Description - In this romantic comedy an awkward teenage boy takes great and often embarrassing measures to catch the attention of a girl in a library, but must avoid being thrown out by the strict librarian.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Absolutely charming. This is exactly the type of film we look for. It is adorable and awkward. I believe lots of teens can relate to how it feels to flirt for the first time and I'm sure many adults will recall as well. It is an adorably awkward romance story that is easy to relate to. In this film, we meet a teenager named Brandon who has a crush on a girl in the library. He is very nervous about trying to talk to her. He tries several times to carry on light conversation with her, but she seemingly ignores him. He tries to impress her by reading books next to her, at one point even reads a book called "How To Talk To Girls. "This is all very cute and you start to feel badly that his efforts are not met with so much as a simple acknowledgement. He tries a grand gesture that gets him kicked out of the library and he ends up sneaking back in. We finally find out why the girl is ignoring him. It is well produced with excellent video, sets and costumes. My single issue with it is that the audio is a bit uneven. I would like to see a version with improved audio.That said, I definitely recommend this for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival and give it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Reviewed by Rachael V., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 9 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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PUPPY, THE - KRISTIAN B. WALTERS
Series: SHORT FILM, AGES 5-12
Description - Siblings Perle and Henrik, both eight years old, try to buy a beautiful little puppy in their local pet store, but get rejected by the shopkeeper who says he can't sell animals to children. Heartbroken but not defeated, the kids come up with an audacious plan to bring the puppy home. A plan that doesn't involve any adults!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I recommend the short foreign film, The Puppy for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. This is a wonderful story about two siblings who so dearly want a puppy, but their mother does not think they are old enough for one. The two travel to a pet store with their own money and personal treasures in hand to buy a puppy. They are turned away by the shopkeeper after being told that they need an adult to buy the puppy so, the two think of a plan to get the beloved puppy. What ensues is a hilarious cute plan that goes well for the kids, but poorly for the shop keeper. The whole film is very cute and lighthearted. Some might have issues that the kids misrepresent themselves when they dress up as adults wearing masks, but it's so preposterous that it is clearly not a serious effort. The story flows well and the child actors are truly adorable. You should know that the dialogue is in Norwegian with English sub-titles. It's well shot with camera work, clear audio and lighting - all help enhance the emotions of the duo as they execute their plan. The close-ups of the children's faces and the small puppy are heartwarming. It you didn't already love puppies, you will after watching this. I believe this would make a charming addition to any film festival or special event for kids & families. Dog lovers will particularly enjoy it. I recommend this film for ages 6 to 14 and believe adults will enjoy it as well. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars. The writer/director/producer Kristian B. Walters is quite accomplished in the film world and deserves commendation for creating such a sweet film. Reviewed by Rachael V and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Jurors.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 9 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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FANGIRLS - 0
Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-15
Description - Two 'fangirls' sing about their obsession with a particular YouTuber with a hilarious surprise twist at the end.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a fun and cute short film that would play well at the KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals. Although the storyline does not have a lot of depth to it, the girls in the film make up for that. Their voices are incredible and make the film heartwarming and fun. The most appealing thing I about Fangirls is the sing by Trinity Rose and Samantha Gangal. They both have beautiful voices and deserve to be recognized. It is such a warm film that girls will enjoy watching and somewhat relate too. I believe many teenage boys and girls will relate to this film, due to how common fan-girling is! Everyone loves to fawn over their favorite celebrity or idol, so making something like that into a short film, is a great way to show the world what fan-girling really is.
