes it that much better. It does feel that it might fare better as a full-length feature.

The cinematography is astounding. The camera quality is rich and the shots feel intentional. The scene where Billy the Cowboy is first introduced has a dream-like quality to it. The scene where Valentin is walking toward the stage at the end of the film brings you with him so that the audience feels all of his anxieties. Visually, the film is outstanding. The costumes fine a rare balance of intention and realism. Valentin's glasses, the teacher's red lipstick, the bully's headband, Billy's rustic hat. Every small detail adds dimension to the character without overdoing it. Location wise, the film fares above average, but not outstanding. The barn stands out as the best scene location out of the film. The background music is one of the short film's weaknesses. The background sounds are unnoticeable the way they should be. However, the background music, particularly when Valentin faces difficulty, is off-putting and distracting. On the other hand, the Western music during the cowboy scenes is very fitting. The cinematographer and Billy stand out in their performances. The camerawork shows a person who knows their craft. Billy plays his role in a way that is not over-the-top, a threshold easily broken when playing a role such as a cowboy. My favorite part of the film is the scene in the barn when we are introduced to Billy. I did not know that hay could translate so beautifully on film. It is immersive and magical, but also subtle. It is the perfect transition to the second act of the film and keeps the film feeling light and airy.

The Little Cowboy clearly shows its audience the value of trusting oneself despite the difficulties faced in life. Just as Valentin is optimistic in the face of troubles, the film is lighthearted throughout - a valuable attribute of a coming of age film for young viewers.

I give The Little Cowboy 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Joy P., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 27 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 6-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give What About My Bag? 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film shows a current and relevant situation that is occurring every day in the United States and across the globe. By watching this short film, many families will see how easy is to just follow guidelines and how bad it looks when we put our emotions or our pride before thinking about the impact that our decisions may cause in others around us. Reviewed by David O, KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A comical take of a relevant situation! What About My Bag? is the story that many grocery workers have been facing since the start of the pandemic. The film takes a comical tone in showing a tense situation. I wish the film had better addressed the importance of following the guidelines set by stores during the pandemic and how truly essential grocery store workers are.

The film follows Natalie, a grocery worker that has to face the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic at work. This time, she has to deal with a very stubborn customer as she tries to make her understand the guidelines of the store.

The film is accurate in portraying the reality that many grocery workers continue to face during this pandemic. Many customers do not follow the guidelines, which are just set to protect them and protect store staff. It is fun that the film adds comical details, maybe with the intention to make it not quite so serious. However, the story at times feels a little too long, since it is a back and forth conversation without any outside details or other characters involved.

The camera angles are appropriate and the backgrounds are easy to identify and associate with in terms of common places. Some shots where the characters are speaking are a little too close, as they are speaking directly to the camera and not to the other character. But overall, the camera work is good and realistically captures the facial expressions and gestures of the characters. The location is a grocery store parking lot. The background music adds to the comical scenes in the film and the absurdity of the conversation. Most of the time the music is playful as the characters go back and forth, but it increases in a tense scene, adding to the dramatic tone as well. The grocery worker is played by Natalie Mangiante and the customer is played by Venee Lotusfire Call-Ferrer. Both actors show a range of emotions - frustration, sadness, stress, anger and doubt. Even with the masks on, their eyes, tone of voice and gestures are express what the story is in a way that you can't miss. There is one scene where the grocery worker is so frustrated with the customer that, in a made-up scenario, she takes the bag and uses it to suffocate her. This does not occur during the film and is a brief sequence, but it may be something that parents would not be comfortable with or that children could imitate. My favorite part is when the film addresses the audience and in a message thanks the essential workers. During these difficult times, these workers are driving the country and they are risking their lives to protect others and help others. Some of them may have many necessities, fears, and situations at home, but they are constantly working to do the best that they can do to help those who are in a more severe condition or who are trying to keep the "normal" during these times. The grocery worker is played by Natalie Mangiante, who has acted in at least eight other films and has written and directed some of those same films. The customer is played by Venee Lotusfire Call-Ferrer.

The director explains that this is a film about a personal story that happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The message emphasizes how simple it is to follow guidelines in order to stay safe and minimize the risk of being infected with covid and how bad people look when they do not do this and put their feelings over the safety of others.

I give What About My Bag? 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film shows a current and relevant situation that is occurring every day in the United States and across the globe. By watching this short film, many families will see how easy is to just follow guidelines and how bad it looks when we put our emotions or our pride before thinking about the impact that our decisions may cause in others around us. Reviewed by David O, KIDS FIRST! Juror
Runtime: 8 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Environmental Video 1.5 out of 5 stars and do not recommend it to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. The tips are outdated and the production quality is low. There are better resources and tips available and better production quality that should be strived for in a film festival entry. Reviewed by Joy P., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - While well-intentioned, Environmental Video's content is only average and we do not find it inspiring enough to accept it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. Whereas it may be useful for an audience under age 5, the tips are pretty standard and the presentation here lacks professionalism. There is little new information being presented in the short film.

This short film covers small tips to incorporate into everyday life to help the environment. It covers the three basic points of environmental conservation very briefly.

The video is lacking in providing new information that would a youth audience would find interesting. It does not stand out as being contemporary or current. The presentation lacks pizzazz. The production values are quite average from the camera angles to the editing. The audio level is very low. I had to boost my speakers to their highest setting to listen to it and, even then, the audio level is too low. It seems to have been filmed in someone's home, which is okay, but the lighting is poor in many scenes. Going between black and white and color doesn't seem to make sense. There is little background music and the sound effects a bit distracting - they are at least twice as loud as the narrative, which hurts your ears. They do not blend well into the video. The narrator is reading from a script and looks down at it quite often as she is speaking. She is quite adorable but little is done to make her performance engaging. Although the film is short and sweet, and we admire the filmmaker's efforts, the quality is unsuitable to play on a big screen. Even the title of this film lacks appeal.

The film's message is about three practical tips to help the environment.

I give Environmental Video 1.5 out of 5 stars and do not recommend it to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. The tips are outdated and the production quality is low. There are better resources and tips available and better production quality that should be strived for in a film festival entry. Reviewed by Juror #22.
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-11
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Wampus 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 5 to 12. Although it has some pacing problems and the plot is not particularly strong, the feelings Smith is able to communicate are valuable for children, especially in times like these. Oftentimes kids are not told the importance of imagination, but this film encourages that. Reminiscent of Alice In Wonderland, Wampus is a story that I feel would charm viewers at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. Reviewed by Joy P., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Wampus is a short visit in the magical world of a young girl. Without elaborate storytelling or an extended run time, Molly Smith explores the power of the young imagination and demonstrates just how boundless it can be. It is simple. yet whimsical, like childhood should be.

