KIDS FIRST! Video Titles

KIDS FIRST! has endorsed 1197 total Video titles

Below are up to 26 of them

KIDS FIRST! has linked to external websites through which you may order many of the KIDS FIRST! endorsed titles

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title

MIIKSHI THE MEEK SHEEP IN THE COSMIC POTATO - LINDSAY LEE
Series: SHORTS, AGES 6 - 16
Description - Shy sheep scientist Miikshi has just launched a potato into orbit, and her journalist best friend Chickelyna begs for the first radio interview. Miikshi's fear of public speaking soon takes back seat when her science experiment is on a collision course with Mibukiville!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Very professional production. Love the quirky puppet characters and the storyline. Love the close-ups and the miniature backgrounds. The sheep scientist is quite wonderful and the idea of launching a potato into space absolutely hysterical. This is a great take off on the space program. I recommend it for ages 6 to 16, as well as adults and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
Juror Recommended Age: 6-16 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

FIRE FLOWER - HUNTINGTON UNIVERSITY/JSL STUDIO
Series: STUDENT FILM, AGES 8 TO ADULT
Description - A nun, four orphans and a glitchy robot on a quest for beauty. . . what could possibly go wrong? Princess, Fabio, Pigtails and Curly, from St. Mary's Home for unfortunate Children, are on a field-trip to the botanical garden to celebrate Princess' birthday. On the way they meet a curious grounds keeper and the fireworks begin. . . quite literally.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What an interesting and quirky film. Well executed animation and well developed characters. The non narrative storyline definitely has its quirkiness to us, but it's fun and comes to a cheerful conclusion. I recommend this for tweens and teens, ages 12 to 18, as well as adults, and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
Juror Recommended Age: 8-adult Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

LONDON'S HOME - JENNIFER TREUTING
Series: DOCUMENTARY, AGES 8 - 14
Description - When a fire destroys the apartment that nine-year-old London and her family have called home for years, everything's suddenly different. Everyone's ok, but where will they stay? The apartment building is no longer safe. Learn what happens to London and her family when disaster strikes, and how the idea of "home" changes when you don't have one.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a well constructed documentary about a subject that most kids are not thinking about until tragedy strikes. I love the cheerfulness of London who guides us through her family's experience of losing their home, living in a shelter temporarily and finding a new home. She is the epitome of positive energy, as are the other members of her family that we meet. I recommend this for a tween and teen festival, ages 12 to 18, plus adults, and give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for something that reflects how families respond to tragic circumstances in their lives in a positive way, you will love this film. reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror. To submitter: Congratulations! We are delighted to include your film in our national KIDS FIRST! Film Festival where it will be available to 50 venues that partner with us. Please see required deliverables in the official letter of acceptance from film freeway. Send your digital file through dropbox, google docs or similar. Allowing a download from film freeway is also acceptable. And, we need your poster art in 72 dpi (max height 3") or a production still for online publicity purposes. One more thing, KIDS FIRST! is starting a new Digital Channel in association with xerb.tv. We will send you more information about how you can participate in that, if you so choose.
Runtime: 7 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 8-14 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

CONSERVATION KIDS: A GREEN STEM DOCUMENTARY - CHERYLE FRANCESCHI
Series: DOCUMENTARY, AGES 10-18
Description - More than ever before, kids across the U.S. are learning about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) inside classrooms, both public and private. What has been overlooked as STEM by most educational systems is that natural resource conservation can be found right outside everyone's doorstep. In CONSERVATION KIDS - A Green STEM Documentary, explaining real-world events using STEM principles are used to explain the connection between Mother Nature and her agricultural lands, waters, parks, soils and wildlife habitats.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Although this is a well constructed documentary, it lacks the type of entertainment appeal important in programming for youth and families. There are a lot of talking heads, often looking off camera, and still photos. We played this for a couple groups of children and they did not stay engaged. They wanted to see more examples of what was being discussed, rather than hear about them. Thus, I do not recommend it for a youth or family film festival. It may be more suitable for adults, particularly educators. We wish the filmmaker the best in finding her audience. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror
Juror Recommended Age: 10-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

