Description - This student creation entitled "Elizabethan Theatre" narrates the basic historical and social elements of the Elizabethan era, regarding the development of the theater of the same name in England. The time period it focuses on starts from 1562 until 1642, when the English Parliament banned all plays and sealed all theatrical stages for the following 18 years. This Documentary Short Film was created with the Stop Motion Animation technique by the students of E1 of the 6th Intercultural Primary School of Eleftherio - Kordelio in Thessaloniki.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The student film, Elizabethan Theatre offers a unique blend of creativity and authenticity. I really enjoyed the stop-motion animation technique -- the animated images in the film are very vivid and realistic as they explain the historical and social elements of the Elizabethan era. I also like how the film is presented; it is very organized.The documentary tells about the basic historical and social elements of the Elizabethan era and about the development of the English theater from the theatrical entertainment initiated by Queen Elizabeth to the emergence of the first permanent theatre roof in London. It covers the time period of 1562 to 1642, when Parliament banned all plays and sealed all theaters for the next 18 years due to the traditional conservative ideas of London officials, who believed that theater actors were vagabonds, and the theater attracted only criminals. One of the reasons was the spread of the bubonic plague, which led to the rule that large gatherings were forbidden.
My favorite part is the section that introduces the theater, detailing its construction and interior. The theater was circular and wooden as well as open, and the interior had no lights, so all the performances were scheduled during the day when there was natural lighting available. The stop motion animation gives a vivid explanation of each structure during the show, for example: "pit and gallery" each served different purposes. The interesting angle this film is that it is made using stop-motion animation, which is a very time-consuming way of filming which requires filming it frame by frame. The sets and locations are suitable for the story and the time it takes place in. They are pretty complicated, including the interior of the theater, the background which shows the structure of each part of the theater, such as the gallery and the entire gallery of the Grand Theatre - it explains that the Gallery is set on the second floor of the theatre, suitable for those who were wealthy and could often spend as little as two pence to see a play in the gallery on the second floor. The narration is provided by multiple speakers, all children, and their presentation is pretty consistent. The film is directed by Chrysoula Nikolopoulou. Twenty students who were in grade 5 (age 10) worked on the film.
One of my favorite parts of the film is the introduction to the inner workings of the theater. It shows how the theater was made up of several different parts; the "pit" was a large standing pit where people stood to watch the plays. The "gallery" was where the rich could see the plays on the second floor. On the top floor of the theater, there was a small attic where different colored flags were placed to represent the audience's desire to see a play. These plot setups helped me get a good idea of the inner workings of the theater.
The film's message is to inform the audience about the Elizabethan era and the development of English plays; to examine the structure of the theater's interior and the impact it had on the audiences. The film ends with the closure of the Elizabethan Theater for eighteen years due to the blight of the bubonic plague, which marked the end of the Elizabethan era.
I give Elizabethan Theater 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Changyang L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The student film, Elizabethan Theatre offers a unique blend of creativity and authenticity. I really enjoyed the stop-motion animation technique -- the animated images in the film are very vivid and realistic as they explain the historical and social elements of the Elizabethan era. I also like how the film is presented; it is very organized.
The documentary tells about the basic historical and social elements of the Elizabethan era and about the development of the English theater from the theatrical entertainment initiated by Queen Elizabeth to the emergence of the first permanent theatre roof in London. It covers the time period of 1562 to 1642, when Parliament banned all plays and sealed all theaters for the next 18 years due to the traditional conservative ideas of London officials, who believed that theater actors were vagabonds, and the theater attracted only criminals. One of the reasons was the spread of the bubonic plague, which led to the rule that large gatherings were forbidden.
My favorite part is the section that introduces the theater, detailing its construction and interior. The theater was circular and wooden as well as open, and the interior had no lights, so all the performances were scheduled during the day when there was natural lighting available. The stop motion animation gives a vivid explanation of each structure during the show, for example: "pit and gallery" each served different purposes. The interesting angle this film is that it is made using stop-motion animation, which is a very time-consuming way of filming which requires filming it frame by frame. The sets and locations are suitable for the story and the time it takes place in. They are pretty complicated, including the interior of the theater, the background which shows the structure of each part of the theater, such as the gallery and the entire gallery of the Grand Theatre - it explains that the Gallery is set on the second floor of the theatre, suitable for those who were wealthy and could often spend as little as two pence to see a play in the gallery on the second floor. The narration is provided by multiple speakers, all children, and their presentation is pretty consistent. The film is directed by Chrysoula Nikolopoulou. Twenty students who were in grade 5 (age 10) worked on the film.