The storyline revolves around a young girl, fully immersed in a world of her own. After tea parties with her toys and stuffed animals, she plans a camping trip in her front yard. All is swell until she learns of the bobcat called Wampus, enough to spook her into spending the night indoors.

While the film captures the magic of imagination, the plot's structure waivers at time. The events are clear and the feelings attempting to be evoked are clear, but motives and conflict are unclear. The cinematography adds to the whimsicality of the film. It is dynamic in a way that does not feel over or under-whelming. The first scene in particular immediately tells the audience that they are about to watch a story of imagination. The simplicity of the sets are what make Wampus so endearing and reminiscent of childhood. From the warm interior lighting to the seemingly endless supply of stuffed toys, Wampus excels in this department. The sound of Wampus is one of its weaker areas, but only in the first scene. Here, the music does not feel complementary. On the other hand, when the young girl meets Wampus, the music complements the scene amazingly. The visual effects are what give this short film its magical essence. In the last scene, the distorted images and fast cuts evoke a sense of fear, thus enhancing the overall plot and the scene's contribution to the film. The two actors have great chemistry. Their mother-daughter relationship is believable and feels natural throughout. The performance that stands out the most is that of the young girl (Lily Jane Chachula) She is a natural and portrays every emotion clearly and confidently. Because folklore is not commonly told in the age of technology, I did not know about the Wampus. It is valuable to pass these tales down, especially in times when oral story telling is a dying art. The dynamic between mother and daughter was beautiful to watch. It does not feel forced and portrays a very healthy relationship. This is very valuable for any audience.

Wampus shows viewers that the untainted imagination has no boundaries. Note that the last scene might be scary to young viewers.

I give Wampus 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 5 to 12. Although it has some pacing problems and the plot is not particularly strong, the feelings Smith is able to communicate are valuable for children, especially in times like these. Oftentimes kids are not told the importance of imagination, but this film encourages that. Reminiscent of Alice In Wonderland, Wampus is a story that I feel would charm viewers at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. Reviewed by Joy P., KIDS FIRST! Juror
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

One thing might cheer him up, though: ruining his neighbor's Spring Break Restoration Project. Her name is Becca and yes, she's 10 years old. Okay, yes, that is eight years younger than him. But yes, she's a typical do-gooder, like his mother was, and it brings a smile to his face when her hopes are properly dashed.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Fairy Godmother's Apprentice is a film that mixes fantasy and twists to present a storyline in a creative and entertaining way. The production and acting in the film are very good and it seems like the overall series touches many themes that are relevant for children, teenagers and even adults. This entry is one episode of a series, so there are many elements that are unexplained and there are some situations that are introduced in this episode, but are never developed. The overall storyline is explained, but even then, there are many questions that are not answered in this episode. So, it does not stand along well.

Henry has a peculiar life. He lost his mom and has a lot of issues about her. He lives with his Nana and lacks social skills that enable him to relate to others, such as his neighbor, little Becca. Eventually, he discovers a family secret and he has to decide how to use it and how to grow as a person.

The storyline is interesting and is enhanced by many fantasy elements and twists. I would be concerned that that there are many parts of the story that lack background stories. This particular episode does not show us why Henry went to live with his Nana, why he has such a negative perspective of the world and why he does not like Becca, yet he babysits her. There are more things that are not explained. In this episode discovers his powers and yet, we never get to see what happens or what he does with them. This is part of a television series, so it makes sense that not everything is wrapped up in a tidy way and, it may just inspires kids to watch the rest of the series.

The camera work is very well done with lots of changes in perspective and capturing each location in great detail. The locations range from school settings, home, parks, streets and neighborhoods. All of them are colorful and well designed. I love the use of color in this film. There are scenes where the contrasts between colors really make the whole thing to stand out. The only memorable costume is when Nana uses her powers and reveals herself as Henry's fairy godmother. The visual effects enhance every time magic occurs with sparks, movement and magic sprinkles. The key characters are Henry, Becca and Henry's Nana, played by Teddy Van Ee, Lucia Ridao-Moore and Anita Sorel (in the same order). Henry and Becca stand out the most, at least in this episode, as the storyline revolves around them and their experiences. The actors all give believable performances. Teddy Van Ee captures even the little details and gestures that many adolescents do when they are frustrated or annoyed, and he does it in a way that it does not seem forced at all. The acting is great, and the storyline is very engaging, but I love the visual complements. There is a scene where Nana is helping two customers that love the color blue, and watching all those tones of blue is both fun and satisfyingly to look at.

The message of the overall series tries to show how dealing with our past can really open our future. There are situations that we experience that are unpleasant, but perhaps their purpose is to learn a lesson that will help others deal with a similar situation sometime in the future. Another recurrent theme of the film is the importance of family.

I give The Fairy Godmother's Apprentice 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 15, plus adults. While this film has great production and acting, keep in mind that it is one episode from a series. Is a very entertaining show about family and dealing with one's fears and past. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Fairy Godmother's Apprentice is a film that mixes fantasy and twists to present a storyline in a creative and entertaining way. The production and acting in the film are very good and it seems like the overall series touches many themes that are relevant for children, teenagers and even adults. This entry is one episode of a series, so there are many elements that are unexplained and there are some situations that are introduced in this episode, but are never developed. The overall storyline is explained, but even then, there are many questions that are not answered in this episode. So, it does not stand along well.

Henry has a peculiar life. He lost his mom and has a lot of issues about her. He lives with his Nana and lacks social skills that enable him to relate to others, such as his neighbor, little Becca. Eventually, he discovers a family secret and he has to decide how to use it and how to grow as a person.

The storyline is interesting and is enhanced by many fantasy elements and twists. I would be concerned that that there are many parts of the story that lack background stories. This particular episode does not show us why Henry went to live with his Nana, why he has such a negative perspective of the world and why he does not like Becca, yet he babysits her. There are more things that are not explained. In this episode discovers his powers and yet, we never get to see what happens or what he does with them. This is part of a television series, so it makes sense that not everything is wrapped up in a tidy way and, it may just inspires kids to watch the rest of the series.