NORTH KOREA: A TOTALITARIAN DICTATORSHIP - MATTHEW AGUSTIN
Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 13-18
Description - A documentary exposing the regime of Kim Jong-un in North Korea. This documentary exposes the truth behind the North Korean regime, as well as how to prevent a future disaster that could potentially lead to war.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Very impressive documentary about the history of North Korea, up to current time and issues. Excellent use of archival photography and excellent narration. Kudos to Matthew Agustin for his good work in creating this. I'm not sure how many KIDS FIRST! Film Festival partners will select to play this, but I feel it is an important part of history and gives insight into the country and culture of North Korea which is valuable to youth and families in the USA and elsewhere. I recommend this for teens, ages 13 to 18, as well as adults and give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
Runtime: 11 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 13-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

RECREATIONAL - JASON KURTH
Series: VIDEO, AGES 10-18
Description - Ten-year-old Trevor Schott is introduced to the thrilling world of roller hockey by his older cousin, James "Penney" Carver.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Excellent. Well made short film about the sport of roller hockey and introducing it to a young boy by an adult cousin. Lots of action. Great relationship between the boy and adult. This is the first episode of a series, so we can anticipate more in the future. I recommend this to tweens and teens, ages 10 to 18, as well as adults and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 11 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 10-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

KEYS - JEREMIAH PUNI
Series: VIDEO, AGES 13-18
Description - Keys is a story of Lei, a 16-year-old piano prodigy who lives in the Western Sydney suburbs. Struggling to survive, she uses her talents on the ivory keys as a constructive creative outlet. Torn between her mentor, Mrs. Hagedorn and her mother Cecilia, Lei is seeking to win her mother's affection, even if for a day.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A well told story about a young girl who is a budding musician, trying to survive with a mom who is barely interested in her daughter's future. It is implied that the mom has a drinking problem, although we don't see her drinking, only an empty bottle in the trash. Your heart goes out to this young girl and we appreciate the kindness of her piano teacher who celebrates the girl's birthday when the mother doesn't. Well shot and edited. The three key actors are excellent and believable. I recommend this for teens, ages 13 to 18, plus adults and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S. KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult review
Runtime: 15 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 13-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

NIGHT LIGHT - JONATHAN DE LA UZ
Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 2-18
Description - A wide-eyed, newborn sea turtle named Fin finds himself on the illuminated beaches of Miami. It is a perilous time to be a hatchling, with hazards of artificial light and debris present at every turn. With the help of Abueluna, his caring, celestial guide, Fin will make the daring trek from his cluttered nest to the open seas.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love this animated short film! It has a great message about how sea turtles are threatened. It also has great animation and amazing music. What I like about the story line is how it is all put together in a way that makes the theme really clear. The playfulness between the sea turtle and the light bulb character is very cute.

The story line is about a sea turtle wrangler, Abueluna, who helps baby sea turtles reach the ocean after they hatch. When one sea turtle gets left behind, a little light bulb finds him, doesn't tell the wrangler and they get into an argument about it all and the baby turtle wanders off, almost getting killed by a car.

This animation is absolutely fantastic. The sea turtle's eyes are so expressive. I especially like the beginning when the babies are hatching and their heads pop out of the sand. The colors are brilliant. I love the turtle wranglers outfit and her moon wand. I love the sets. The streets are lit up and the beach has incredible detail! The music definitely drives the action of the story line. I love how the music is calm, then suddenly gets really dramatic! It's light and playful, just like the baby sea turtle. My favorite scene is when the little baby sea turtles pop their heads out of the sand after hatching. It's so cute!

All the characters are charming - the Sea Turtle Wrangler, the baby sea turtles, and the little light bulb. The baby sea turtles are particularly adorable and lovable.

The message of this film is about protecting baby sea turtles because their survival is threatened by both natural and man-made materials. Light pollution causes interruption of the hatchlines' natural instinct to follow moonlight into the ocean.

Although I have learned about this in school, seeing it on screen emphasizes its importance. I live near where this film was made and have attended educational seminars about sea turtles as it is an important part of my local environment. For kids who don't live hear the ocean, they are probably not as aware and this film would definitely bring new awareness to them.

