KIDS FIRST! News

Turning your TV Time into Quality Time

Ranny Levy, Publisher
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Klara and the Sun * Based On Kazuo Ishiguro’s Novel, Reimagines Science Fiction By Asking Whether Kindness Matters More Than Being Gifted

Based on the bestselling novel from Nobel Prize-winner Kazuo Ishiguro and written and directed by Academy-Award® winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit), Klara and the Sun introduces audiences to Klara (Jenna Ortega), an Artificial Friend who wants nothing more than to find the perfect home. When Klara meets Josie (Mia Tharia), each immediately senses a kindred spirit in the other. Josie has a fraught relationship with her mother (Amy Adams) and they’ve suffered great loss, but Klara’s innocent wonder and unwavering loyalty begin to heal the family and bring light to Josie’s complicated world. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raasti K. comments, “Can a machine love us more deeply than a human? The timing of this film couldn’t be more perfect, since our current world is quickly being taken over by AI…” Valerie M. adds, “I love Klara. … - read more...

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Support our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics and Film Festival. Make a tax deductible contribution here. 

Thank You! Celebrating Our Fall Sweepstakes Winners & Supporters

We are filled with gratitude as we look back on Phase 1 of our Annual Fundraising Campaign! Thanks to the unbelievable generosity of our donors, supporters, board members, and young reporters, our Fall Sweepstakes raised $4,172 to support KIDS FIRST! and our core mission. Every single contribution directly empowers youth journalists and sustains our international film festival program, giving young voices the tools, mentorship, and platform they need to thrive in today's media landscape. Following a comprehensive entry audit and verification, we are thrilled to officially announce the grand prize winners of our Fall Sweepstakes. Rae Marie Taylor took home the grand prize to Sail the Riviera with Mallory Lewis & Lamb Chop! Anne deLain Clark won a Private 1-Hour Masterclass with Kenn Viselman, while Tatiana Shipkova won the Enchanting Santa Fe Getaway in a luxury … - read more...

Featured Blog Posts

Granny Ranny's Coming Attractions

Celebrate KIDS FIRST! 35th Anniversary (And Win a Trip to Portugal!)

For 35 years, KIDS FIRST! has helped parents and educators navigate youth media. From honest reviews to red-carpet interviews by our 65 youth reporters, we empower families to make informed media choices. To celebrate our official 35th Anniversary on September 26, we’re giving back to the supporters who make our mission possible. Donate by September 26 for 35th Anniversary Perks: Donate Any Amount: Automatically enters you into our Grand Sweepstakes! Donate $25 or More: Unlocks exclusive KIDS FIRST! supporter rewards plus your sweepstakes entries. Anniversary Early Bird Incentive: Give by September 26 to join our special 35th … - read more...

KIDS FIRST! Radio

Join our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Team

Are you a kid who loves film, loves talking about film and loves to be on-camera? If so, we want you on our national KIDS FIRST! Film Critics team! This audition is open to those wishing to be join our national KIDS FIRST! Film Critics team. To audition, click on the link below to apply. Auditions are open tweens and teens, ages 9 to 16. There are three short steps to enter. There is no fee to participate in this program; there is a nominal fee to take one of our boot camps. Go here to for more information: https://www.kidsfirst.org/become-a-juror/ Before applying, please familiarize yourself with our program by visiting our website … - read more...

From the Jury

Baby Hunter’s New ABC Song * A Colorfully Nostalgic Animated Alphabet Journey Pairing Letters With Playful Characters, Objects And Everyday Scenes

A colorfully nostalgic animated alphabet journey pairing each letter with playful characters, objects and everyday scenes as children move from A to Z through music and rhyme. Written by Naomi and J. Turner Wainwright. Artwork by Larry Ruppert. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic John Wood comments, “Baby Hunter’s New ABC Song takes young listeners on a cheerful trip from apples and balls to yards and zippers, pairing each letter with an easily recognizable object, animal or image. This colorfully nostalgic animated alphabet journey pairs each letter with playful characters, objects and everyday scenes as children move from A to Z through music and … - read more...

About CQCM and KIDS FIRST!

The Coalition for Quality Children's Media is a national, nonprofit organization founded in 1991 whose mission is to teach children critical viewing skills and to increase the visibility and availability of quality children's media. . . . More.

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