The camera work is very well done with lots of changes in perspective and capturing each location in great detail. The locations range from school settings, home, parks, streets and neighborhoods. All of them are colorful and well designed. I love the use of color in this film. There are scenes where the contrasts between colors really make the whole thing to stand out. The only memorable costume is when Nana uses her powers and reveals herself as Henry's fairy godmother. The visual effects enhance every time magic occurs with sparks, movement and magic sprinkles. The key characters are Henry, Becca and Henry's Nana, played by Teddy Van Ee, Lucia Ridao-Moore and Anita Sorel (in the same order). Henry and Becca stand out the most, at least in this episode, as the storyline revolves around them and their experiences. The actors all give believable performances. Teddy Van Ee captures even the little details and gestures that many adolescents do when they are frustrated or annoyed, and he does it in a way that it does not seem forced at all. The acting is great, and the storyline is very engaging, but I love the visual complements. There is a scene where Nana is helping two customers that love the color blue, and watching all those tones of blue is both fun and satisfyingly to look at.

The message of the overall series tries to show how dealing with our past can really open our future. There are situations that we experience that are unpleasant, but perhaps their purpose is to learn a lesson that will help others deal with a similar situation sometime in the future. Another recurrent theme of the film is the importance of family.

I give The Fairy Godmother's Apprentice 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 15, plus adults. While this film has great production and acting, keep in mind that it is one episode from a series. Is a very entertaining show about family and dealing with one's fears and past. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST! Juror
Runtime: 21 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 9-15
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I found ReCreations Collection very interesting and very sweet. It doesn't so much tell a story, but tells how to make a fun and exciting card for someone. You should know that the dialogue is in French with English subtitles.

This short film features a woman, Patsy Van Roost (also self-described as a fairy) making letters that spread joy.

The story is very interesting. It is really a documentary about a woman who spread love and joy by creating custom made letters for people. She is adorable and tells her story in an engaging, heartwarming and fascinating way.

The cinematography is well executed. One of my favorite shots is one where the letters are featured. The primary set is in Patsy's workshop where she fabricates her creations. We see a collection of paint brushes, fabrics, and all different types of materials she uses to create her magic. Every corner hides more little things that one might use in their magic making. The film's background music is fun and upbeat, with a slight jazz feeling to it. Patsy is definitely the star of this show and, as self-described as a fairy, I believe she is one. It appears that she brings joy to anyone in her universe. I have to praise the editor, because the movie is beautifully edited. The film taught me how to make a message for someone by cutting out big letters in fabric. My favorite part of the film is near the end, when Patsy shows the letter to her son.

I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

Original animated story about a young boys journey to understand the impact of global warming, guided by a shapeshifting rave
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I'm a Child is absolutely perfect in so many ways and exactly what we look for at the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. It makes one want to do better for the earth. The song accompanying it is moving, soothing and fits the film perfectly. This touching film could change many perspectives for the viewer.

The storyline follows a young person that is distracted by his cell phone, while his elder is busy taking care of the earth. His elder gives him a patch with a bird on it. While the boy sleeps, the patch shapeshifts to become a large bird that takes him to faraway places, transforming into a girl who shows him scarred places on the planet that morph into beautiful places.

This story serves as a reminder for us to take care of the earth. The animation is quite lovely, with beautiful subtleties. I especially like the color contrasts between the healthy and abused landscapes. The clothing has hints of Native American culture. As the bird takes the boy to various places and animal habitats, it is cool to see the damaged places change into something beautiful. The boy's cell phone distraction at the beginning is contrasted to him planting in the garden at the end. The original song is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and soothing. It is perfect for the story. When the patch turns into a bird and the bird into a girl, the boy's dreamlike world becomes a reality.

Creators Kaitlin McQueeney, Eli�zer Ojeda and Barbara McQueeney have created a simply beautiful film, from the characters to the storyline and the message.

The moral of this film is to understand the impact of global warming and to do good for the planet; don't take things for granted and help take care of the earth. I learned that the earth always finds a way to make beauty, but it needs help to do that. My favorite part of the film is when the bird takes the boy to a polar region. A weak polar bear gets stuck on a separated piece of ice. With the touch of the girl's hand to his, the environment improves, with the walrus and polar bear families playing in the snow.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages I would say ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The film has a powerful message that could affect people of all ages. It would make a great opener to a film with a similar message. Reviewed by Makena P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I'm a Child is absolutely perfect in so many ways and exactly what we look for at the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. It makes one want to do better for the earth. The song accompanying it is moving, soothing and fits the film perfectly. This touching film could change many perspectives for the viewer.

The storyline follows a young person that is distracted by his cell phone, while his elder is busy taking care of the earth. His elder gives him a patch with a bird on it. While the boy sleeps, the patch shapeshifts to become a large bird that takes him to faraway places, transforming into a girl who shows him scarred places on the planet that morph into beautiful places.

This story serves as a reminder for us to take care of the earth. The animation is quite lovely, with beautiful subtleties. I especially like the color contrasts between the healthy and abused landscapes. The clothing has hints of Native American culture. As the bird takes the boy to various places and animal habitats, it is cool to see the damaged places change into something beautiful. The boy's cell phone distraction at the beginning is contrasted to him planting in the garden at the end. The original song is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and soothing. It is perfect for the story. When the patch turns into a bird and the bird into a girl, the boy's dreamlike world becomes a reality.

Creators Kaitlin McQueeney, Eli�zer Ojeda and Barbara McQueeney have created a simply beautiful film, from the characters to the storyline and the message.

The moral of this film is to understand the impact of global warming and to do good for the planet; don't take things for granted and help take care of the earth. I learned that the earth always finds a way to make beauty, but it needs help to do that. My favorite part of the film is when the bird takes the boy to a polar region. A weak polar bear gets stuck on a separated piece of ice. With the touch of the girl's hand to his, the environment improves, with the walrus and polar bear families playing in the snow.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages I would say ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The film has a powerful message that could affect people of all ages. It would make a great opener to a film with a similar message. Reviewed by Makena P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Awakeover 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for children 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Avery P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Awakeover is an impressive film. I love the storyline and all the actors. I really enjoyed the special effects and editing. The storyline is extremely creative with stories within stories. I also love the surprise plot twist at the end. I appreciate the difficulty of shooting during the day, night, inside and outside.