I recommend this for ages 8 to 15, and parent might enjoy it as well. I rate this 4 out of 5 stars for a talented cast and relatable message. I think it will play well at film festivals because of the wonderful singing. Reviewed by Imani B and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 4 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-15
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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COWBOY BILLY'S HAT FULL OF FUN (PILOT) - BILL DOUGAL
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 3-7
Description - Cowboy Billy and his Old West friends have fun while they learn to live right, the cowboy way, through original songs, comedy and cartoons
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Charming and silly. Cowboy Billy offers some lighthearted entertainment for preschoolers and early elementary aged kids. Great visuals, fun songs. This would make a great interstitial at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. Recommended for ages 3 to 7. I give this 3.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 30 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 3-7
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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LILLY HITS THE ROAD - XSTINE COOK
Series: STUDENT FILM, AGES 5 TO 18
Description - Lilly, a 10 foot tall orange monster, and her adorable friend Fluffle are abducted by aliens. An epic adventure ensues as they try desperately to return home in the nick of time.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I confess, I am a true Bum Family fan. These Calgarian cousins create such delightful animated shorts that are quirky, slightly off-center and imaginative. The characters remind me of a Picasso painting transformed into contemporary oddballs and I love them! The storyline follows no predictable pathway which keeps me wondering what in the world will happen next. I highly recommend this for KIDS FIRST! for ages 5 to 16, as well as adults, providing they have a sense of humor and wonder. 4.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 5 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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DREAM CATCHER - RYAN ADKINS
Series: SHORT AGES 5-8
Description - Six-year-old Dorian Hubble escapes his loneliness into the fluid, watercolor World of Dreams with the help of a magical dream catcher and a little imagination. As he journeys through the fantastical world, he finds strength and happiness in this enchanted land filled with creatures both big and small. Dorian returns to his bedroom confident in himself and his dreams, unsure of whether or not his surreal adventure really happened.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Beautifully animated short with a message of encouragement and creativity. Love the background music and the song at the end. The animation is smooth. I love the soft, muted pastel colors. The story is one that kids can all relate to. Who has never felt a sense of loneliness? Anyone can relate to this young boy discovering his creativity in his dream world. Or, is it a dream? This is exactly the type of content we look for at KIDS FIRST! I wholeheartedly recommend this for ages 5-8, as well as adults and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 4 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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ONE CHANCE - JEREMY RIGBY
Series: SHORT AGES 8-18
Description - A young girl with a passion for soccer tries to silence her bully by attempting an impossible goal.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This Australian short delivers a good message about bullying that would play well at KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals. The storyline follows a group of kids playing soccer. We see an older girl acting very judgmental towards the younger one and insulting her. The boy sides with the younger girl, must to the dismay of the older one. He agrees to let the younger one be on his soccer team if she scores a goal, which she miraculously does. The older girl becomes both extremely sad and jealous and the younger one steps up to the plate to resolve issue. The story teaches us not to bully and when forgiveness makes sense. The little girl is bullied, proves the bully wrong, then becomes the bully's friend. This is well produced and gives a fairly realistic depiction of bullying and solutions to it. The acting is quite believable from all the kids. The camera work is great, using different camera angles to allow the audience to get a good look at everything and everyone's reactions. The casual clothing match the time period and storyline. The set looks like they are playing in a junkyard and looks quite realistic. The music and sound effects help intensify some of the climactic scenes, which makes the film more interesting. The filmmaker uses a mix of color saturation, sound echo and low motion during key point to change up the moods of select scenes. The characters are the young girl Mia (Sienna De Carlo), young friend Charlotte (Kirar Mercy), older girl/bully Chloe (Isabella De Carlo) and the boy Isaac (Harrison Wilkes). Isaac stands out the most because he has a well-rounded personality. He is compassionate towards the younger girls. The message of the film is that bullying is unacceptable and you need to forgive. I give this 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 7 to 12. Reviewed by Jolleen M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - See Juror comments
Runtime: 7 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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ISABELS TREASURE - LYDIA BRUNA
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-11
Description - Isabel runs away from home to find a treasure to finance her parents renovation works of the new house. On her way she meets all sorts of pirate fairytale characters.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth review
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This storyline is adorable. Isabel searches to find a treasure and finds a friend to accompany her. What makes this film appealing is the concept. Isabel cares about her family a lot and wants to help them. Isabel is obsessed with the idea of pirates and treasure. She lives in a house that's falling apart, with her two loving parents. One day, after dinner, she runs away to find treasures in her town. She gets help from a guy that she calls punk. They both try to find the treasure. During this, the police are trying to find her because the parents called saying their daughter has gone missing. In the end, there is no treasure. She get sad and then realizes her treasure is her home. When she gets home, she tells her parents about the adventure she took and why she did it. The reason why she tried to find the treasure is so that her parents could buy a better house. In the end, her parents redecorated her room in a pirate theme. The cinematography is beautiful. There's a shot of the town that she lives in which I found absolutely beautiful. The colors in this film are primarily blues which I find aesthetically appealing. The costumes work well. The pirate costumes work well, when Isabel imagines each person as a pirate. What Isabel wears is typical of what a child her age would wear. The punk guy looks like the stereotypical punk. The set is a small German town. It's beautiful and I like that they chose that place to shoot it. The background music works quite well, with themes that sound as if we are in a medieval time period. The key characters are Isabel, Punk and the policeman. Isabel is adorable roping in people to help her with find the treasure. Punk goes along, instead of leaving her alone in the town. The policeman is funny when trying to find Isabel. He sees Punk and says that he's watching him because he thinks Punk has something to do with her disappearance. The message is to care about your family. Isabel cares for her family a lot and wants the best for them. She hears her parents complaining about their home so she tries to do something about it. It does show her doing risky things that kids might imitate, but it is fictional. My favorite part is when Isabel steals the treasure box from the man imitating a statue. When the man tries to get the box back by chasing her, it is hilarious. The director is an award winning director. I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 11. It shows how important family is and it's funny. Kids would get the humor. They'll also like it if they love pirates and the concept of finding treasure. Reviewed by Carla P. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.