I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 11, plus adults. I think this is very suitable for a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival because it teaches you many things and is fun to watch. Any festival near the ocean would be particularly interested in it. Protecting the environment and the animals that live here is so important. Reviewed by Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 8 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 2-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

I HEART DOLORES - SAGE DRAKE
Series: DOCUMENTARY, AGES 10-18
Description - San Francisco's Dolores Park, a famous city park where thousands of parkgoers go every weekend.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Ok, as someone who has spent time in this park in San Francisco, I could wait to watch this. I love the idea and the images. The one woman who speaks about the park is sweet and speaks well. My one issue with it is the length. It is less than a minute long and it feels too short. I would so much like if it got into more details about the park and those who love and use it. Accepted with that caveat. 3.5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 10 to 18. Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 1 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 10-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

MY SHADOW - EVAN KIMBALL
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-18
Description - A adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's poem of the same name.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Sweet. I have always loved this poem and Evan Kimball brings it to life in a very charming way. The young girl is played straightforward and honestly. Her narration of the poem is timed exquisitely with the action. The background music sounds slightly Oriental and enhances the whole thing with its quiet overtones. This would make a perfect interstitial at a children's or family film festival, something that people can relax into and enjoy. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, as well as adults. Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 4 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

WE ARE STARDUST - TOVA REYES
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 10-18
Description - We are stardust. This creation myth borrows from the American Indian tribes of the southwest and the stars. There is no dialogue.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Lovely animated short depicting a Native American creation myth. Non-narrative, the images tell a carefully constructed story. The background music works quite well. I'm impressed by this filmmaker's collaborate work with artists worldwide to create this. Recommended for ages 10 to 18, I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 8 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 10-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

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FIREFIGHTERS - ZAK MORGAN ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, LLC
Series: MUSIC VIDEO, AGES 5-8
Description - Music video for a song honoring firefighters.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This music video is quite appealing. The music is very catchy and the scenarios have a comedic twist. I'm sure that children will enjoy this because it is based on firefighters, has wonderfully funny actors, energetic music and lots of comedic stunts throughout.

The video shows us an actual fighter station, live children visiting it and fun scenarios that relate to everyday life. It is well constructed, very entertaining and made me laugh a lot. The actors dress up as firefighters who are looking to put out any fire they see in a childlike manner. It has wonderful visual appeal with an overall summer vibe. There are many hilarious outcomes that an audience will enjoy. There are images of putting out fires but they are quite appropriate for the target age.

This is an adventure to watch. I like that I could pause and replay the screener. There are some moments when I just had to laugh out loud! The song itself is very catchy and makes you want to sing along. The cast includes a diverse group of actors involved in silly scenarios. Audiences can easily relate to this visually pleasing musical story. Children will surely dance along with the very relaxed interpretation based on the lives and work of flame fighters. It is very action packed and thought provoking.

It has a very relaxed message honoring firefighters in a fun way. It's thought provoking in that it helps kids understand that real life firefighters fight fires of every size and save lives. You can appreciate watching the different lengths that these firefighting actors go to extinguishing fires. The concepts are fun, but still contain messages of heroism and safety.

I recommend this for ages 5 to 8 and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Aside from one reference of an adult attempting to smoke from a wooden pipe, there are not any other adult behaviors.

Reviewed by Elle S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really admire this music video because it has the funniest song I have ever heard about firefighters. The firefighter in the video is so hilarious and the people in each scene are very funny.

This video recognizes how good firefighters are and what they do, but in a very playful and funny way. The firefighter messes up people for doing things at a birthday party, a an engagement celebration and then, three "cavemen" trying to lit fire. Where it falls short is not being more clear what firefighters actually do.

The actor portraying the firefighter, singer Zak Morgan, is very good at singing and acting funny as well. One hilarious part is when the firefighter brings a whole bucket of water just to take out candles on a birthday cake. My favorite part is when a couple are on a date celebrating their engagement and the firefighter dumps water all over the table to take out the candles that are part of the table decorations. The song in this video is so catchy, that I could listen to it over and over again.

The moral of this video is to thank firefighters for what they do. We need to appreciate them for their hard work. A firefighter's job is not easy. They risk their life in order to protect ours. Even though this is a funny video showing us what they do, we should take in consideration that they are heroes doing a risky job.

I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 5 to 8. It is a silly music video and you can find it online at zakmorgan.com.