The storyline is about three girls having a sleepover while babysitting one of their younger brothers. Each girl picks a different horror movie to watch throughout the night. The brother selects a film that is all about compassion and love towards animals.

I really enjoyed the storyline; it is very original and the film incorporates lots of amazing editing skills and special effects throughout. The camerawork is quite outstanding, with lots of varied camera angles, Face Time shots, TV shots and various time of day. There are scenes where another story, movie or person appears on the other side of the screen, making the Face Time or TV scene seem super realistic. The background music definitely compliments the film nicely. Lots of the scary parts are very suspenseful. The special effects start with the introduction and continue throughout the film. The effects well executed. The actors not only perform as characters, but also participated in writing and producing the film. The acting is very believable and makes the film seem real. My favorite part is when the TV movie shows a dog and his new best friend. The dog leaps through the air in slow motion, which is the cutest thing.

The message of the film is about looking out for each other. You should know that the film does show kids doing some risky things that other kids might imitate. The only negative acts are when a guy is on the phone talking with his ex and tells the boy to "stay out of the street stupid kid" and then dumps off a dog in a box into the dumpster.

I give The Awakeover 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for children 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Avery P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 12 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 10-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

Cat overpopulation is a global problem that needs global education. If people are unaware of the problem, they can't solve it. CAT Rescue is an educational film that deserves to be seen by a wide range of viewers. Reviewed by Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - CAT Rescue addresses the pet overpopulation problem which is a global issue that tugs at the hearts of many us. This film is an eye opener to many who are unaware that this feline surplus pandemic even exists. If people are unaware of a problem, they can't help solve it. Education is key and CAT Rescue certainly sheds light on this heartbreaking issue.

The film outlines for viewers the extent of the unfortunate plight of the many homeless cats which exists throughout our neighborhoods, no matter where you live. The burden of help falls on the shoulders of animal rescue volunteers in hopes of giving these numerous forgotten felines a second chance. These folks truly are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly for the cause.

CAT Rescue takes us into the daily routine of volunteers who have dedicated their lives to helping reduce the pain and suffering of stray and abandoned cats. This problem exists right in our own backyards, yet for many, it has become easy to turn the other way. The volunteers shown in the film explain perfectly that, in order to solve this problem, community dedication and working together is needed.

Although we get a glimpse here and there of a feral cat and a kitten in the film, I'm not certain that the scenes and camera work within this film truly highlight the scope of the feral cat overpopulation problem which exists. My family has been involved in the feral cat mission for years and has encountered colonies which exceed over 100 cats. This is a true problem that comes with extensive challenges, given the high numbers of unwanted litters born to one single, unaltered cat. In order to give this problem much more depth, I believe the impact would have been greater had more cats been shown in the scenes.

Animal rescue volunteers are normal people that step up to the plate just about any day and any time. They come as they are, on the drop of a dime, and this is what we see in this film. The majority of this film takes place at what appears to be an abandoned home, which is very typical of the problem. People often move away and leave their unwanted, unaltered pets behind to fend for themselves. The location perfectly shows where the problem starts. The narrator, the rescue volunteer, is the main character of this film. She highlights her efforts in helping solve the homeless cat problem and she makes it clear for viewers that, despite these exhausting efforts, every bit matters. She is the key influencer within CAT Rescue.

CAT Rescue sends the message that a small group of committed individuals can indeed make change. Hard work, dedication and education need to be combined in order to take on the challenge of cat overpopulation and the reduction of euthanasia rates within our shelters. Although my family is well versed with the scope of the feral cat problem, we are always looking to see what other committed individuals are doing to help combat this problem. It is said that two out of every ten day feral cats are ones that can be socialized and given a chance for a domestic life. I enjoyed the part of the film that shows the other side of feral cat rescue, where younger cats can be worked with by volunteers in hopes for them to be adopted. There are many parts to cat rescue and it's the re-homing of cats and kittens that has always been rewarding for me to witness

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 5 to 18, plus adults.

Cat overpopulation is a global problem that needs global education. If people are unaware of the problem, they can't solve it. CAT Rescue is an educational film that deserves to be seen by a wide range of viewers. Reviewed by Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Getting Through the Pandemic: Small Businesses 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. I recommend this film because it is engaging and teaches children about what it is like to be a small business owner during the pandemic. This would play well at any festival that is examining the consequences of COVID-18, business or documentaries. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Getting Through the Pandemic: Small Businesses is very appealing documentary. I found myself unable to look away. It shows a fascinating facet of the pandemic, and has engaging subjects. The film interviews several small business owners about their experiences during the pandemic.

The film has great content and watching it play out on screen is fascinating. The one complaint I have is that the film is extremely depressing. Even though most of the interviewees have a positive outlook, you can tell that many of them are stressed. Many discuss worrying about their families.

The film has very simple but impressive cinematography. I especially like the way the interviews are shot and how they focus on the subjects' faces. This makes the film compelling and emphasizes the human aspect of businesses. The film has no background music, but it does have a lot of background noises - some of which are distracting. This enhances the viewer's experience and drives home the importance of the business owners. I must praise the scriptwriter, for the questions are well composed and get to the heart of economic issues during the COVID pandemic.

The message of this film is about perseverance, how these business owners have persevered during this pandemic. The film taught me more about the plight of small business owners during the pandemic. It taught me about how flexible both people and businesses can be. The film also made me want to know more about how federal business aid is given, and how businesses are surviving and thriving throughout the pandemic. My favorite parts of the film are the interviews. They are honest, well-written and mostly well shot.

I give Getting Through the Pandemic: Small Businesses 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. I recommend this film because it is engaging and teaches children about what it is like to be a small business owner during the pandemic. This would play well at any festival that is examining the consequences of COVID-18, business or documentaries. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror.

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

I give Derek The Sheep 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Carlee S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Jurors
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Derek The Sheep is so creative! It has some humor along with an important message teaching you to be thankful for what you have. The upbeat music in the cool intro makes it all more enjoyable and the animation is terrific.

The storyline follows Derek, a sheep, who notices some green grass across the river. He wants to eat that grass but can't find a way to get to it. He tries does everything he can to make it over to the other side. Unfortunately, when he does, it is not what he expected.