One of my favorite parts of the film is the introduction to the inner workings of the theater. It shows how the theater was made up of several different parts; the "pit" was a large standing pit where people stood to watch the plays. The "gallery" was where the rich could see the plays on the second floor. On the top floor of the theater, there was a small attic where different colored flags were placed to represent the audience's desire to see a play. These plot setups helped me get a good idea of the inner workings of the theater.
The film's message is to inform the audience about the Elizabethan era and the development of English plays; to examine the structure of the theater's interior and the impact it had on the audiences. The film ends with the closure of the Elizabethan Theater for eighteen years due to the blight of the bubonic plague, which marked the end of the Elizabethan era.
I give Elizabethan Theater 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Changyang L., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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BOX: THE EMPATHY PROJECT - TODD VERCOE
Series: FOREIGN STUDENT SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - Begun as a collective creation intended for the stage, shut down by pandemic to become a film. A story of quirky kids and lively people trying to make sense of the world. Going into the project with nothing more than a single theme - "Empathy" - meant there was an opportunity to empower the cast and build our film the way we wanted to, together. Through a series of vignettes beginning with characters trapped in their virtual boxes, our cast explores individual meaning searching for understanding amongst themselves, and the audience.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I like the general idea of the short film, Box: The Empathy Project. It is very thoughtful and could open up many people's eyes and minds.This is a short film that was made during the time of Covid to broadcast different events for which people can or should have empathy. Friends come together to make scenarios and examples. The cast is a group of kids at the actOUT! KW Children's Drama Workshop.
The idea of making a film about the existence of empathy is very heartwarming. What I like about most about this film is how ironic it is. Shot during the pandemic, the young actors often appear in virtual boxes and discuss how to empathetic. Unfortunately, I find the film really confusing, especially at the beginning -- everything is all over the place and you have no idea what is actually going on. There is no description. We just see their heads or upper body parts as they float onto the screen talking.
Since everything was filmed on computers the images of the actors are all images that were shot again a green screen so there is no background; it's just black. The images are pretty pixelated; they are never crisp, but in some ways that adds to the comedic side to the film. In the second scene, the background is that of the interior a spaceship and they almost go into battle. This is probably my favorite background and it's well thought out. I also like the circus background. The costumes throughout are casual clothing typical of what kids this age would be wearing. When they are at the circus the person in charge had on a blazer replicating an outfit worn at this type of event. There is not a lot of background music; the piano music at the opening and the ending is impactful and the sound effects, which are few and far between, are well selected. Each of the actors adds their own spin which, considering the circumstances, seems to work out pretty well. What I like about this film is the idea behind it and the fact that these kids created it during the pandemic, which was a great use of their time and creative skills. My favorite part is the ending when all of the actors come together and explain the film.
The film's message is supposedly about how to show empathy towards others, and why it is important to do that. What I really took away is that this was an interesting way to spend the pandemic and these kids not only explored their own creativity, but formed relationships with each other, something that definitely was missing during the shutdown. Note that there is some profanity at the beginning.
I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By SaniyaRain F., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like the general idea of the short film, Box: The Empathy Project. It is very thoughtful and could open up many people's eyes and minds.
This is a short film that was made during the time of Covid to broadcast different events for which people can or should have empathy. Friends come together to make scenarios and examples. The cast is a group of kids at the actOUT! KW Children's Drama Workshop.
The idea of making a film about the existence of empathy is very heartwarming. What I like about most about this film is how ironic it is. Shot during the pandemic, the young actors often appear in virtual boxes and discuss how to empathetic. Unfortunately, I find the film really confusing, especially at the beginning -- everything is all over the place and you have no idea what is actually going on. There is no description. We just see their heads or upper body parts as they float onto the screen talking.
Since everything was filmed on computers the images of the actors are all images that were shot again a green screen so there is no background; it's just black. The images are pretty pixelated; they are never crisp, but in some ways that adds to the comedic side to the film. In the second scene, the background is that of the interior a spaceship and they almost go into battle. This is probably my favorite background and it's well thought out. I also like the circus background. The costumes throughout are casual clothing typical of what kids this age would be wearing. When they are at the circus the person in charge had on a blazer replicating an outfit worn at this type of event. There is not a lot of background music; the piano music at the opening and the ending is impactful and the sound effects, which are few and far between, are well selected. Each of the actors adds their own spin which, considering the circumstances, seems to work out pretty well. What I like about this film is the idea behind it and the fact that these kids created it during the pandemic, which was a great use of their time and creative skills. My favorite part is the ending when all of the actors come together and explain the film.