Reviewed by Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
Juror Recommended Age: 5-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ 7.99 Media:

DREAMER'S MELODY, A - KENDRA ANN SHERRILL
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 7-15
Description - A trip to the movie theater sparks a passion for a young girl and her shoes.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a lovely and uplifting piece. Told simply, through the feet of the protagonist, we are drawn into her little saga, and rooting for her at the audition, watching her dancing her sweet little heart out. In a very uncomplicated way, this film tells us more about the "owner" of the feet than many that show entire bodies. It has a sweet and surprising ending that anyone can relate to. Well shot. Great background music. Love it. I highly recommend for ages 7 to 15, as well as adults and give it 5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 4 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 7-15 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

GREAT VALENTINE'S DAY RIVALRY, THE - LORA BATCHELOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 9-14
Description - This is a short silent romantic comedy produced by students at Lora Batchelor Middle School about twin brothers in a rivalry to win the heart of a girl on Valentines Day.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - One thing I love about student productions, particularly from middle school students, is their authenticity. The Lora Batchelor Middle School have been part of the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival for many years and we always look forward to seeing their latest work. This silent film is right up there! It's sweet story is well told, well shot with lots of varying camera angels. The background music is perfect and the acting is well executed. This would make a wonderful addition to any kid and family friendly festival, as part of a shorts program or prelude to a feature. Recommended for ages 9 to 14, I give this 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult reviews
Runtime: 3 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 9-14 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

MAKE A DIFFERENCE - LORA BATCHELOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-18
Description - This is a short animation produced by students at Lora Batchelor Middle School in Bloomington, Indiana about the importance of being inclusive, not bullying, and accepting differences.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Very nice. Simple message, tellingly told. Whether crayons or people, we can blend to make a loving society. I love that these middle school students came up with this stop-action animation to illustrate this message. Kudos to them and their leaders for having the insight to do so. This short film easy fits into any film festival, as a charming interstitial that will appeal to ages 5 to 18, as well as adults. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 2 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

ZUL - MAGALI HERAM
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-18
Description - What�s your earliest memory? This is the question that makes ZUL, an extraordinary little girl, to take up a trip towards a magical world where MIZAR, a cosmic being, will be the guide who helps her to find answers.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Zul is an amazing and creative film. Its story line is very original and the message is good for young people.

This story follows a girl named Zul whose lungs, at a very young age, started to rob the oxygen in her body, leading her to go through surgery. When the anesthesia hits her, she awakes in a beautiful land where she meets Mizar, a new friend that guides her through her journey. Zul asks herself, "Why am I here?" Throughout her journey, she struggles to come back to life, as her state of health is not in the best shape. Will Zul be able to return to her life with her parents and answer the question she has been asking her whole life?

I like the originality of the director, Magali for thinking of the concept of this film. I've never seen a movie with this concept, which made it appealing from beginning to end. It really impressed me how they were able to make this film so realistic, such as the way they put Zul to sleep when the image blurs as she prepares for surgery. Throughout the film, the locations and time periods change. The way they made the two actresses that play Zul look alike make the film look very professional and the great costume that Mizar wears throughout are awesome.

The locations are amazing and well thought out. The beautiful land she visits is just how I imagine that would be in the land of my dreams. The background music is very appropriate, almost mystical at times. The special effects are well executed. They make the film look realistic in every single scene. The characters Zul and Mizar really captured my attention. Zul fights for life and for what she believes in and Mizar stays with her in that special world, helping her move along through the hard times.

This film's message it to fight for your dreams to the very end. We never know how long or how short we will live. I learned from this film to fight for my dreams and to be the best version of me that I can be. My favorite part of the film is when Zul arrives at the place where she wakes and meets Mizar.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It has such a great message that many should see and get inspired by it. This might be of most interest for Latinos since the film's original language is Spanish, but anyone can enjoy it since it is subtitled in English. Reviewed by Hennesi V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
Runtime: 15 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

MAX TOPAS - THE BOOK OF THE CRYSTAL CHILDREN - MICHAEL W. DRIESCH
Series: FOREIGN FEATURE, AGES 8-15
Description - Nine-year-old Max Topas wakes up much too late one morning and finds that his parents and sister have vanished without a trace. Monsieur Quidam, a peculiar stranger, appears just at that moment, claiming to have cast a spell on the family, that they were about to embark on a trip around the world from which they would never return and that they would have no memory of Max at all. There was only one way to stop all this: within just two hours, Max must find the 'Book of the Crystal Children' for Monsieur Quidam. The only clue provided by the mysterious Quidam is the business card of Madame Edda, a lady who would help Max make sense of all this and be able to point him towards finding the book. From Madame Edda, Max learns that he is a so-called 'Crystal Child' with the ability to enter a special 'Dreamland'. And so begins a spectacular search for the book that will take Max, during the course of a couple of hours, into the dream world and around the world.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a wonderfully charming tale, exquisitely told. Kudos to director Michael W. Driesch and his team of talented actors to bring such a great story to the screen. It is well filmed with great visuals throughout, excellent audio & background music and wonderful cast. The dialogue is in German with English sub-titles but easily read. I highly recommend this for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals for ages 8 to 15 and give it 5 out of 6 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 82 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 8-15 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