The story line is silly and fun with lots of humor. Derek's struggle to cross to the grass on "the other side" presents so many obstacles standing in his way. The ending is predictable, but still enjoyable. There animation is the best part of this film! It is cleverly executed, jumping from format to format. I love the images and the style. It reminds me of some 90s cartoons such as Ren & Stimpy or The Simpsons in both the presentation and the more mature humor. The music is very upbeat and positive. The intro is particularly fun to watch. The sound effects definitely are a hit! They greatly add to the humor of the film. My favorite part is when the bee stings Derek on his backside, which is really funny. He jumps from the sting and lands on the other side of the river.

The message of this short is to be thankful for what you already have.

I give Derek The Sheep 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Carlee S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Jurors
Runtime: 6 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Kenya's Symphony 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 10. This film will play at any festival geared for youth and families and qualifies as an African-American special interest topic. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The short animated film Kenya's Symphony is completely engrossing. I found myself unable to look away. The main character, Kenya, is relatable and fascinating, and the story is well-plotted. The music is alluring and pretty.

The storyline is about a young girl going to a symphony and gaining a passion for music.

I like the storyline. It's engaging and fun. At times, the story could be thrilling, and the entire movie is abuzz with excitement from start to finish. The story is also extremely compelling, especially the scene where the young girl discovers a passion for music.

The 2D animation is excellent, very simple, but it fits the story. One specific shot that impressed me is the scene where Kenya first discovers her passion for music. The color scheme uses tones that accentuate the brown skin of Kenya and the mostly white skin of the musicians. The film had two sets, one outside and one inside the auditorium. The classical music drives the film. Kenya's antics as she from using a spitball gun to finally discovering her passion for the music are all well delivered. There are two main characters in the film, the mother and Kenya, her young daughter who is spunky and spirited. There is no dialogue, but lots of music, which is excellent and well chosen. My favorite part of the film is the scene where the little girl discovers her passion for music. It is so exciting and the music scoring at the moment is beautiful.

I give Kenya's Symphony 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 10. This film will play at any festival geared for youth and families and qualifies as an African-American special interest topic. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 3-10
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Birds 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. It's certainly appropriate for young children, but I'm not sure how entertaining younger ones will find it. The production is a bit strange and dark, which may be scary for very young children. Reviewed by Abigail L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Birds showcases the beauty of birds in an unconventional and intriguing art style! The quirky ink-washed animation is beautiful, creating its own character and tone. The real bird sounds pull the audience into the natural ambiance while keeping them on their toes with the original visuals.

The film features birds sitting on branches in a polished black and white colorized style with actual audio from nature's flyers tweeting in the background. Filmmaker Joe Change creates visual effects by mixing natural with fabricated images that gives us an overall sense of peacefulness.

All four minutes of the short consist of birds sitting on branches or searching for water. There is no conflict, main character, or even a climax. I don't believe the goal that the creator is trying to reach is a storyline, but rather a calm break from every day media. The sound effects remind me of being in an aviary at the zoo. The bird sounds are so realistic and there's a large variety of them from eerie owl hoots to soft coos to loud crow caws. I think it's equally important to artistic bent of the film art because it balances the uniqueness of the art with familiar sounds. This film highlights the beauty of birds and the importance of connecting with nature. Even in unusual forms of animation, birds are still a wonder to behold. It made me want to embrace nature more and appreciate the sounds that animals make in the wild. My favorite part of the film are the sounds, because they remind me why people should appreciate everything nature has to offer, even down to bird songs.

I give The Birds 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. It's certainly appropriate for young children, but I'm not sure how entertaining younger ones will find it. The production is a bit strange and dark, which may be scary for very young children. Reviewed by Abigail L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 10-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Little Star 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. I recommend The Little Star for a youth and family film festival as some viewers will find humor in it and it may have some teachable moments in it. Reviewed by Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Little Star certainly has a good story to tell, however it falls a bit short from its target. The script is well thought out and it is funny at times, yet the manner in which the actors play it out seems to take from the film.

The story follows a young actor that returns to his home after being away in Hollywood for some time. Hollywood living is certainly unique and, upon his return to his home with his family, young Scottie (Charlie Tackle) expects to continue this elite lifestyle. His new Hollywood ways of living are not widely accepted by his family which seems to cause some friction between him, his family and his manager. This friction is funny at times

The story line is one that is believable in that people can change in order to adapt to their surroundings. This change is not always a good one but I like the way Haley Pine, the director of The Little Star, adds some comedy to Scottie's new Hollywood selfish style. The cinematography is pretty good, however the audio has some issues. There are several parts where I had to adjust the volume as the sound faded. There is one visual effect when Scottie gets a "wake up call" from a bolt of energy that comes down from the sky and hits him. Though it is not believable, it adds to the humor that the film. Scottie stands out the most with his ungrateful and selfish new ways that are so ridiculous they are humorous.

The Little Star sends a clear message to never forget from where you came! After viewing the film a second time, the corny humor grew on me. The silliness of Scottie's behavior throughout this film is my favorite part. Haley Pine, the director of this film sure has some star power. This young director has quite a resume as seen on her director's bio. The film industry is competitive and being able to direct a film at her age deserves credit.

I give The Little Star 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. I recommend The Little Star for a youth and family film festival as some viewers will find humor in it and it may have some teachable moments in it. Reviewed by Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.
Runtime: 8 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

"Luna's greatest power comes not from its fabulous display of supernatural witchery but from its tributes to the strength shared by a loving family and the can-do attitude of women amid even the most extraordinary crises." - Chris Hadley, The Snobby Robot
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Luna, The Witch is a seven-episode series that will reel you in immediately, and show you what it's like to have special powers! It has amazing special effects and modern-day events mixed in. The actors portray their characters as if they are real people, and made me want more. Luna, The Witch has some real potential.

Having powers is something that a lot of people wish for, especially when something goes wrong. Luna is a teenage witch who just wants things to go right. When she develops a crush on a boy in her class, she tries everything in her power to make him like her back, including putting a spell on him. However, this is when it all goes wrong. She messes up the potion and now has to turn to her mother and great-great-great-grandmother for help.

What I like about the storyline is that it includes fantasy along with modern-day issues typical of what some teens experience. For instance, Luna is a witch and has amazing powers and cool objects that allow her to embrace those powers. Her necklace is the object that gives her the ability to do spells. This is part of the very interesting fantastical and fictional part of the series. However, Luna also has a crush on a boy named Bryan, but doesn't know if he likes her back. This is the type of doubt that teenagers feel on a daily basis, and makes this series more realistic by including it. Not to mention, this series includes a scene where Luna and Bryan make a TikTok video. TikTok is definitely trending right now, so that is another good touch.

