Watch Kids' Reviews of
SWIMMING WITH WINGS

I simply fell in love with this animated short, in part because of the way it looks but also because of its message, which is so poignant at this time when children refugees have to adapt to new environments and new cultures.

The animated story, narrated by a child, follows a group of penguins who are learning how to swim with their clothes on.

These penguins represent young children who have come to the Netherlands as refugees from different countries and are doing their best to acclimate to their new environment. Change is difficult in anyone's life, and I love how this story focuses on something that might seem natural to Dutch children, but for these immigrants, is a challenging hurtle to overcome. Perhaps it is the culmination of so many other changes they are required to make as their conversations reveal. And I am constantly awed at the resilience of these young people, as well as their parents, at their ability to adjust to a new culture. I love the presentation of this film - from the animation, to the dialogue, to the background music. It is calming and reassuring and yet, doesn't wander from the importance of the subject, which is beautiful. Kudos to filmmaker, Daphna Awadish, for her thoughtful film.

The film's message is about resilience and perseverance.

I give Swimming With Wings 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

I simply fell in love with this animated short, in part because of the way it looks but also because of its message, which is so poignant at this time when children refugees have to adapt to new environments and new cultures.

The animated story, narrated by a child, follows a group of penguins who are learning how to swim with their clothes on.

These penguins represent young children who have come to the Netherlands as refugees from different countries and are doing their best to acclimate to their new environment. Change is difficult in anyone's life, and I love how this story focuses on something that might seem natural to Dutch children, but for these immigrants, is a challenging hurtle to overcome. Perhaps it is the culmination of so many other changes they are required to make as their conversations reveal. And I am constantly awed at the resilience of these young people, as well as their parents, at their ability to adjust to a new culture. I love the presentation of this film - from the animation, to the dialogue, to the background music. It is calming and reassuring and yet, doesn't wander from the importance of the subject, which is beautiful. Kudos to filmmaker, Daphna Awadish, for her thoughtful film.

The film's message is about resilience and perseverance.

I give Swimming With Wings 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

A short animated film exploring the immigration experience through the eyes of children learning how to swim with clothes on in the Netherlands.