The film's message is supposedly about how to show empathy towards others, and why it is important to do that. What I really took away is that this was an interesting way to spend the pandemic and these kids not only explored their own creativity, but formed relationships with each other, something that definitely was missing during the shutdown. Note that there is some profanity at the beginning.
I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By SaniyaRain F., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 28 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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ERASERVERSE, THE - CONRAD PAUR
Series: ELEMENTARY STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - Caleb, a 4th grade student accepts the ultimate student dare, to spend the night in the school. This choice leads to one amazing Sci-Fi adventure. This film was directed, lit and shot by 8 to 11-year-olds.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Fun student production, from concept to execution. Well done.The storyline follows a young student who accepts a dare to spent the night in the school, thinking it's no big deal. However, while there, things turn weird and leads to one amazing adventure.
Well done. Good camera work; good audio; good acting, especially from Madden and Oliver. Fun story line. My favorite part is the ending when Oliver's told that they've been gone for a month and he responds, well, that's nothing since Dallas has been gone for a hundred years.
The film's message is to never underestimate what happens at your school after hours.
I give The EraserVerse 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Fun student production, from concept to execution. Well done.
The storyline follows a young student who accepts a dare to spent the night in the school, thinking it's no big deal. However, while there, things turn weird and leads to one amazing adventure.
Well done. Good camera work; good audio; good acting, especially from Madden and Oliver. Fun story line. My favorite part is the ending when Oliver's told that they've been gone for a month and he responds, well, that's nothing since Dallas has been gone for a hundred years.
The film's message is to never underestimate what happens at your school after hours.
I give The EraserVerse 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 9 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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CATAPULTS TO CAMERAS - ROUNDGLASS SUSTAIN
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - Calcutta-born wildlife filmmaker Ashwika Kapur, sets out on a deeply personal quest to uncover the roots of an illegal wildlife hunting festival in the forests of her home in Bengal. Here, each year, thousands of protected animals are massacred in an illegal blood sport. As Ash sets out to find answers, she uncovers a heart-breaking truth: children as young as three are handed catapults as weapons in this assault against wildlife. In a defiant act of hope, Ash teams up with conservationist Suvra Chatterjee, to inspire change where it matters most - in the hearts of children within these hunting communities.Catapults to Cameras has begun to have a tangible impact on the ground. In an inspiring journey beyond the screen, this film has turned into an actual conservation project, impacting change for both the youth and the wildlife of Bengal.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is quite a remarkable documentary about an innovative program that educates young people about the need to conserve wildlife in their country.
Wildlife filmmaker Ashwika Kapur, sets out on a deeply personal quest to uncover the roots of an illegal wildlife hunting festival in the forests of her home in Bengal where thousands of protected animals are massacred every year. She discovers that children as young as three are engaged in this assault against wildlife. Ash teams up with conservationist Suvra Chatterjee, to inspire change in the hearts of children within these hunting communities. Catapults to Cameras has turned into an actual Conservation Project, impacting change for both the youth and the wildlife of Bengal and is now officially an ongoing program.
Bravo for taking on such an important issue. This documentary is beautifully shot and beautifully narrated. We really are able to grasp the severity of the situation and join Ash in celebrating her small victories, changing the mindset of one child at a time.
The film's message is about the importance of conservation. Be aware that there are images of killing animals and dead animals. It is not glorified, but it is disturbing.
I give Catapults to Cameras 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is quite a remarkable documentary about an innovative program that educates young people about the need to conserve wildlife in their country.
Wildlife filmmaker Ashwika Kapur, sets out on a deeply personal quest to uncover the roots of an illegal wildlife hunting festival in the forests of her home in Bengal where thousands of protected animals are massacred every year. She discovers that children as young as three are engaged in this assault against wildlife. Ash teams up with conservationist Suvra Chatterjee, to inspire change in the hearts of children within these hunting communities. Catapults to Cameras has turned into an actual Conservation Project, impacting change for both the youth and the wildlife of Bengal and is now officially an ongoing program.
