Description - Imperial Japan launched a colonial invasion against Taiwan's Indigenous Tayal people. In the Topa War (1900-1907), the Tayal demonstrated the spirit of resistance while upholding Gaga their traditional law, and defending their ancestral home and in Topa Community.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The film, Rekindling the Embers: The Topa War, 1900-1907, is very educational. It paints a graphic and detailed picture of how the native Topa tribe survived under Japanese occupation. I enjoyed the testimony by the descendants who speak of their tribe's origin and history and appreciated the oral folklore that the Topa people give of the events.The film follows the director, Behuy Masao, revealing the origin and history of his native people, the Topa. The documentary is not only about the history and origins of the Topa/Talay tribe but also their struggles and resistance during the Japanese occupation. The documentary uses animation and historical footage along with testimony by the descendants.
The film draws you in, especially the testimonies by Topa descendants. Animation helps illustrate historical events. The camera work is clear; the aerial shots of the historical sites allow viewers a look at the Tapo native land and untouched areas of Taiwan. The last Topa war chief, Watan Syat, was the main leader of Topa resistance to Japanese occupation and is featured in the film. I found the interview segments the best parts of the film, as those who are interviewed are either Topa descendants or experts in Topa history. Their participation made me more invested in the documentary. For example, Tomi Tanga, a granddaughter of Watan Syat, narrates her family history, and reveals details about how the events shaped her family until today.
The film takes place in Taiwan, with scenes of the Tapo homeland, historical sites and the natural scenery such as the Topa river in the Sanxia district, New Taipei and other places. The background music adds to the immersion process. In one scene, a traditional Tayal oral song is played featuring a Tayal singer as we visit the Shayan Terrace, which is the original site of the Topa people - and the sacred mountain Papak Waqa, known as Mt. Dabajian.
The importance of the film is in showing how important indigenous culture and traditions are, and that we should fight to preserve them. Note that it does contain graphic acts of violence. There are animated scenes showing warfare and death.
I give Rekindling the Embers: The Topa War, 1900-1907 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Note that this is a special interest topic about indigenous people of the far east.
By Oyebisola O., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The film, Rekindling the Embers: The Topa War, 1900-1907, is very educational. It paints a graphic and detailed picture of how the native Topa tribe survived under Japanese occupation. I enjoyed the testimony by the descendants who speak of their tribe's origin and history and appreciated the oral folklore that the Topa people give of the events.
The film follows the director, Behuy Masao, revealing the origin and history of his native people, the Topa. The documentary is not only about the history and origins of the Topa/Talay tribe but also their struggles and resistance during the Japanese occupation. The documentary uses animation and historical footage along with testimony by the descendants.
The film draws you in, especially the testimonies by Topa descendants. Animation helps illustrate historical events. The camera work is clear; the aerial shots of the historical sites allow viewers a look at the Tapo native land and untouched areas of Taiwan. The last Topa war chief, Watan Syat, was the main leader of Topa resistance to Japanese occupation and is featured in the film. I found the interview segments the best parts of the film, as those who are interviewed are either Topa descendants or experts in Topa history. Their participation made me more invested in the documentary. For example, Tomi Tanga, a granddaughter of Watan Syat, narrates her family history, and reveals details about how the events shaped her family until today.
The film takes place in Taiwan, with scenes of the Tapo homeland, historical sites and the natural scenery such as the Topa river in the Sanxia district, New Taipei and other places. The background music adds to the immersion process. In one scene, a traditional Tayal oral song is played featuring a Tayal singer as we visit the Shayan Terrace, which is the original site of the Topa people - and the sacred mountain Papak Waqa, known as Mt. Dabajian.
The importance of the film is in showing how important indigenous culture and traditions are, and that we should fight to preserve them. Note that it does contain graphic acts of violence. There are animated scenes showing warfare and death.
I give Rekindling the Embers: The Topa War, 1900-1907 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Note that this is a special interest topic about indigenous people of the far east.