Runtime: 15 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-11
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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OPERATION FIRST LIGHT - IRVING NESTOR
Series: SHORT, AGES 4-13
Description - In this creative, high-energy story, a group of boys at summer camp plan a mischievous raid on the girls' cabins only for the advantage to be reversed as the boys face an ambush unleashed by a ruthless, well-oiled pranking machine.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth review
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is a fun, enjoyable short film with good concept about the boys' cabin at a summer camp getting out pranked in a prank war by girls' cabin. The concept is intriguing. There are some cool one shot sequences that make it feel kinetic. It does feel as if it was shot at an actual summer camp. The one thing I was disappointed about is that there are really no character arcs. That is its biggest problem. The acting is pretty good and the background music is well suited to the storyline. Actually, I think the music is one of the best attributes of the film. The message of the film is to always think one step ahead of your opponent. Some might object that it does show kids doing risky things that kids might imitate. My favorite part is the climax where the main characters are bombarded by pranks from the girls cabin. This does bring me back to my own summer camp experiences, in a hyped up version. I give this 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 13. I think anyone who has attended summer camp will definitely relate to this, as well as those who haven't but have experienced adolescence. Reviewed by Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer.
Runtime: 16 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 4-13
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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WINGS & SAILS - ITTY IMPRINTS
Series: SHORTS 5-18
Description - Underneath the "Wings and Sails" of an "outrageous" structure, comes the knowledge that sustainability is essential for the future of our life on this planet. We have to be creative and embrace new ideas and solutions for our continued existence. The filmmakers tell the story of this innovative Pavilion and the architect who designed it... from the beginning of the structure until the last sail is attached. A member of the Ojibwa tribe crafted (2) 24 foot story poles... they show the native viewpoints of environmental sustainability.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Describes the Sustainability Art Project. Shows the audience about human and environmental sustainability and how this art project will help. It is very watchable. The vocabulary and concepts are appropriate for a youth and family audience. The only word that the audience may be unfamiliar with is sustainability, but that is described and illustrated. Very good production values - sound and visual quality excellent; clear picture and appropriate amount of lighting. I recommend this for ages 10 to 18, as well as adults. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Kimberly M., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 17 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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PENCIL (2019) - GINA TAN
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 10-15
Description - Have you ever bought a mechanical pencil with a missing eraser? Wenxin spots her best friend Joanne stealing an eraser from a mechanical pencil at the bookshop. She faces the impossible dilemma of choosing between friendship and her moral principles.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This charming film from Singapore is about a friendship between two young girls and the test of their friendship when one does something wrong. One is more mischievous than the other and somehow, she always seems to be on the verge of getting into trouble. The mischievous one is often late for school and disruptive in class. We see the girls become disappointed in each other, then they stand up for each other and help each other out. I like that this film is based on a true story and like that the girls always have each other's back and never get mad at each other, no matter what. Kids will relate to the film and its topic of friendship. We all have experienced good and bad times with our friends and yet, we always have each other. Wonderfully produced with excellent camera work, good costumes and appropriate locations. Both the school and the local school supply store work well. The actors playing the main characters are quite believable. The message of the film is to always have your friend's back, no matter what. My one concern is that it shows a girl stealing and that is something that kids might imitate. It made me think of what might I do if I was in that situation. My favorite scene is the one when the girl catches her friend stealing and they get mad at each other. It found it interesting that the director based this story on personal experience when he witnessed his best friend stealing something from a bookshop. The universal theme of right versus wrong is portrayed easily in this short film. It is thought provoking and something that can easily stimulate conversation among tweens and teen viewers. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 15. You should be aware that the dialogue is in Chinese with English Sub-titles. Reviewed by Ivey H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Jurors.
Runtime: 15 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 10-15
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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TEAM MEOWSA - TWO TAILS PRODUCTIONS
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGE 7-18
Description - Lily is a fiercely dedicated cathlete who made her Olympic debut in the 2018 Pyeongmeow Olympics, competing in the Feather Jump Competition for Team MeowSA. This short documentary traces Lily's journey from rescue kitten with her new sibling Kevin to her dreams of Olympic gold. Her Feather Jump is not to be missed! So curl up in a cozy chair, get a saucer of your favorite milk, and hold onto your whiskers!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Cat lovers, this one is for you! This delightful short spoof might be just the thing to toss into your programming to bring laughter and light! I think it's completely charming and everyone, including dog people will get a kick out of it. The commentary is strictly hysterical, drawing upon what I surmise to have been way too many hours on the part of the screenwriter of Olympic competition viewing. The slow motion portion is particularly well narrated. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18, including adults. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 3 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 7-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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GNANAM - VASANTHA CINE CREATIONS
Series: FEATURE 8-18
Description - Two Children born in same day, one in rich family named Gagan and other one in a poor family named Swami. Where as Gagan is a special child and Swamy is born intelligent. Narrators perspective is special child's poses special power, whereas Gagan has a special ability to connect people through stars while looking at sky and listens to thier mind voice. We Dedicate this movie to those great parents.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This film confirms how challenging parenting can be! The graphic image of traveling a random path through the starry universe symbolizes the many choices a parent and child must make in a lifetime. It exemplifies that we don't always know exactly where we are going or where we'll end up, but it will be an adventure. Kids need unconditional love. Whether they are gifted or handicapped, all kids need positive reinforcement and someone who believes in them, as well as teaches them. The music includes some very dramatic instrumentals which give the film a lively pulse at times. There is also some very soothing music that helps make the expectant mother feel better. The cinematography highlights some beautiful, lush countryside and bright sunrises and sunsets. It is very appropriate how the camera angle turns everything that the handicapped boy sees in an upside-down perspective. My favorite part is when the young magician tells the intelligent boy, "If you are good at something, don't do it for free." This advice could set the boy on a path of prosperity. The message is to appreciate all the good that your parents have done for you and, in turn, show kindness towards others. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 16, as well as adults. It would make an excellent addition to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. Reviewed by Jeff M., KIDS FIRST! Adult Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see juror comments
Runtime: 92 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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MAX AND THE DRAGONFLY - BARRY RUBINOW
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - Max, the family yellow lab, and the mischievous dragonfly intertwine in a beautiful dance of canine and insect
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoyed this film and how it shows the friendship between Max, the dog and a dragonfly. This live action short gives us a sense of what it's like to have a dog and how a dog can be friends with anyone or anything. I believe that dogs live in their own world and this film certainly illustrates that. David Paluck (Hawaii Five-0, Castle, NCIS, Scorpion) narrates the film. The director, Barry Rubinow is an acclaimed film and television editor, having won an Emmy award for editing the children's science show, "Beakman's World." The film flows well and shows how Max is a beloved dog who was appreciated anyone could ask for. The archival footage is reminiscent of Max at his best, during his younger years. This film is an ode to Max, who has passed, and his friendship with the dragonfly which he chased all around the pool and yard in a playful dance. The narrator reminisces about Max when the dragonfly returns to play with Max, even though he's no longer around. The sound quality is outstanding, the background music enhances the film well. It gives people a different perspective about what having a dog is like. The animated ending is charming and thoughtful. I recommend this for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival for ages 8 to 12, as well as adults. Reviewed by Siaki S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 5 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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