The camera work is good with lots of close-ups where we can see the expressions on the actors' faces. The sets all look very realistic, making the scenes stronger. The costumes are typical of what teens wear today and they match each character's personality. The grandmother isn't in the first episode, but the mom and Luna are. They are witches and this takes place in 2019. Luna, The Witch was filmed in New England, which can be very busy at some times of year. However, in this episode it's very quiet and not busy at all. The piano background music appears at the beginning and sporadically throughout. The visual effects are one of the things I like best about the show. In the first episode, after Luna botches the love potion for Bryan, Bryan blows up. This effect looks like an actual explosion. If witches were real, you would believe they had the power to do that. They are definitely believable. Something else that stands out to me are the opening credits. It has multi-color clouds with the actors' names on them. This drew my attention automatically and makes the show look very exciting.

The actors include Alexa Hartman, Wendy Hartman, Karen Ann Martino and Charlie Tacker. They are all quite good. When in scenes together, they relate to each other well and seem to have good chemistry. Alexa's performance at the teenage witch, Luna, is particularly believable. Charlie has very good timing when relating to Alexa. The production design and the editing also stand out to me. The sets look like an actual house, with photos of the characters (actors) on the wall, which I noticed. There is a scene when Bryan and Luna do a TikTok, which is very contemporary and the editing is great on that. The message of this series is to be careful what you wish for, and of the actions you take. Luna wishes for Bryan to like her back and puts a spell on him, but by doing so she makes him explode. This is very small, however Luna does put a potion into Bryan's drink and that is not something you want kids to replicate.

My favorite part of the film is when Bryan explodes. The animation here is fantastic and provides an excellent plot twist.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages I to 18, plus adults. This film would play well at a youth and family film festival because it's very kid and family-friendly, with a good story-line. Reviewed by Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Luna, The Witch is a seven-episode series that will reel you in immediately, and show you what it's like to have special powers! It has amazing special effects and modern-day events mixed in. The actors portray their characters as if they are real people, and made me want more. Luna, The Witch has some real potential.

Having powers is something that a lot of people wish for, especially when something goes wrong. Luna is a teenage witch who just wants things to go right. When she develops a crush on a boy in her class, she tries everything in her power to make him like her back, including putting a spell on him. However, this is when it all goes wrong. She messes up the potion and now has to turn to her mother and great-great-great-grandmother for help.

What I like about the storyline is that it includes fantasy along with modern-day issues typical of what some teens experience. For instance, Luna is a witch and has amazing powers and cool objects that allow her to embrace those powers. Her necklace is the object that gives her the ability to do spells. This is part of the very interesting fantastical and fictional part of the series. However, Luna also has a crush on a boy named Bryan, but doesn't know if he likes her back. This is the type of doubt that teenagers feel on a daily basis, and makes this series more realistic by including it. Not to mention, this series includes a scene where Luna and Bryan make a TikTok video. TikTok is definitely trending right now, so that is another good touch.

The camera work is good with lots of close-ups where we can see the expressions on the actors' faces. The sets all look very realistic, making the scenes stronger. The costumes are typical of what teens wear today and they match each character's personality. The grandmother isn't in the first episode, but the mom and Luna are. They are witches and this takes place in 2019. Luna, The Witch was filmed in New England, which can be very busy at some times of year. However, in this episode it's very quiet and not busy at all. The piano background music appears at the beginning and sporadically throughout. The visual effects are one of the things I like best about the show. In the first episode, after Luna botches the love potion for Bryan, Bryan blows up. This effect looks like an actual explosion. If witches were real, you would believe they had the power to do that. They are definitely believable. Something else that stands out to me are the opening credits. It has multi-color clouds with the actors' names on them. This drew my attention automatically and makes the show look very exciting.

The actors include Alexa Hartman, Wendy Hartman, Karen Ann Martino and Charlie Tacker. They are all quite good. When in scenes together, they relate to each other well and seem to have good chemistry. Alexa's performance at the teenage witch, Luna, is particularly believable. Charlie has very good timing when relating to Alexa. The production design and the editing also stand out to me. The sets look like an actual house, with photos of the characters (actors) on the wall, which I noticed. There is a scene when Bryan and Luna do a TikTok, which is very contemporary and the editing is great on that. The message of this series is to be careful what you wish for, and of the actions you take. Luna wishes for Bryan to like her back and puts a spell on him, but by doing so she makes him explode. This is very small, however Luna does put a potion into Bryan's drink and that is not something you want kids to replicate.

My favorite part of the film is when Bryan explodes. The animation here is fantastic and provides an excellent plot twist.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages I to 18, plus adults. This film would play well at a youth and family film festival because it's very kid and family-friendly, with a good story-line. Reviewed by Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 10 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 10-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Adnan 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. This is truly a beautiful film and would be enriching for kids to view at a youth and family film festival. Reviewed by Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Adnan is short, yet impactful tearjerker that will surely leave a massive impact on its viewers. With an incredible and experienced cast (but not in the conventional sense), seamless editing and a unique theme, this film is a great way for kids to learn about the Syrian conflict through the eyes of a refugee.

Adnan is a young Syrian refugee who sought asylum with his mother in Britain after his family was killed in Aleppo. His mother suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and believes that she lost Adnan too, even when he is right in front of her. Adnan must resort to his artistic skills to help his mother remember their journey and remember him or risk losing her forever.

I love every element of this film. The majority of the dialogue is in Arabic and the script is written from the perspective of a refugee, with strong emotions. Thus, the film delivers its authenticity. Adnan is truly an emotional rollercoaster that gives you an insider's perspective on the journey that refugees take and the pain they bear.

The camera work in Adnan fit the tone of the story very well; dark shots when describing Aleppo, and with light in scenes in the UK. The speed of the shots also changes throughout the film. My favorite scene is when Adnan's mother breaks through her PTSD and hugs Adnan for the first time. The radiant light from the upper corners of the frame and the shot in itself combine to make an incredible scene. The film was shot in the UK, with Adnan's art structures serving as a secondary location (Syria). There's not much shot outside of Adnan's home, which seems small in some shots and large in others - though that may just be movie magic. The sets and locations are rather inconsequential; the story really pulls viewers in.