By Oyebisola O., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 42 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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WORKING FOR SANTA CLAUS - POWERSPLASH PROJECT
Series: INDIE SHORT AGES 5-12
Description - A joyful music video for the Holiday Season!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Well, this got me up and dancing! Very upbeat holiday theme with terrific music by the same name from Jeff Meegan, David Tobin, and Mark Armstrong.This short film set to the song by the same name is toe-tapping fun.
The images are a montage of holiday type preparations by Santa and his helpers as well as kids and families of every type - old and young, varied races, in lots of different places. I love seeing Santa on a surfboard and dogs with hats on.
The film's theme focuses on families and Santa preparing for a splendid Christmas holiday.
I give Working for Santa Claus 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Well, this got me up and dancing! Very upbeat holiday theme with terrific music by the same name from Jeff Meegan, David Tobin, and Mark Armstrong.
This short film set to the song by the same name is toe-tapping fun.
The images are a montage of holiday type preparations by Santa and his helpers as well as kids and families of every type - old and young, varied races, in lots of different places. I love seeing Santa on a surfboard and dogs with hats on.
The film's theme focuses on families and Santa preparing for a splendid Christmas holiday.
I give Working for Santa Claus 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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TOM'S ALIEN SPACE ADVENTUE! - THE MOLLOY BROTHERS
Series: COLLEGE STUDENT ANIMATED SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - A young ambitious astronaut makes an emergency landing on an unknown planet. Little does he know that the aliens waiting there are just as crazy as him!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Ok, this is a kick. Once in a while someone really nails the humor in a story and Grahm Molloy hit it spot on. The story follows a young astronaut forced to make an emergency landing on an unknown planet where he encounters a group of locals who take them to their "leader" which results in a struggle to obtain the rare fuel for his ship so he can leave. But does he? This live action, college student-made short definitely had me laughing out loud. The astronaut is so unprofessional in a fun kind of way and the aliens he encounters are pretty much the same. It's well made with good camera work, sound recording, editing, and all, which make it suitable for screening at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. I particularly enjoyed the ending. The film's message is about being yourself, no matter what planet you are on. I give Tom's Alien Space Adventure! 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Ok, this is a kick. Once in a while someone really nails the humor in a story and Grahm Molloy hit it spot on. The story follows a young astronaut forced to make an emergency landing on an unknown planet where he encounters a group of locals who take them to their "leader" which results in a struggle to obtain the rare fuel for his ship so he can leave. But does he? This live action, college student-made short definitely had me laughing out loud. The astronaut is so unprofessional in a fun kind of way and the aliens he encounters are pretty much the same. It's well made with good camera work, sound recording, editing, and all, which make it suitable for screening at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. I particularly enjoyed the ending. The film's message is about being yourself, no matter what planet you are on. I give Tom's Alien Space Adventure! 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 11 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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BICYCLE WISH, THE - JOHAN HASS
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - A young boy dreams of a bicycle, but when he finally earns enough money, he chooses to buy something for his father instead, a decision that leads to an unexpected, heartwarming reward.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Oh, this is such a sweet story, told without any dialogue but we easily get the message.The storyline follows a young boy who dreams of getting a bicycle and gets a job as a delivery boy, which he does on his skateboard, to earn money for it. However, when he earns enough money to purchase it, something else becomes a priority and he buys a gift for his father instead. That selfless act has its own surprise award.
What a lovely piece of animation, beautifully constructed with the just the right amount of details like the boy's eyebrow movements. The story unfolds at a reasonable pace and is easy to follow it, even without any dialogue. The background music is well selected and helps enhance the tone of the various scenes as they unfold. In the end, when the boy presents his gift to his father and the father pulls out one for him - we are all surprised and delighted. It's such a statement about the kindness of taking care of each other.
The film's message is about how doing good has its own rewards.
I give The Bicycle Wish 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Oh, this is such a sweet story, told without any dialogue but we easily get the message.
The storyline follows a young boy who dreams of getting a bicycle and gets a job as a delivery boy, which he does on his skateboard, to earn money for it. However, when he earns enough money to purchase it, something else becomes a priority and he buys a gift for his father instead. That selfless act has its own surprise award.