BESTEST JOB, THE - GIULIETTE LUGARA
Series: FOREIGN INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - A 2D animated film that follows Frank, a single father who is reminded by his young daughter that the most important and rewarding job he has is being a dad
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Oh gosh, this is so adorable. This is exactly the type of film that we love for our KIDS FIRST! festivals! Cute, sweet, great message. Nicely executed. Not too corny. Love the little girl and how she gets her very busy dad to relate to her. Sometimes parenting can be overwhelming and tiring. It's good to be reminded how special it is. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 5 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

BEARABBIT BEIBEI - ROSE LUO
Series: EPISODICS
Description - Five-year-old girl Beibei's daily life adventures together with her 4 year-old brother Taotao. They live with their parents in Jasmine village. Aim for 39 episodes by 7 minutes long for each, finished 12 episodes so far with both Mandarin and English dubbing.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Very cute, well animated and the English voices make it easy for preschoolers to watch and understand. One issue I have is with the sub-titles, which I turned on to watch. They are not always correct plus they occasionally have time code on them. I recommend the producers clean those up prior to festival play since some programmers may want to have them on. Having said that, the content is adorable and age appropriate and I recommend it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals. I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 7 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 3-5 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

SPEAKING OF FAIRIES - LAURA GRAVES
Series: SHORTS, AGES 5-18
Description - A young girl's love is challenged when her brother is stolen by fairies.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Lovely tale, well executed. This makes a perfect addition to our KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals. Well shot and edited, great cast, fun story. Who doesn't love a story about fairies and magic? I recommend this for ages 5 to 14 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 14 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

GOOD GAME: THE BEGINNING - UMUT ARAL
Series: FEATURE 5-18
Description - A young pro-gamer from a poor family gets discovered in an underground gaming house and strives to be a national e-sports champion with an underdog team.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The title reflects the gaming competition. A child would enjoy the gaming aspects of the film. Vocabulary and concepts are suitable for the target audience. This is a professional made film, so everything is up to par: clarity, quality, sounds, visuals, lighting, locale, sound track, attire. Keep in mind that there is some fairly aggressive behavior shown, but not unrealistic and there are no graphic instances violence. I believe the target audience will enjoy this film, as it will keep them entertained throughout the film without any lags. They will enjoy the gaming aspect of this film a lot. I do find that the storyline this follows is a bit of typical of a "themed formula." However, so are many major motion pictures from major producers. I am happy to recommend it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival for ages 12 to 18, as well as adults and give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed by Kimberly M., KIDS FIRST! Juror and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult reviews
Runtime: 120 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

FUN? - SHANNON VAN METRE
Series: SHORT FILM, AGES 5-12
Description - A well-meaning dad overtakes his son's hobbies... until the hobby strikes back.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Terrific film. A story well told about a father and son relationship where the dad learns to back off and let the kid be a kid. Nicely shot, great audio, lovely casting. The flashbacks to the actual airplane shots bring a wealth of thoughts to the viewer's mind. Is he channeling his grandfather? Learning from the past? You're free to surmise what you wish. I highly recommend this for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Age recommendation: 5 to 12. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult reviews
Runtime: 15 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

SNOW QUEEN: MIRRORLANDS, THE - LIDIA STRELNIKOVA
Series: ANIMATED FILM, AGES 5-18
Description - A powerful king nearly lost his family due to the Snow Queen's evil deeds. He finds a way to withdraw all the magic from the world - they who master the magic powers get trapped into the Mirrorlands. The only one who can stop him and keep the fairytale in our world is Gerda - as her own superpower is not sourcery but her faith in kindness and friendship. In Gerda's new adventures, the Snow Queen herself will help her along with trolls and pirates.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth review
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really like the film The Snow Queen: Mirrorlands because it's action-packed and full of magic. The animation is quite splendid. The music truly expresses the magical action. This film has a lot of wonderful characters including Gerda, her family, the Snow Queen, the Troll King, King Harald, Rollan and more. In the beginning, we see Gerda longing for magical powers while her family are all magicians. The story takes place in multiple fantasy locations - the Mirrorlands, the town, and the Troll Kingdom. King Harald invites all of the kingdom's magicians to his castle to pay them for their skills and plots to trick them and capture all of them into the Mirrorlands. Will Gerda and her friends help the magicians, including her family, get out? One of the directors of this movie is Robert Lence who has worked on Toy Story, A Bugs Life, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek and The Lion King. It is no surprise then that the animation is amazing! My favorite part is the ending, which, if you like surprises and happy endings, you will love. There are many positive messages throughout the film. My favorite one is that you don't need powers to save people, even if you want them and your entire family has them. Another message is that sometimes you have to work with others that you may not like to save someone or something. This film is kid friendly. It promotes teamwork and doing what's right. However, it does have guns and some attempted violence, so people don't always treat others nicely, including some of the kids. There isn't any bad language. I give this 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 10, as well as adult. If you like fantasy, you would really enjoy it. Reviewed by Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 90 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