The music is one of my favorite parts of the film. In many scenes, one can tell that the music was a deliberate choice to help add depth to the scene. At one point, Adnan tries to remind his mother of the stormy seas and rough boat ride they took by singing an Arabic song, which his mother repeats in the last scene. First off, that's a great callback, and secondly, a unique choice that helps add authenticity. The music drives the action in other scenes in the film. When Adnan runs to the craft store and is in 'art creation mode,' the music is fast-paced and crescendos. In other scenes that are more melancholy, the music slows and the volume is a little lower.

Steven Chatterton and Mark Arrigo are the directors of this film, and they made sure that every piece of the puzzle was immaculately placed together. Arrigo also helped Steven Chatterton in the script-writing process. Julia Taylor-Stanley and Tiernan Hanby are the producers, who masterfully crafted each element of the film. Ayham Kabi, a refugee himself, plays the role of Adnan in this short film. His own experience really makes the acting even more powerful and poignant. Zaynah, Adnan's mother, is played by Raghad Chaar, whose subtle, nuanced acting is also believable and well-done. I believe the cast stands out the most in this film.

Adnan portrays refugees in a new light, removing the third-person and using actual refugee actors as the cast. It promotes a message of choosing love over division and animosity. I love the character of Adnan. He truly wants to help his mother and is independent and strong through her battle with PTSD.

I give Adnan 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. This is truly a beautiful film and would be enriching for kids to view at a youth and family film festival. Reviewed by Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 15 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 17. Reviewed by Anokhi L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Quarantine has made me a sucker for sunrises and sunsets, so I loved the cinematography of the mountains and the village of Chilika in Bishwa. They are stunning.

Surrounded by ghosts and superstitions in his home village, an inquisitive blind youth, Bishwa, tries to understand what the people around him fear about this so-called ghost. His stubborn, yet fierce love for his family proves to cause trouble and solve problems along the way.

While every part of the film adds value to the story, it sometimes drags, making the film slow to watch at times. There are some uncomfortably long or redundant scenes. Also, the ending does not entirely make sense to me and doesn't wrap the story up completely. The nature shots are beautiful and the film nears IMAX quality. However in one scene, when showing a video within the film, the video plays over a shaky shot that shows that the screen is not actually playing anything. I love the authenticity of the sets and locations as India's villages and cities really do look the way they are portrayed it in the film. There were some adorable Hindi songs included that give a good Bollywood music video feel to the film. But there are two English songs in the film that feel out of place, especially since the entire film is spoken in Hindi. Also there are a few moments when the dialogue changes in quality or doesn't match the actors' mouths when they speak. Siblings Bishwa, Shyam and Hira are played by child actors Yagya Bhasin,, Mann Gandhi and Mahi Soni respectively. The three have a strong bond and work together to solve the issue of the village ghost. No matter how much Bishwa gets himself into trouble, his siblings always have his back. Hira is just as outspoken as her brother and may be even more feisty than he. Shyam is the calmer elder brother.

The message is that loving families, no matter how much they fight, are boomerangs. Family members will get mad at each other, sometimes because they want to protect one other. But, they will forgive because their love is stronger than their pride. Differing beliefs can be so strong that they rip apart family members, but even if a family is broken apart, they will always come back together in the end. Note: there is some smoking shown in the film.

There is a commentary about faith and how, sometimes, people give blind faith to corrupt religious individuals. They will believe anything about things they don't understand, just to have something to hold onto. And, the people that are telling them what to believe in, line their pocketbooks from those that believe in them. It makes us question what institutions we put our belief in and how they are actually affecting our lives.

My favorite part is when Bishwa runs the race and the other contestants purposefully go slowly. Bishwa starts to run outside of his lane without realizing it and others follow him. The men holding the finish line move with Bishwa to ensure that he finishes first and wins the race.

Yagya Bhasin who plays Bishwa and Mahi Soni who plays Hira definitely have star power. They both played their strong willed characters powerfully.

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 17. Reviewed by Anokhi L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-17
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Uki is so sweet and heartwarming that it almost made me cry. It's a story that speaks to anyone living in these times and that even adults will hear, relate to and understand. The main character is fascinating, relatable and honest, and exposes some truths about life that everyone should hear.

The storyline is about a young girl reflecting on quarantine, COVID and life itself.

I like the story. I especially like the way the little girl isn't aware exactly what COVID is, so she describes it as a monster, making it seem sinister and scary. I also like the way the story takes an optimistic look at adversity and portrays an arduous time through innocence.

The cinematography is extremely beautiful. Most of the shots explore a beautiful Arctic vista that is stunning. My favorite shot comes towards the end, where the young girl is standing on top of a mound of snow. It's a beautifully composed and powerful shot. All of the landscape shots are stunning though. They are snow-covered, beautiful, alluring and detailed. The background music and natural sounds are subtle, adding to the sense of peacefulness and distance in the film. There is one character, a young girl. She shows great insight and depth. I also like how she portrays a sense of both naivety and worldliness. She narrates the film in a childlike, simple and friendly way.

The message of the film is to be optimistic and look at life like an adventure. The film reminded me to take a more hopeful outlook at the pandemic and quarantine, and to see this painful year as an opportunity. Choosing a favorite part of this film is very difficult. However, my favorite part of the film would be the shot of the little girl standing upon a mound of snow. For me, this moment is very powerful. Another part I like is the voiceover narrative by Alani Ui��iq Thomas.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Bamboo Hat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You should know that the dialogue is in Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles. Reviewed by Abigail L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Bamboo Hat is a heartwarming tale that makes viewers want to give their grandmother a big hug. The film is beautifully touching and tragic as it reveals the development of the love between a grandson and his grandmother. So much Chinese culture is ingrained in this movie, while not overloading for foreign audiences. In rural China, a grandmother keeps the disappearance of her son from her grandson, Huolong, while he learns the importance of family. Through sadness, anger and devotion, the pair bonds as Huolong waits for his father to return home.

The story is incredibly moving as Huolong and his grandmother grow ever closer. Initially, Huolong is angry and withholding, but eventually, he learns to accept and appreciate his grandmother, though she keeps the news of his father a secret. I love Huolong's characterization as a rowdy and emotional, but overall good kid, and how that plays against his grandmother who is calm, compassionate, and determined.