What a lovely piece of animation, beautifully constructed with the just the right amount of details like the boy's eyebrow movements. The story unfolds at a reasonable pace and is easy to follow it, even without any dialogue. The background music is well selected and helps enhance the tone of the various scenes as they unfold. In the end, when the boy presents his gift to his father and the father pulls out one for him - we are all surprised and delighted. It's such a statement about the kindness of taking care of each other.
The film's message is about how doing good has its own rewards.
I give The Bicycle Wish 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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ANANASI - ANNA KADYKOVA
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - Did you know that from the top of a pineapple you can grow a new pineapple--and so on, forever? Funny Sri Lankan animal friends grow a pineapple and dance. A bright and colorful reflection on the infinity of nature.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Ananasi is a vibrant and truly energetic short animated film. I enjoyed every minute of it, and the upbeat tempo definitely had me ready to get out of my seat and move!The film's central theme is deceptively simple: it's about how to grow a pineapple from the top of an old one. But it's far more engaging than a simple science lesson. The story introduces a group of wonderfully fun Sri Lankan animals who decide the best way to spend the six months it takes for a new pineapple to grow is by having a giant, continuous dance party! That's a lot of dancing, and it works perfectly.
The animation is bright, colorful, and highly stylized. The background music is incredibly upbeat and entirely danceable, making the whole experience feel like a continuous celebration. The narration is pleasant and easy to follow, making the film ideal for younger viewers.
While Ananasi isn't a scientific guide, it's certainly inspirational--I know I'm now tempted to try growing my own pineapple! The film's message is a blend of practical learning and emotional patience: It teaches you how to start a new project (growing the fruit) and how to handle the long wait with joy (by dancing and having fun).
This is a fun, positive animated short that would be fantastic as interstitial programming at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival.
I give Ananasi 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Ananasi is a vibrant and truly energetic short animated film. I enjoyed every minute of it, and the upbeat tempo definitely had me ready to get out of my seat and move!
The film's central theme is deceptively simple: it's about how to grow a pineapple from the top of an old one. But it's far more engaging than a simple science lesson. The story introduces a group of wonderfully fun Sri Lankan animals who decide the best way to spend the six months it takes for a new pineapple to grow is by having a giant, continuous dance party! That's a lot of dancing, and it works perfectly.
The animation is bright, colorful, and highly stylized. The background music is incredibly upbeat and entirely danceable, making the whole experience feel like a continuous celebration. The narration is pleasant and easy to follow, making the film ideal for younger viewers.
While Ananasi isn't a scientific guide, it's certainly inspirational--I know I'm now tempted to try growing my own pineapple! The film's message is a blend of practical learning and emotional patience: It teaches you how to start a new project (growing the fruit) and how to handle the long wait with joy (by dancing and having fun).
This is a fun, positive animated short that would be fantastic as interstitial programming at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival.
I give Ananasi 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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WASHER BETWEEN TWO WORLDS, THE - CZECH TELEVISION
Series: FOREIGN STUDENT SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - The Washer Between Two Worlds - There's chaos and anxiety in the city. The radio is predicting a catastrophe. Falling stars in broad daylight? And what are those terrifying sounds? A group of teenagers, panicking, gathers in one of the housing estate apartments, trying to figure out how to survive. Is sunscreen the better option? Or should they wash at 40 �C? A short film made by children playfully jokes about disaster with a humorous twist and was created as part of the Czech Television's project/series called GENERATION:NIKA.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I like The Washer Between Two Worlds. As a student film, it's very fresh and imaginative.The storyline follows multiple groups of kids who are all pursuing their own daily lives when they notice that something unusual is happening. They see something in the sky. The radio is predicting a catastrophe. Group by group, they run away from where they were and gather together in an apartment that one of them lives in as they try to figure out what to do.
Kudos to Czech Television and Punk Film (CZ) for working with these talented young people to help them create stories that reflect their life experiences and imaginations. This is very well made, with great video, audio and editing qualities. The acting by the young people is on target and they feel very natural in their roles. The suspense of the story grows throughout the film and the ending is imaginative and even more suspenseful.
The film's message focuses on how your community offers support even in the most dire circumstances.
I give The Washer Between Two Worlds 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like The Washer Between Two Worlds. As a student film, it's very fresh and imaginative.
The storyline follows multiple groups of kids who are all pursuing their own daily lives when they notice that something unusual is happening. They see something in the sky. The radio is predicting a catastrophe. Group by group, they run away from where they were and gather together in an apartment that one of them lives in as they try to figure out what to do.
Kudos to Czech Television and Punk Film (CZ) for working with these talented young people to help them create stories that reflect their life experiences and imaginations. This is very well made, with great video, audio and editing qualities. The acting by the young people is on target and they feel very natural in their roles. The suspense of the story grows throughout the film and the ending is imaginative and even more suspenseful.
The film's message focuses on how your community offers support even in the most dire circumstances.
I give The Washer Between Two Worlds 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 13 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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ATTACK OF MUTATED WATERMELONS - CZECH TELEVISION
Series: FOREIGN STUDENT SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - Attack of the Mutated Melons - Mutated melons are rampaging through the city. They pose a deadly threat to all its inhabitants. A group of young heroes, armed with an iron supply of chips, is hatching a plan to save the city. A short film made by children playfully jokes about disaster with a humorous twist and was created as part of the Czech Television's project/series called GENERATION:NIKA.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is an unusual student created film by Ukrainian children, which was created inside an air raid shelter and produced by Czech Television. Their foreign correspondent and cameraman, Vojtech Honig, is working with children from Kharkiv and Kherson, to help them take their minds off of the war.The story follows a group of young people whose city is being attacked by mutated melons, which are rampaging the city. The young people, armed with a supply of chips, an old rusty sword, salt and borscht, plan their counter attack to save their city. The dialogue is in Ukrainian with English subtitles.
I love the humor of this film and the juxtaposition of melons as the villain. The jokes about the attack are a humorous twist on what they are experiencing in real life and some of the lines are truly clever such as, "If you are attacked, lie down and pretend you are a peach." Even in the humor, the reality of the real war comes seeping through such as, "your neighborhood is under attack, you have 2 minutes to pack your stuff and move out." The film is well shot, with good video and audio and great editing. The dialogue and acting are also well executed. My only issue with it is that there is some profanity, including the "f" word, which we see in the subtitles. Normally that would be a deal breaker, but because of the circumstances of these youth and the fact that the word is subtitled, we're going to give it a pass. I commend the people at Czech TV for taking time to work with these young people.
The film's message is about community and how by sticking together you can save yourself and your friends and neighbors.
I give Attack of the Mutated Melons 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is an unusual student created film by Ukrainian children, which was created inside an air raid shelter and produced by Czech Television. Their foreign correspondent and cameraman, Vojtech Honig, is working with children from Kharkiv and Kherson, to help them take their minds off of the war.
The story follows a group of young people whose city is being attacked by mutated melons, which are rampaging the city. The young people, armed with a supply of chips, an old rusty sword, salt and borscht, plan their counter attack to save their city. The dialogue is in Ukrainian with English subtitles.
I love the humor of this film and the juxtaposition of melons as the villain. The jokes about the attack are a humorous twist on what they are experiencing in real life and some of the lines are truly clever such as, "If you are attacked, lie down and pretend you are a peach." Even in the humor, the reality of the real war comes seeping through such as, "your neighborhood is under attack, you have 2 minutes to pack your stuff and move out." The film is well shot, with good video and audio and great editing. The dialogue and acting are also well executed. My only issue with it is that there is some profanity, including the "f" word, which we see in the subtitles. Normally that would be a deal breaker, but because of the circumstances of these youth and the fact that the word is subtitled, we're going to give it a pass. I commend the people at Czech TV for taking time to work with these young people.
The film's message is about community and how by sticking together you can save yourself and your friends and neighbors.
I give Attack of the Mutated Melons 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 10 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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OCHER - CHEE HO
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - The story of the world's first visual storyteller.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a lovely animated film reflecting on Native American storytellers.The 2D animation, backed by a terrific soundtrack, tells this story without any dialogue and you can easily understand it. I love how we witness the community pretty much through the eyes of a boy / young man who is guided to become the storyteller of his people. Through him we see the hunting of buffalos, the attack of wild cats, the sickness of an elder, the kindness of a young woman, his extraction from the village and discovering ocher as a way to make images on the wall of a cave. The animation is simple and effective in telling the story, with things such as closeups of people's eyes, eyebrows lifting.
The film's message is about our history and how storytelling came about with Native people.
I give Ocher 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a lovely animated film reflecting on Native American storytellers.
The 2D animation, backed by a terrific soundtrack, tells this story without any dialogue and you can easily understand it. I love how we witness the community pretty much through the eyes of a boy / young man who is guided to become the storyteller of his people. Through him we see the hunting of buffalos, the attack of wild cats, the sickness of an elder, the kindness of a young woman, his extraction from the village and discovering ocher as a way to make images on the wall of a cave. The animation is simple and effective in telling the story, with things such as closeups of people's eyes, eyebrows lifting.
The film's message is about our history and how storytelling came about with Native people.
I give Ocher 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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MIRACLE ON KACHHUA BEACH, THE - CIVIC STUDIOS
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - Ori, a boy teased for his odd habit of collecting little things, stumbles upon a garbage-strewn beach near his home. What begins as a mission to collect unique bottle caps and win a contest, soon grows into a community effort, drawing neighbors, friends, and strangers together to clean the beach. As the beach slowly transforms, Ori discovers the power of small actions and shared hope, culminating in a quiet miracle that changes everything.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - An adaptation of Nandita da Cunha's 2023 book of the same name, Miracle on Kachua Beach, I wish that this film didn't rely so heavily on AI tools to make this animated film, but it is authentic to the original story, which is commendable.The film centers around Ori, a boy whose hobby of making organized collections makes him the subject of ridicule by bullies at his school. After receiving a Limelight Star cap from a crow, the collection of which would brand him India's "Limelight Star," Ori sees it as his mission to retrieve as many of these caps as possible. The crow leads him to Kachua Beach (Turtle Beach). But upon arriving, what was once Kachua Beach has become Kachra Beach--a beach of garbage, with mountains of garbage everywhere and from which the public is not allowed. Undeterred by the seemingly impossible task before him, Ori reaches out to friends and family to return the beach to its former glory. This film is from India, with dialogue in Hindi and English subtitles.
At first, I was disappointed that the animation was AI generated as I felt that it works against the pro-human, pro-environmentalist message of the story. However, the story is certainly worthy of our attention and honors the events that initiated this story. The film was inspired by the real-life story of Afroz Shah - a lawyer who successfully led one of the largest beach clean-up efforts in the world - bringing together over 200,000 people to restore the shoreline - and it shows that anything is possible as long as one puts their mind to it. As a short film, the plot develops rapidly, but it's easy for viewers to pick up on these points and relate to them. Ori doesn't start out to be a hero, he just wants to collect enough bottle caps to win a competition. However, Ori's persistence in making Kachua Beach clean again speaks to those yearning to make a difference and who care for the well-being of our planet. The film falters somewhat in the visual department, with the AI-generated animation resulting in uncanny visuals such as Ori's legs changing from back-facing to front-facing in the scene where he's dancing, Ori's expression when he smells the beach, and similar. But, the essence of the story is what's most important. My favorite part is when the Olive Ridley turtles return to Kachua Beach after it is restored, an event that occurred in real life at a beach in Versova, Mumbai.
The film's message is about the value of determination and self-expression. These two qualities, regardless of one's identity, hold significance and are worth cultivating. It's a reminder to never give up, no matter what.
I give Miracle on Kachua Beach 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Christian C. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - An adaptation of Nandita da Cunha's 2023 book of the same name, Miracle on Kachua Beach, I wish that this film didn't rely so heavily on AI tools to make this animated film, but it is authentic to the original story, which is commendable.
The film centers around Ori, a boy whose hobby of making organized collections makes him the subject of ridicule by bullies at his school. After receiving a Limelight Star cap from a crow, the collection of which would brand him India's "Limelight Star," Ori sees it as his mission to retrieve as many of these caps as possible. The crow leads him to Kachua Beach (Turtle Beach). But upon arriving, what was once Kachua Beach has become Kachra Beach--a beach of garbage, with mountains of garbage everywhere and from which the public is not allowed. Undeterred by the seemingly impossible task before him, Ori reaches out to friends and family to return the beach to its former glory. This film is from India, with dialogue in Hindi and English subtitles.
At first, I was disappointed that the animation was AI generated as I felt that it works against the pro-human, pro-environmentalist message of the story. However, the story is certainly worthy of our attention and honors the events that initiated this story. The film was inspired by the real-life story of Afroz Shah - a lawyer who successfully led one of the largest beach clean-up efforts in the world - bringing together over 200,000 people to restore the shoreline - and it shows that anything is possible as long as one puts their mind to it. As a short film, the plot develops rapidly, but it's easy for viewers to pick up on these points and relate to them. Ori doesn't start out to be a hero, he just wants to collect enough bottle caps to win a competition. However, Ori's persistence in making Kachua Beach clean again speaks to those yearning to make a difference and who care for the well-being of our planet. The film falters somewhat in the visual department, with the AI-generated animation resulting in uncanny visuals such as Ori's legs changing from back-facing to front-facing in the scene where he's dancing, Ori's expression when he smells the beach, and similar. But, the essence of the story is what's most important. My favorite part is when the Olive Ridley turtles return to Kachua Beach after it is restored, an event that occurred in real life at a beach in Versova, Mumbai.
The film's message is about the value of determination and self-expression. These two qualities, regardless of one's identity, hold significance and are worth cultivating. It's a reminder to never give up, no matter what.
I give Miracle on Kachua Beach 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Christian C. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 12 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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SHAPES OF US - ARANZA BERGES NAVARRETE
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - Two friends embark on an adventure to visit sculptures around the world. As they experience art and beauty together, their relationship blossoms and evolves.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a lovely little animated film, so filled with meaning in such a short time. I completely relate to it on many levels.The storyline follows two strangers who become friends as they embark on an adventure visiting sculptures around the world. As their travels expand, they grow closer until they don't and we are faced with what happens when what brought us together with another person no longer sustains our relationship with them.
The 2D animation is simple and effective, with colorful backgrounds and clearly defined characters. The story has minimal dialogue, but it's very effective. Plus, the background music helps create various moods throughout the film. I felt happy as the two people came together to explore a mutual interest in art and sad when one suddenly lost interest. However, the other sustains its interest on its own, and finds satisfaction in its own pursuit -- even imagining that its friend morphed from one of the sculptures. It's a great analogy for how friendships come together but don't always last forever as people change and move on.
The film's message is about adapting to change and staying centered in oneself.
I give Shapes of Us 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a lovely little animated film, so filled with meaning in such a short time. I completely relate to it on many levels.
The storyline follows two strangers who become friends as they embark on an adventure visiting sculptures around the world. As their travels expand, they grow closer until they don't and we are faced with what happens when what brought us together with another person no longer sustains our relationship with them.
The 2D animation is simple and effective, with colorful backgrounds and clearly defined characters. The story has minimal dialogue, but it's very effective. Plus, the background music helps create various moods throughout the film. I felt happy as the two people came together to explore a mutual interest in art and sad when one suddenly lost interest. However, the other sustains its interest on its own, and finds satisfaction in its own pursuit -- even imagining that its friend morphed from one of the sculptures. It's a great analogy for how friendships come together but don't always last forever as people change and move on.
The film's message is about adapting to change and staying centered in oneself.
I give Shapes of Us 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