SYLPHVANIA GROVE - REBEKAH FIESCHI
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - A troubled girl follows a magical being into the woods where her fears take on fantastic forms.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Interesting and a bit frightening. How much of what we see the girl experience is from her imagination and how much is real? This is well shot, with good visual effects and editing. For audiences that appreciate fantasy, this is a film they will appreciate. For younger kids, some scenes would definitely be scary. I recommend it for ages 8 through 12 and give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 19 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

LIKE PLAYING - SONTRAC
Series: ENVIRONMENTAL SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - Peru, 2018. Bruno (11) and Claudio (6) return home after a long day at school. It's lunchtime and Bruno finds nothing to eat, baffled and prey to the insistence of his brother, tries to convince him to go play and find a treasure. Upon leaving, they meet Carlitos (8), a neighbor who decides to accompany them on the adventure. The three children, give free rein to their imagination while collecting, metals, plastics and cartons that sell at the end of the day to take a bowl of soup.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Three boys, Bruno, Claudio, and Carlitos, are playing soccer and get hungry. Bruno suggests they go on a treasure hunt so that they can trade the objects they find for money to get food. This movie kind of drags and I did not enjoy watching it. There is not a noticeable conflict to keep the viewer engaged. Also, the story gets a little confusing. But, it is different. The acting is a bit bland also. The most appealing things are the scenery, props and camera work. They used a lot of different camera angles and show a lot of different perspectives, which enhance it visually. The costumes are okay. They illustrate where it takes place, what the climate is, the socio economic status of the kids and what kind of kids they are. The set is very realistic. It appears to have been filmed outdoors, without a green screen. That made it believable, which I like. The kids sing a song that reminded me of "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall," but in Spanish and referenced elephants and spider webs. The main characters are Bruno played by Dey Zuniga Campos, Claudio played by Fabrizio Fernandez Davila Tafur, and Carlitos played by Mathias Chavez Fernandez Davila. Bruno stands out the most because he is the leader of the pack. He keeps the treasure hunt going. The message of the film is to persevere and be persistent if you want something. It does show kids doing risky things that kids might imitate. That's not so good. Aside from the ending, my favorite scene is the chicken soup scene, when they finally get food.. I do not recommend it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival because I don't think the storyline is developed enough at this time. It is not ready for exposition. Reviewed by Lukas L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 20 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 6-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

A-N-N-A - STEPHANIE MARTINO
Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 12 - 18
Description - In this romantic comedy an awkward teenage boy takes great and often embarrassing measures to catch the attention of a girl in a library, but must avoid being thrown out by the strict librarian.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Absolutely charming. This is exactly the type of film we look for. It is adorable and awkward. I believe lots of teens can relate to how it feels to flirt for the first time and I'm sure many adults will recall as well. It is an adorably awkward romance story that is easy to relate to.

In this film, we meet a teenager named Brandon who has a crush on a girl in the library. He is very nervous about trying to talk to her. He tries several times to carry on light conversation with her, but she seemingly ignores him. He tries to impress her by reading books next to her, at one point even reads a book called "How To Talk To Girls. "This is all very cute and you start to feel badly that his efforts are not met with so much as a simple acknowledgement. He tries a grand gesture that gets him kicked out of the library and he ends up sneaking back in. We finally find out why the girl is ignoring him. It is well produced with excellent video, sets and costumes. My single issue with it is that the audio is a bit uneven. I would like to see a version with improved audio.

That said, I definitely recommend this for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival and give it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Reviewed by Rachael V., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 9 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

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