The cinematography is incredible beautiful, from the close-ups that capture the intimate family bonding to the wide angle shots display the stunning farms and rivers. The scenes showing Huolong running through the farms are very appealing. The grandmother's attire is beautiful, while retaining the simplicity of farmer's clothing. The locations are beautiful and show American audiences the unfamiliar geography of China's stunning river basins. The landscapes have an appealing aesthetic, as do the stone and wood of the houses.

The music perfectly captures the sad and sentimental tone of the scenes. When the narrator describes the story of the gods, the music sweeps the audience into the story. The upbeat music emphasizes Huolong's playful personality, while the soft, wistful woodwind music helps convey the grandmother's calm and wisdom. The sounds of the cello force your eyes to well as the grandmother cries, worried about her son and grandson.

Every actor performs beautifully, but Yanshu Wu, as the grandmother, stands out. She expresses the emotions that any grandmother would feel from her frustration to her remorse and her love. This film will play well on a big screen.

The message is that family is the most valuable thing in the world. It's important to value and appreciate our family and all they do for us. The lesson behind the story hits home with me personally, because growing up in an Asian American family, I also have had to learn the importance of family that is so valued in Asian culture. It contains some profanity. I can't say anything about the profanity in Mandarin, but the subtitles do possess some minor language. This film made me want to learn more about my own Chinese culture and native language. I'm also captivated by the stories of the Chinese gods that are referenced throughout the film. My favorite part is the bonding of Huolong and his grandmother. It reminds me of my own relationship with my grandmother, and how important that is. The actress Yanshu Wu is well known, although she is mainly recognized in China rather than the US.

I give The Bamboo Hat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You should know that the dialogue is in Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles. Reviewed by Abigail L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

I give Digital World 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Sandrine A. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Digital World is extremely compelling. It tells an interesting and incredible story with characters that carefully carry the theme. The animation is minimal and that only contributes to the story.

The story is about a person trying to find human connection in a screen-caught world.

I like the storyline. It is told well and extremely intriguing. The 2D animation features black and white line drawings that are animated. One thing that is cleverly executed is how the animator shows that someone is on their screen by depicting a moving block of blue over their eyes. One song plays throughout the film, "Mad World," by Tears for Fears. I like this song, because it fits the theme of the film really well. I am concerned about whether or not the filmmaker has obtained proper rights to use this music.

The main character tries to make human connection. This is a non-narrative film with music helping drive the action. The music is well-selected and definitely sets the mood and pace of the film.

The message of this film is that human connection is important, more so than the screens we use. My favorite part is the scene where the main character walks into a library and finds everyone using a screen. This really drives the message home.

I give Digital World 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Sandrine A. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and KIDS FIRST! Juror
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Black Lives Matter 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 18, plus adults. This is an important film for all families to see to learn about an important moment in our modern times. Reviewed by Nyara A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Black Lives Matter is a deeply moving film! By hearing different experiences from the interviewees, I learned more about the movement as each expressed their own way to fight back against racism and violence.

This student-produced documentary profiles three people, two African-American and one Latinx, that share their perspectives and experiences about the movement that was initiated by the murder of George Floyd in the spring of 2020. Using social media and attending peaceful protests allowed the interviewees to participate in this big historical moment.

I really like the specific and personal descriptions of how the interviewees feel. Each person had different experiences and emotions that range from fear to motivation to taking action. By combining the faces of the interviewees with images from social and news media, the audience is drawn into the emotions of their experiences. The background music is beautiful and creates a somber and moving vibe. The interviewer is off-camera, so the viewpoint of the film is determined by the director who highlights the most interesting parts of the interviews. The production value is pretty good, although the zoom interviews are not well framed or lit. Also, the audio levels jump all over the place - very high at some points an d very low at others.

The message I took away from this is that we all have to stand up for what's right in any way we can. This film made me want to learn more about the Black Lives Matter movement and other important movements in our history. My favorite parts of the film are the diverse points of view of the interviewees.

I give Black Lives Matter 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 18, plus adults. This is an important film for all families to see to learn about an important moment in our modern times. Reviewed by Nyara A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 9-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 16, due to the profanity. Adults will enjoy it as well. Reviewed by Tor F., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What appeals to me the most about Four Thirty (Las Cuartro Y Media) is the storyline. The moral is simple and perfectly relatable for young people. Something that is lacking for me is plot development. When the two children get caught, I did not feel much empathy for them, because the stakes are not high enough. We don't know enough about the back-story of these children or their dad.

The storyline follows two friends, Lucio and Manuel, hanging out at a sleepover. Lucio calls Manuel a chicken because he's scared when watching a movie, so Manuel tries to prove to Lucio that he isn't a chicken.

The relationship between Lucio and Manuel is well established. They seem to be good friends as things do not feel awkward between them. For example, they're comfortable sitting in a room in silence watching a movie together. On the other hand, the father's reaction seems a bit off. I expected him to explode or start a fight with Lucio like he did with the man driving the car. The camera work is quite good. One angle in particular that I like is where the camera is placed at the height of the ground. We see the man whose car was hit by the wet paper ball step out, but only see his shoes. This makes him seem ominous and creates a foreboding feeling that lingers before he is revealed. This angle also makes the viewer feel small and more inferior to the man in the car. The two key influencers in the film are Lucio and Manuel. The two play off of each other very well. Lucio comes off as the cool guy. He seems to keep his emotions hidden and portrays himself with a tough exterior. Manuel, on the other hand, seems to be more timid and weaker. This creates a dynamic distinction between the two. I like when Manuel decides to show the adults that he and Lucio threw the wet paper towel balls.

The messages of the film are: other people's portrayal of you should not affect your behavior, stay true to yourself, anybody has the capability of doing the right thing and following their own path. You should know that it does contain some mild profanity between the two adults when they have a scuffle outside. There is also some disrespect for people's property.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 16, due to the profanity. Adults will enjoy it as well. Reviewed by Tor F., KIDS FIRST! Juror
Runtime: 10 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-16
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

This title has online video!

Reviewed by Carlee S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 7-16
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

This title has online video!

I give Stallone: Frank, That Is 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend it to ages 12 to 18. Adults would especially love this documentary also, as many of them are quite familiar with Frank's music. This documentary will be released January 19, 2021. You can watch it on Video on Demand and Digital Screenings. This is an inspiring film that you don't want to miss.

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

This title has online video!

By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 10-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm