Description - Eleven-year-old Mitya is struggling with an illness. Once in the hospital, he strikes up a friendship with the rebellious Marina, who is older than him, smokes and makes up stories that are both true and fictional. The children run away and go in search of Crooked Cape, the place where wishes come true. It is up to Mitya to find out what he really wants. It's up to Marina to find someone who really needs her, and it's up to her father to learn about his fears and learn how to communicate with his son.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - There and Back transcends borders and cultures. As a childhood cancer survivor myself, this story resonates with me on a much deeper level than most films do. Besides the story, I have to expound on its beautiful cinematography and art direction. The litany of colors in the scenes with the kids, contrasted with the cold, sterile tones of the hospital with the father, tell so much about each character.The story follows a young boy whose illness relapses, and he meets a girl in the hospital who shows him how to keep living despite his sickness.
This film tackles the tough, but not uncommon subjects of mortality, living with a sick family member, and learning to prepare for the end of things, and those are important lessons for youth and families. As a childhood cancer survivor I know firsthand what it's like to be so young and yet so isolated in the sterile, cold halls of a hospital. This film excels at showcasing the different attitudes surrounding that. The kids are too young to fully grasp what's going on but they are becoming more aware (and in the case of the girl, she knows exactly what's going on); the Father is struggling not only emotionally, but socially, as he tries to get answers about his son. This story is a very well-woven tapestry of emotions.
The cinematography is outstanding. The camera is used less as a tool and more as another pair of eyes through which we are looking. That coupled with the excellent art direction and color palettes make the technical merits of this film stand out. During the hospital scenes in the film the doctors all wear white coats, yet look somewhat disheveled, signifying that they are all worked to the bone. The patients are all either wearing gowns or their own clothes, depending on how severe their illness is. On the whole the costuming of this film do perfect service to tell the story. There are a lot of different locations and I would be really interested to know which ones were Sets and which ones are actual locations. It is hard to believe that they shot in a working hospital. However, if the hospital was a sound stage, it looks extremely authentic. This film was shot in Russia and I imagine that Russian hospitals look different from the U.S., but it looks believable and authentic. The background music is fitting. At times it's slow and somber, especially in the low moments where drama and nearing-tragedy are on the move; at other times, the music has elation and light hearted fun, as the kids remember what it's like to live.
The film's main protagonist, Mitya (Aleksey Rodionov), starts the film as a quiet and calm boy, and as the film progresses, he becomes more aware of the inevitability of life, and learns to grasp each moment. Marina (Taisiya Kalinina) is a girl that Mitya meets in the hospital, and who convinces him to escape with her to go on an adventure. She's cocky, brash and bold, the perfect antithesis to Mitya, and she draws out that zest for life in Mitya - though, by the end of the film, she matures and doesn't necessarily lose her spark, but she becomes much more reserved as her own illness progresses and she loses someone close to her. The bus scene is probably my favorite, because it showcases the kids on their own, going for their goal, and little to stop them. As I said, the cinematography and color work of this film are both fantastic elements and I would love to see it on a big screen.
This film's primary message is to not let your current circumstances or hardships get in the way of your will to live, even right up to the end. Life is about to enjoying things and not dwelling on what has, what will, or what might happen.
I give There and Back 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Andrew B., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - There and Back transcends borders and cultures. As a childhood cancer survivor myself, this story resonates with me on a much deeper level than most films do. Besides the story, I have to expound on its beautiful cinematography and art direction. The litany of colors in the scenes with the kids, contrasted with the cold, sterile tones of the hospital with the father, tell so much about each character.
The story follows a young boy whose illness relapses, and he meets a girl in the hospital who shows him how to keep living despite his sickness.
This film tackles the tough, but not uncommon subjects of mortality, living with a sick family member, and learning to prepare for the end of things, and those are important lessons for youth and families. As a childhood cancer survivor I know firsthand what it's like to be so young and yet so isolated in the sterile, cold halls of a hospital. This film excels at showcasing the different attitudes surrounding that. The kids are too young to fully grasp what's going on but they are becoming more aware (and in the case of the girl, she knows exactly what's going on); the Father is struggling not only emotionally, but socially, as he tries to get answers about his son. This story is a very well-woven tapestry of emotions.
The cinematography is outstanding. The camera is used less as a tool and more as another pair of eyes through which we are looking. That coupled with the excellent art direction and color palettes make the technical merits of this film stand out. During the hospital scenes in the film the doctors all wear white coats, yet look somewhat disheveled, signifying that they are all worked to the bone. The patients are all either wearing gowns or their own clothes, depending on how severe their illness is. On the whole the costuming of this film do perfect service to tell the story. There are a lot of different locations and I would be really interested to know which ones were Sets and which ones are actual locations. It is hard to believe that they shot in a working hospital. However, if the hospital was a sound stage, it looks extremely authentic. This film was shot in Russia and I imagine that Russian hospitals look different from the U.S., but it looks believable and authentic. The background music is fitting. At times it's slow and somber, especially in the low moments where drama and nearing-tragedy are on the move; at other times, the music has elation and light hearted fun, as the kids remember what it's like to live.