Bravo for taking on such an important issue. This documentary is beautifully shot and beautifully narrated. We really are able to grasp the severity of the situation and join Ash in celebrating her small victories, changing the mindset of one child at a time.
The film's message is about the importance of conservation. Be aware that there are images of killing animals and dead animals. It is not glorified, but it is disturbing.
I give Catapults to Cameras 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 39 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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FORGOTTEN GENERATION, THE - DRAHOMIR STREIT
Series: ELEMENTARY STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - The documentary film "The Forgotten Generation" was created last school year and captures through the eyes of nine-year-old children three school years that were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The main creators of the successful documentary were a group of nineteen children under the guidance of lecturer Drahom�r Streita.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The documentary, The Forgotten Generation, is very emotional and full of memories.This student produced film tells the story of the three school years that nine-year-olds suffered from the effects of the Covid-19, when the children spent most of their time at home in online classes, without friends or teachers to talk to, and how their studies were affected. It is clear that the pandemic deprived the children of their time. It is from Czech Republic with dialogue in Czech, and English subtitles.
This movie is about what Covid has done to their lives from a child's point of view. The story is told from the perspective of nine-year-olds, who were just getting acquainted with school life and preparing to start a whole new school life when Covid-19 swept across the globe, causing all children to have to attend online classes, losing contact with their peers as well as their teachers, and how Covid was followed by another large outbreak in a short period of time which left kids having to revert back to online classes again. The plot development is good - it brings back memories of that time during the pandemic, so I could empathize with these kids. For example, one of them talks about how all of their classmates were quarantined so he had no friends to be in contact with, which was very lonely. This movie doesn't have very attractive camera work; it's very plain, without any fancy shooting techniques, but it reflects what the children really think. When the story is about the children's school life, it is accompanied by a piano in the background which is very happy, matching the carefree life of the children in the school. However, when the children are affected by Covid-19 and are unable to enter the school, the background music features a low fiddle that matches the depressing atmosphere. My favorite scene is one where the children return to school after Covid lifts. It reminds me of when I was in school and under the control of the pandemic, and I often felt very lonely without the company of my peers. That's why it's so heartwarming to see the children's happy faces when they return to school.
The film's message is about how these young children lost their school life due to Covid-19, and how the long hours of isolation made the children feel lonely because not only do they have to worry about getting Covid, but they also had to wear thick masks and couldn't gather with their friends.
I give The Forgotten Generation 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. This movie may resonate with kids who lost their own school life because of Covid. By ChangYang L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The documentary, The Forgotten Generation, is very emotional and full of memories.
This student produced film tells the story of the three school years that nine-year-olds suffered from the effects of the Covid-19, when the children spent most of their time at home in online classes, without friends or teachers to talk to, and how their studies were affected. It is clear that the pandemic deprived the children of their time. It is from Czech Republic with dialogue in Czech, and English subtitles.
This movie is about what Covid has done to their lives from a child's point of view. The story is told from the perspective of nine-year-olds, who were just getting acquainted with school life and preparing to start a whole new school life when Covid-19 swept across the globe, causing all children to have to attend online classes, losing contact with their peers as well as their teachers, and how Covid was followed by another large outbreak in a short period of time which left kids having to revert back to online classes again. The plot development is good - it brings back memories of that time during the pandemic, so I could empathize with these kids. For example, one of them talks about how all of their classmates were quarantined so he had no friends to be in contact with, which was very lonely. This movie doesn't have very attractive camera work; it's very plain, without any fancy shooting techniques, but it reflects what the children really think. When the story is about the children's school life, it is accompanied by a piano in the background which is very happy, matching the carefree life of the children in the school. However, when the children are affected by Covid-19 and are unable to enter the school, the background music features a low fiddle that matches the depressing atmosphere. My favorite scene is one where the children return to school after Covid lifts. It reminds me of when I was in school and under the control of the pandemic, and I often felt very lonely without the company of my peers. That's why it's so heartwarming to see the children's happy faces when they return to school.
The film's message is about how these young children lost their school life due to Covid-19, and how the long hours of isolation made the children feel lonely because not only do they have to worry about getting Covid, but they also had to wear thick masks and couldn't gather with their friends.
I give The Forgotten Generation 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. This movie may resonate with kids who lost their own school life because of Covid. By ChangYang L., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 12 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