The film's main protagonist, Mitya (Aleksey Rodionov), starts the film as a quiet and calm boy, and as the film progresses, he becomes more aware of the inevitability of life, and learns to grasp each moment. Marina (Taisiya Kalinina) is a girl that Mitya meets in the hospital, and who convinces him to escape with her to go on an adventure. She's cocky, brash and bold, the perfect antithesis to Mitya, and she draws out that zest for life in Mitya - though, by the end of the film, she matures and doesn't necessarily lose her spark, but she becomes much more reserved as her own illness progresses and she loses someone close to her. The bus scene is probably my favorite, because it showcases the kids on their own, going for their goal, and little to stop them. As I said, the cinematography and color work of this film are both fantastic elements and I would love to see it on a big screen.
This film's primary message is to not let your current circumstances or hardships get in the way of your will to live, even right up to the end. Life is about to enjoying things and not dwelling on what has, what will, or what might happen.
I give There and Back 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Andrew B., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 100 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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INNOCENT, THE - INDIA MITCHELL
Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - With crime and courtroom scenes, "The Innocent" tells the story of a young person who was misidentified by two witnesses and wrongfully convicted of a bank robbery. In the American criminal justice system, wrongful conviction because of misidentification is unfortunately not new, but in this film, middle school students bring a fresh perspective and highlight the importance of the topic for all.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Innocent is a terrific short film that tackles a difficult issue - of subject misidentification in the legal system.The story line follows a young person who is misidentified by two witnesses and wrongly convicted of a bank robber, yet we see who the actual robber is.
Excellent product by middle school students. Good camera work; good audio work; good editing; good casting. This short film really serves as a PSA for this important issue as we can easily see the problem that created the misinformation. Well done.
The film's message is about how easily misidentification comes about in today's judicial system.
I give The Innocent 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Innocent is a terrific short film that tackles a difficult issue - of subject misidentification in the legal system.
The story line follows a young person who is misidentified by two witnesses and wrongly convicted of a bank robber, yet we see who the actual robber is.
Excellent product by middle school students. Good camera work; good audio work; good editing; good casting. This short film really serves as a PSA for this important issue as we can easily see the problem that created the misinformation. Well done.
The film's message is about how easily misidentification comes about in today's judicial system.
I give The Innocent 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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TELL-TALE HEART, THE - MAX HENDRICKSON
Series: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FILM, AGES 12-18
Description - A stop motion re-telling of the classic Edgar Allen Poe short story, in which a man is driven to insanity by the presence of his older companion's pale blue eye.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love Tell Tale Heart! It is scary in all the right ways, from the narrator to the imagery!The storyline follows a mad man who lives with his roommate, a half blind man. As time goes by, one of the man's eyes makes him go crazy from sneaking into his room to killing him.
Based on the classic story by Edgar Allen Poe, this short animated film by a high school student rings true to the original. I like the narrator; he is easy to understand and he gets a bit creepier throughout the film. The animation is unique with carefully sculpted clay characters and stop motion animation. I like the odd looking clay people and quirky furniture. The sets have many little details. The main set is an early 1900s house in Ireland with patterned rugs and fancy wooden chairs; the walls have an very lived-in look that makes it seem real. The costumes fit the time with classic British police uniforms and overcoats. The background music works well, making the already scary scenes more terrifying. The protagonist goes from being bothered initially to the break of insanity by his neighbor's eye -- so much that he has to end his neighbor's life. After that, he is still affected by it and it drives him insane. My favorite part is when the red dot of blood appears on the floor and the protagonist immediately tries to cover it.
The film's message is to not let things go to your head. Be aware that it contains bloody, gory acts of violence, blood and killing.
I give Tell Tale Heart! 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This is a perfect film for Halloween! By Madeleine H., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love Tell Tale Heart! It is scary in all the right ways, from the narrator to the imagery!
The storyline follows a mad man who lives with his roommate, a half blind man. As time goes by, one of the man's eyes makes him go crazy from sneaking into his room to killing him.
Based on the classic story by Edgar Allen Poe, this short animated film by a high school student rings true to the original. I like the narrator; he is easy to understand and he gets a bit creepier throughout the film. The animation is unique with carefully sculpted clay characters and stop motion animation. I like the odd looking clay people and quirky furniture. The sets have many little details. The main set is an early 1900s house in Ireland with patterned rugs and fancy wooden chairs; the walls have an very lived-in look that makes it seem real. The costumes fit the time with classic British police uniforms and overcoats. The background music works well, making the already scary scenes more terrifying. The protagonist goes from being bothered initially to the break of insanity by his neighbor's eye -- so much that he has to end his neighbor's life. After that, he is still affected by it and it drives him insane. My favorite part is when the red dot of blood appears on the floor and the protagonist immediately tries to cover it.
The film's message is to not let things go to your head. Be aware that it contains bloody, gory acts of violence, blood and killing.
I give Tell Tale Heart! 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This is a perfect film for Halloween! By Madeleine H., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 8 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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SONGBIRD - DAVID COLLINS
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - Yana, a young Ukrainian girl, struggles to assimilate into her new Irish school until she meets with Chloe who helps her settle and find some hope in this new country. From Ireland.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoyed the short film Songbird about change and acceptance. It's difficult to move to a new country where the language is different and you don't have friends or family. Yana is fortunate to meet an outgoing girl who pushes for friendship and helps her to adjust to her new life in a foreign country.Yana, a young Ukrainian girl, struggles to assimilate into her new Irish school until she meets with Chloe, her new best friend.
This is an exceptionally upbeat film about self-discovery. I found it thought provoking about the difficulty of families displaced by war in Ukraine who are adjusting to a major life change. I really appreciate the message of hope and acceptance in this story, as well as the openness of Yana's new classmates who welcomes her. The cinematography is exceptional. I love all the interesting camera angles catching Yana's face and the lighting in the various scenes. I applaud Evan Barry for exceptional cinematography. The background music is stunning, thanks to composer Liam Bates. Yana (Evalina Soloviova) and Chloe (Lily Rose McCarthy) are both very emotional and expressive girls and I enjoyed watching their friendship develop. The confidence of Chloe is especially appealing as she helps Yana assimilate in her new home. My favorite scenes are when Yana comes home to find that Chloe has welcomed herself in her home pushing their friendship and then later when Yana teaches Chloe how to swim and arrives at an important self-realization.
Change and acceptance are an important part of life and finding that one person who understands and supports you makes a difference.
I give Songbird 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really enjoyed the short film Songbird about change and acceptance. It's difficult to move to a new country where the language is different and you don't have friends or family. Yana is fortunate to meet an outgoing girl who pushes for friendship and helps her to adjust to her new life in a foreign country.
Yana, a young Ukrainian girl, struggles to assimilate into her new Irish school until she meets with Chloe, her new best friend.
This is an exceptionally upbeat film about self-discovery. I found it thought provoking about the difficulty of families displaced by war in Ukraine who are adjusting to a major life change. I really appreciate the message of hope and acceptance in this story, as well as the openness of Yana's new classmates who welcomes her. The cinematography is exceptional. I love all the interesting camera angles catching Yana's face and the lighting in the various scenes. I applaud Evan Barry for exceptional cinematography. The background music is stunning, thanks to composer Liam Bates. Yana (Evalina Soloviova) and Chloe (Lily Rose McCarthy) are both very emotional and expressive girls and I enjoyed watching their friendship develop. The confidence of Chloe is especially appealing as she helps Yana assimilate in her new home. My favorite scenes are when Yana comes home to find that Chloe has welcomed herself in her home pushing their friendship and then later when Yana teaches Chloe how to swim and arrives at an important self-realization.
Change and acceptance are an important part of life and finding that one person who understands and supports you makes a difference.
I give Songbird 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 14 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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TRACE, A - JULIETTA ZAMORA LAM
Series: COLLEGE STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - A 3D Animated Short film in which a young girl learns to shed her guilt about her absent father. This student short film features an experimental flat character in a 3D environment with a toony rendered look.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A Trace is my new favorite film of the day. Beautifully animated and addressing a difficult topic of absentee fathers - or parents.The storyline follows a little girl whose father has left the family and her feelings about that. Ultimately, she is able to let go of him and realize that her family is herself and her mom.
Great animation. Beautiful rendered. I love how the little girl is created and the backgrounds are also quite wonderful. But, the focus here really is on the storyline, which is told amazingly well, without narration.
The film's message is about being able to let go and move on when someone walks out of your life.
I give A Trace 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A Trace is my new favorite film of the day. Beautifully animated and addressing a difficult topic of absentee fathers - or parents.
The storyline follows a little girl whose father has left the family and her feelings about that. Ultimately, she is able to let go of him and realize that her family is herself and her mom.
Great animation. Beautiful rendered. I love how the little girl is created and the backgrounds are also quite wonderful. But, the focus here really is on the storyline, which is told amazingly well, without narration.
The film's message is about being able to let go and move on when someone walks out of your life.
I give A Trace 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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AMELIA EARHART - LORA BATCHELOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-18
Description - This documentary tells the story of Amelia Earhart and why she is a hero. Middle school student film.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love this short documentary about Amelia Earhart, the woman who dared! It has a great mix of background information, historical photos and inspiration.This middle school student made documentary tells the story of Amelia Earhart, a woman who was ahead of her time.
This film tells an inspirational story and provides information in an easy format for audiences to digest. I really like how the content unfolds; it's very easy to follow and, for anyone unfamiliar with our heroine Amelia Earhart, very eye-opening. The selection of historical photos and timeline are excellent and, together with good editing, deliver a commendable short film about Ms. Earhart. The background music works well and the narrator's voice is quite good, although the audio is not always very clear and, at times the background music overshadows the narration. I especially love the photos and information about her early years. The titles really stand out here as they make treat transitions between sections and are very well done. The challenges she overcame from her early years show her spirit and how truly inspirational she really is.
The film's message is to dare to dream and follow those dreams.
I give Amelia Earhart 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love this short documentary about Amelia Earhart, the woman who dared! It has a great mix of background information, historical photos and inspiration.
This middle school student made documentary tells the story of Amelia Earhart, a woman who was ahead of her time.
This film tells an inspirational story and provides information in an easy format for audiences to digest. I really like how the content unfolds; it's very easy to follow and, for anyone unfamiliar with our heroine Amelia Earhart, very eye-opening. The selection of historical photos and timeline are excellent and, together with good editing, deliver a commendable short film about Ms. Earhart. The background music works well and the narrator's voice is quite good, although the audio is not always very clear and, at times the background music overshadows the narration. I especially love the photos and information about her early years. The titles really stand out here as they make treat transitions between sections and are very well done. The challenges she overcame from her early years show her spirit and how truly inspirational she really is.
The film's message is to dare to dream and follow those dreams.
I give Amelia Earhart 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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CRAYONERELLA - LORA BATCHELOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - This is an animation film made with crayons. It is inspired by Cinderella. Middle School student film. Animation
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Crayonerella is a fun twist on the classic tale of Cinderella, featuring crayons as characters.The middle student-made animated film is inspired by the Cinderella story and told with crayons.
The narrator, Elia Defore, is really good; I enjoyed listening to her tell the story. She is also the writer, director, producer and cinematographer. The camera work is pretty good - all the images are clear. I like the ending, when a human hand comes onto the screen to turn the page and close the book. The backgrounds are very basic - white! The audio is very good; it's nice and clear. I particularly enjoyed the voice inflection by the narrator. I love the ending where Elia Defore tells what inspired her to create this short film.
This film reminds me how creativity and imagination are blessings.
I give Crayonerella 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Selene W., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Crayonerella is a fun twist on the classic tale of Cinderella, featuring crayons as characters.
The middle student-made animated film is inspired by the Cinderella story and told with crayons.
The narrator, Elia Defore, is really good; I enjoyed listening to her tell the story. She is also the writer, director, producer and cinematographer. The camera work is pretty good - all the images are clear. I like the ending, when a human hand comes onto the screen to turn the page and close the book. The backgrounds are very basic - white! The audio is very good; it's nice and clear. I particularly enjoyed the voice inflection by the narrator. I love the ending where Elia Defore tells what inspired her to create this short film.
This film reminds me how creativity and imagination are blessings.
I give Crayonerella 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Selene W., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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NEGLECTED - LORA BATCHELOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - This is a film highlighting the problem of kids who are neglected or abused.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Congratulations on creating a film with such a hard-hitting message.This short film, by a middle-school student delivers a strong message about abused or neglected children.
The camera work and audio recording are quite good. The titling with its poignant messages really drive home the film's message and are very impactful and clear to read.
The film's message is to create an awareness of abused or neglected children and encourages the audience to look for the signs.
I give Neglected 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Congratulations on creating a film with such a hard-hitting message.
This short film, by a middle-school student delivers a strong message about abused or neglected children.
The camera work and audio recording are quite good. The titling with its poignant messages really drive home the film's message and are very impactful and clear to read.
The film's message is to create an awareness of abused or neglected children and encourages the audience to look for the signs.
I give Neglected 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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L.E.O. - LORA BATCHELOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT STHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - This film is about how the Indiana University Football team teaches concept of "Love Each Other" to it's players, coaches, and fans. By middle school students.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a remarkable documentary about the rationale behind the "love each other" concept adopted by the IU football team, which has now been incorporated by other teams in Bloomington, Indiana where this takes place.This video is about how the Indiana University Football team teaches concept of "Love Each Other" to its players, coaches, and fans.
I love the idea of this documentary but it has some issues with the production values due to poor lighting, poor audio recording and students speaking too fast or not enunciating well. However, the message overshadows the delivery and, for that reason, I'm recommending it. Keep in mind that this is made by middle school students and we hope they will improve their attention to production details in future work. Love is a concept often not taught or promoted in schools or on sports teams and that is the key concept that is explored and defined in this short film. I believe audiences will overlook the production flaws and relish the message these young people bring forth here. I say, Bravo to them for choosing this topic for their film.
The film's message is about loving each other, despite our differences.
I give L.E.O. 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is a remarkable documentary about the rationale behind the "love each other" concept adopted by the IU football team, which has now been incorporated by other teams in Bloomington, Indiana where this takes place.
This video is about how the Indiana University Football team teaches concept of "Love Each Other" to its players, coaches, and fans.
I love the idea of this documentary but it has some issues with the production values due to poor lighting, poor audio recording and students speaking too fast or not enunciating well. However, the message overshadows the delivery and, for that reason, I'm recommending it. Keep in mind that this is made by middle school students and we hope they will improve their attention to production details in future work. Love is a concept often not taught or promoted in schools or on sports teams and that is the key concept that is explored and defined in this short film. I believe audiences will overlook the production flaws and relish the message these young people bring forth here. I say, Bravo to them for choosing this topic for their film.
The film's message is about loving each other, despite our differences.
I give L.E.O. 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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MILE, A - RON CLEMONS
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-18
Description - In the face of insurmountable odds, a lone boot embarks on a perilous journey back to its rightful home. From treacherous terrains to unforgiving elements, the boot confronts unimaginable obstacles that test its resilience and determination. Through sheer determination and unexpected alliances, the boot defies the odds, teaching us that even the smallest of beings can triumph against adversity and find their way back to where they belong.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - In the face of insurmountable odds, a lone boot embarks on a perilous journey back to its rightful home. From treacherous terrains to unforgiving elements, the boot confronts unimaginable obstacles that test its resilience and determination. Through sheer determination and unexpected alliances, the boot defies the odds, teaching us that even the smallest of beings can triumph against adversity and find their way back to where they belong.What a charming animated short this is, very well executed. This fits right in to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival as it easily generates discussions about fitting in.
The film begins as we see a lone boot in a snowstorm that tries to go inside a building to get out of the storm but is prevented from doing so by other foot ware. He's rescued by some bags that may be filled with money, as we see money flies all around him. They protect him and escort him to a house where he's greeted by a single high heel and, ultimately, his life turns around in the best way. Using foot ware as the main characters is an interesting way to define characters with different personalities or ethnic backgrounds. The boot perseveres, regardless of its situation and, when united with the high heel, we see how its life is fulfilled. The animation of this film is very well done; I love the subtle details like the snowdrifts, the door closing, the flying dollar bills, the high heel with a bow at the back, the shoelaces connecting the shoe family at the tables as if they are arms and hands, and more. I enjoyed the background music, especially the outro under the credits. Very well done!
The film's message is spelled out at the end: you never know what someone is going through unless you walk a mile in their shoes.
I give A Mile 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 through 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - In the face of insurmountable odds, a lone boot embarks on a perilous journey back to its rightful home. From treacherous terrains to unforgiving elements, the boot confronts unimaginable obstacles that test its resilience and determination. Through sheer determination and unexpected alliances, the boot defies the odds, teaching us that even the smallest of beings can triumph against adversity and find their way back to where they belong.
What a charming animated short this is, very well executed. This fits right in to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival as it easily generates discussions about fitting in.
The film begins as we see a lone boot in a snowstorm that tries to go inside a building to get out of the storm but is prevented from doing so by other foot ware. He's rescued by some bags that may be filled with money, as we see money flies all around him. They protect him and escort him to a house where he's greeted by a single high heel and, ultimately, his life turns around in the best way. Using foot ware as the main characters is an interesting way to define characters with different personalities or ethnic backgrounds. The boot perseveres, regardless of its situation and, when united with the high heel, we see how its life is fulfilled. The animation of this film is very well done; I love the subtle details like the snowdrifts, the door closing, the flying dollar bills, the high heel with a bow at the back, the shoelaces connecting the shoe family at the tables as if they are arms and hands, and more. I enjoyed the background music, especially the outro under the credits. Very well done!
The film's message is spelled out at the end: you never know what someone is going through unless you walk a mile in their shoes.
I give A Mile 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 through 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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ANA MORPHOSE - BANDO � PARTE JO�O PAULO MACEDO
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - A little girl reads herself to sleep. As she dozes off, the physical world starts melting into an alternate reality where the contents of a book rule over the laws of physics. Ana has to escape being swallowed by the overwhelming accumulation of printed knowledge and find her own space in a world where nothing is what it seems. From Portugal; no dialogue
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I enjoyed watching the film, Ana Morphose. It might be my favorite film that I've watched so far, although I did not always understand what was going on.The film is about a girl who is very curious and loves to read before going to sleep. One night as dozes off to sleep she enters into her imagination.
I love the animation; the images are very sweet and soft focused. The girl's face lacks a mouth, which is interesting since there is no dialogue. I'm not so keen on her lack of having a mouth -- it's weird when she eats something that a little opening appears that allows her to eat. My favorite scene is where Ana gets sucked into her imagination. Her whole world spins and she is sucked into the book she is reading. This film is non-narrative and I did get a bit lost at some points and wasn't sure exactly what was going on. I did get that Ana loves to read and imagines herself being part of the story. Ana's costume is simple and fitting for her character - a blue dress with a pleated skirt. At one point, she touches her waistline and a flipbook sort of thing appears creating an animated story within the story. As she walks through the imaginary world she's been drawn into, the ground appears to be littered with pages of a book and then, she emerges, from another book, pulling herself up by the bookmark and, la voila, is back in her own bedroom. She peers into a mirror and sees a distorted image of herself and uses twine to tie herself to the objects in her room. It's all very odd and esoteric. Because this is a non-narrative, the background music plays an important role. It is pretty unobtrusive yet helps keep the film moving at a steady pace. From the beginning to the end, Ana is the only character in the film. She is a curious girl who wants to solve problems and pays attention to little details throughout the story. The Director (Joao Rodrigues) and Producer (Rodrigo Areias) have definitely created an interesting piece of art. The images are extraordinary. The storyline is thought provoking and allows the audience to interpret it in their own way.
The film's message is that every problem can be solved.
I give Ana Morphose 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Keila V. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I enjoyed watching the film, Ana Morphose. It might be my favorite film that I've watched so far, although I did not always understand what was going on.
The film is about a girl who is very curious and loves to read before going to sleep. One night as dozes off to sleep she enters into her imagination.
I love the animation; the images are very sweet and soft focused. The girl's face lacks a mouth, which is interesting since there is no dialogue. I'm not so keen on her lack of having a mouth -- it's weird when she eats something that a little opening appears that allows her to eat. My favorite scene is where Ana gets sucked into her imagination. Her whole world spins and she is sucked into the book she is reading. This film is non-narrative and I did get a bit lost at some points and wasn't sure exactly what was going on. I did get that Ana loves to read and imagines herself being part of the story. Ana's costume is simple and fitting for her character - a blue dress with a pleated skirt. At one point, she touches her waistline and a flipbook sort of thing appears creating an animated story within the story. As she walks through the imaginary world she's been drawn into, the ground appears to be littered with pages of a book and then, she emerges, from another book, pulling herself up by the bookmark and, la voila, is back in her own bedroom. She peers into a mirror and sees a distorted image of herself and uses twine to tie herself to the objects in her room. It's all very odd and esoteric. Because this is a non-narrative, the background music plays an important role. It is pretty unobtrusive yet helps keep the film moving at a steady pace. From the beginning to the end, Ana is the only character in the film. She is a curious girl who wants to solve problems and pays attention to little details throughout the story. The Director (Joao Rodrigues) and Producer (Rodrigo Areias) have definitely created an interesting piece of art. The images are extraordinary. The storyline is thought provoking and allows the audience to interpret it in their own way.
The film's message is that every problem can be solved.
I give Ana Morphose 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Keila V. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 10 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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SUCH A PRETTY FACE - BONITA DE ROSTO
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - Celina finds out that she could never be considered the prettiest girl in her classroom. She will try everything to lose weight and stop the bullying she started to suffer at school. From Brazil; dialogue in Portuguese, English subtitles
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Such A Pretty Face is an awesome short film. This is a Brazilian movie and I am Brazilian so I can relate to it. But more importantly it talks with life situations that are universal -- how the bullying is hard and how we can deal with it.The story follows a young girl, Celina, who, at puberty, begins to suffer exclusion from her friends and tries to do everything to please everyone. However, she discovers that this is not how things work.
This film hits home. It's so realistic in portraying the type of situation that Celina handles. This film is one that many young people should see, because of the script and the story. It teaches a lot. I like this film so much that I don't see any downsides, only positives, which I want to bring up here. I love the plot development from seeing Celina happy until the moment her life changes. It is impressive to see this, because when you watch it you felt all her emotions. The camera work is quite good; I really paid attention to every camera angle and found them interesting. There are close-ups that clearly show the kids' facial expressions and long shots that give us a view of her in her surroundings. The costumes are very typical for pre-teens and each one matches the personality of the character. Some are more extravagant than others, just like how the girls behave. More attention is put on the development of the protagonist, Celina, whose behavior changes due to the bullying. My favorite part is when Celina is with her friends after school and they start solving girly issues.
The film's message is that you need to develop self-love and not care that much about what other people say about you, and let your own happiness fulfill you.
I give Such A Pretty Face 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Such A Pretty Face is an awesome short film. This is a Brazilian movie and I am Brazilian so I can relate to it. But more importantly it talks with life situations that are universal -- how the bullying is hard and how we can deal with it.
The story follows a young girl, Celina, who, at puberty, begins to suffer exclusion from her friends and tries to do everything to please everyone. However, she discovers that this is not how things work.
This film hits home. It's so realistic in portraying the type of situation that Celina handles. This film is one that many young people should see, because of the script and the story. It teaches a lot. I like this film so much that I don't see any downsides, only positives, which I want to bring up here. I love the plot development from seeing Celina happy until the moment her life changes. It is impressive to see this, because when you watch it you felt all her emotions. The camera work is quite good; I really paid attention to every camera angle and found them interesting. There are close-ups that clearly show the kids' facial expressions and long shots that give us a view of her in her surroundings. The costumes are very typical for pre-teens and each one matches the personality of the character. Some are more extravagant than others, just like how the girls behave. More attention is put on the development of the protagonist, Celina, whose behavior changes due to the bullying. My favorite part is when Celina is with her friends after school and they start solving girly issues.
The film's message is that you need to develop self-love and not care that much about what other people say about you, and let your own happiness fulfill you.
I give Such A Pretty Face 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 19 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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PALETTE OF PROGRESS: FEICHENG THROUGH MY GRANDFATHER'S EYES - MICHAEL XU
Series: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FILM, AGES 8-18
Description - "Palette of Progress: Feicheng Through My Grandfather's Eyes" is not just a journey into Mike Xu's personal heritage but also a deep dive into the sociocultural evolution of Feicheng in Shandong province in China. Through the lens of his grandfather's art, the documentary showcases the dynamic intersection of art and society. Every brushstroke, color choice, and theme in the artwork reveals the values, norms, and shifts in a community deeply rooted in tradition, yet evolving amidst China's rapid change.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a lovely documentary we find in Palette of Progress: Feicheng Through My Grandfather's Eyes. Created by the grandson of an accomplished Chinese artist, Mike Xu truly pays homage to his grandfather, Zhang Hua Qing.This documentary follows Mike Xu's personal travels to Feicheng in Shandong province in China to explore his grandfather's art and the heritage of his family.
Beautifully constructed, this documentary reveals as much about the filmmaker as it does his quest to learn more about his grand father and the origins of art in his family. Nice camera work, excellent narration and very good editing make this easy to watch, learn and understand from.
The film's message is really about exploring your family origins and allowing yourself the opportunity to learn from your elders and their community.
I give Palette of Progress: Feicheng Through My Grandfather's Eyes 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie s., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a lovely documentary we find in Palette of Progress: Feicheng Through My Grandfather's Eyes. Created by the grandson of an accomplished Chinese artist, Mike Xu truly pays homage to his grandfather, Zhang Hua Qing.
This documentary follows Mike Xu's personal travels to Feicheng in Shandong province in China to explore his grandfather's art and the heritage of his family.
Beautifully constructed, this documentary reveals as much about the filmmaker as it does his quest to learn more about his grand father and the origins of art in his family. Nice camera work, excellent narration and very good editing make this easy to watch, learn and understand from.
The film's message is really about exploring your family origins and allowing yourself the opportunity to learn from your elders and their community.
I give Palette of Progress: Feicheng Through My Grandfather's Eyes 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie s., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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PAULA'S DAD AND THE RIGHT BUTTON IN HIS HEAD - THOMAS HEINEMANN
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-18
Description - Paula's Dad is a busy man and writes stories for other children. That's why he doesn't have time for his own child. They had just moved and tin the new house are lots of children living who are great to play with. But Paula doesn't want to play with other children she doesn't even know and she's getting into a big quarrel with her Dad. Offended, she goes out onto the balcony and wants to stay there until Dad plays with her or gives her a talking Ken. Or at least a cell phone. Out of a sudden a storm comes up. It's called the big, cold wind and it blows Paula up into the mountains to the highest peak, where the wind robber children live. Sounds crazy? It is. Because Dad just invented the wind robbers and the big cold wind for his new children's story. And so a really weird adventure starts. From Germany; dialogue in German; English subtitles
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a wonderfully imaginative film Paula's Dad And The Right Button In His Head is. The plot is clever and the aspect of connecting the main story to one written by the father is also very interesting. I like the music and the childlike graphics. Note that it is from Germany with dialogue in German and English subtitles.A girl named Paula is disgruntled by the new place she and her family have moved to. She doesn't want to play with the other children that she doesn't know and feeling alone, retreats to the balcony hoping her Dad will come and play with her. Suddenly, she is blown away by a big cold wind which is interesting because Dad just invented the wind robbers and the big cold wind for his new children's story. A really weird adventure starts as the father goes in search of his daughter.
This short film is very funny and presented in a fresh way that should appeal to children. I like the storyline, which many kids will resonate with. As the father goes on his way to find his daughter, he asks a lot of people if they have seen her. The presentation is creative and it is interesting to see the children as a dominant group of people who are doing a lot of professions that only adults can do in the real world. And I like when the father is locked up, because he wasn't available for his children, which seems like a situation a child might conjure. The camerawork is well executed. My favorite scene is when the wind takes the girl away. I especially like the sets; even though you can tell they're all fake -- they are childlike and feel almost like a child's scrapbook. The background music is super good -- they are very interesting and fit the storyline. The key cast members are the girl, played by Lisa Sweeney and her dad, played by Bodo Koch, both of whom give admirable performances. My favorite character is the little girl in the robber's group because she makes a lot of the decisions and is very thoughtful in her conversations with others. My favorite scene is the very beginning when it introduces the kids. It's an interesting blend of animation and live action.
The film's messages are about the importance of family love and creativity.
I give Paula's Dad And The Right Button In His Head 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Xiangxi K. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a wonderfully imaginative film Paula's Dad And The Right Button In His Head is. The plot is clever and the aspect of connecting the main story to one written by the father is also very interesting. I like the music and the childlike graphics. Note that it is from Germany with dialogue in German and English subtitles.
A girl named Paula is disgruntled by the new place she and her family have moved to. She doesn't want to play with the other children that she doesn't know and feeling alone, retreats to the balcony hoping her Dad will come and play with her. Suddenly, she is blown away by a big cold wind which is interesting because Dad just invented the wind robbers and the big cold wind for his new children's story. A really weird adventure starts as the father goes in search of his daughter.
This short film is very funny and presented in a fresh way that should appeal to children. I like the storyline, which many kids will resonate with. As the father goes on his way to find his daughter, he asks a lot of people if they have seen her. The presentation is creative and it is interesting to see the children as a dominant group of people who are doing a lot of professions that only adults can do in the real world. And I like when the father is locked up, because he wasn't available for his children, which seems like a situation a child might conjure. The camerawork is well executed. My favorite scene is when the wind takes the girl away. I especially like the sets; even though you can tell they're all fake -- they are childlike and feel almost like a child's scrapbook. The background music is super good -- they are very interesting and fit the storyline. The key cast members are the girl, played by Lisa Sweeney and her dad, played by Bodo Koch, both of whom give admirable performances. My favorite character is the little girl in the robber's group because she makes a lot of the decisions and is very thoughtful in her conversations with others. My favorite scene is the very beginning when it introduces the kids. It's an interesting blend of animation and live action.
The film's messages are about the importance of family love and creativity.
I give Paula's Dad And The Right Button In His Head 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Xiangxi K. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 40 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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A HAPPY PIZZA DAY - SIDDHESH PANDEY
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - Krishna the elder sibling to Shweta, needs to fulfil her demand to taste a pizza for the first time on her birthday. With crusty and cheesy bits will they be able to get their hand's on it? From India; dialogue in Hindi, English subtitles
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love this film, what a beautiful story about the love between siblings.The story follows Krishna, a young boy and older brother of Shweta, who yearns to taste pizza on her birthday. Although Kristna has no means to buy it for her, he promises to fulfill her wish.
The story evolves quite naturally, and we observe how dedicated Kristna is to making his sister's wish come true. He does everything he can do to earn enough money to buy her pizza on her birthday and, when he does, the unexpected happens. Beautifully shot with wonderful camerawork and audio recording. Great cast, especially the two actors playing Krishna and Shweta, but also the pizza guy. This really is a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival ideal film as it not only shows positive behavior but also gives us a glimpse into life in India among a family with limited financial resources.
The film's message is about the love between siblings.
I give A Happy Pizza Day 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for age 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love this film, what a beautiful story about the love between siblings.
The story follows Krishna, a young boy and older brother of Shweta, who yearns to taste pizza on her birthday. Although Kristna has no means to buy it for her, he promises to fulfill her wish.
The story evolves quite naturally, and we observe how dedicated Kristna is to making his sister's wish come true. He does everything he can do to earn enough money to buy her pizza on her birthday and, when he does, the unexpected happens. Beautifully shot with wonderful camerawork and audio recording. Great cast, especially the two actors playing Krishna and Shweta, but also the pizza guy. This really is a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival ideal film as it not only shows positive behavior but also gives us a glimpse into life in India among a family with limited financial resources.
The film's message is about the love between siblings.
I give A Happy Pizza Day 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for age 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 17 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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VEGETARIAN EXPLORATION - HOLLY MAO
Series: FOREIGN DOCUMENTARY, AGES 12-18
Description - Documentary about different people's views towards vegetarian diets. From China, by a student filmmaker
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The documentary Vegetarian Exploration offers some good insights into the pros and cons of vegetarianism. This film, by an 18-year-old interviews a number of people about their views of vegetarianism.
The interviews are quite well done. Occasionally, there are audio issues due to too much background noise, but for the most part you can hear people speak as they express their views. I have to credit the filmmaker with giving a variety of views, although it lacks any statistics that might support people's views. The most predominant con about eating meat is the effects of raising meat on the climate and hence, the planet.
The film's message is really to inform the audience of the pros and cons of vegetarianism.
I give Vegetarian Exploration 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Marissa S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The documentary Vegetarian Exploration offers some good insights into the pros and cons of vegetarianism.
This film, by an 18-year-old interviews a number of people about their views of vegetarianism.
The interviews are quite well done. Occasionally, there are audio issues due to too much background noise, but for the most part you can hear people speak as they express their views. I have to credit the filmmaker with giving a variety of views, although it lacks any statistics that might support people's views. The most predominant con about eating meat is the effects of raising meat on the climate and hence, the planet.
The film's message is really to inform the audience of the pros and cons of vegetarianism.
I give Vegetarian Exploration 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Marissa S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 10 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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SLANTED PERSPECTIVES: MY LIFE WITH SMA - AARON PHELPS
Series: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FILM, AGES 8-18
Description - This movie shows how my muscle disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) has affected my life and how I hope people can view kids with disabilities. A high school student production
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Wow! What an insightful short film by this young filmmaker that shares what his life is like as someone who lives with a severe disability.This documentary shows how a teenager with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) lives his life and how he has been able to persevere even with this disability.
This remarkable documentary by a 15-year-old took my breath away. This young man shares what his life is like living with a debilitating disease that prevents him from being able to walk or even sit or turn his head side to side on his own. It is really remarkable how he created this film and shares his insights with us in hopes that people will think differently about people with disabilities.
The filmmaker shares his reason for making the film, which is to try to help people learn about kids like him who can't walk so they can understand more about what life is like for them.
I give Slanted Perspectives: My Life with SMA 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Your life will be changed from watching this film. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Wow! What an insightful short film by this young filmmaker that shares what his life is like as someone who lives with a severe disability.
This documentary shows how a teenager with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) lives his life and how he has been able to persevere even with this disability.
This remarkable documentary by a 15-year-old took my breath away. This young man shares what his life is like living with a debilitating disease that prevents him from being able to walk or even sit or turn his head side to side on his own. It is really remarkable how he created this film and shares his insights with us in hopes that people will think differently about people with disabilities.
The filmmaker shares his reason for making the film, which is to try to help people learn about kids like him who can't walk so they can understand more about what life is like for them.
I give Slanted Perspectives: My Life with SMA 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Your life will be changed from watching this film. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
