KIDS FIRST! News

Dear KIDS FIRST! Family and Friends,

As we look back on Phase 1 of our Annual Fundraising Campaign, we want to start with a heartfelt THANK YOU. Thanks to our incredible community, our Fall Sweepstakes raised $4,172 to support youth journalists across the country!

Every single contribution empowers young media critics, giving them the tools, mentorship, and national platform they need to thrive.

We Need Your Help Before December 31

While our sweepstakes reached its 10% milestone, we still have $35,828 left to raise (90% of our goal) to reach our $40,000 threshold before December 31, 2026.

Here is the honest reality: Without reaching this year-end baseline, our core operations face a critical gap in 2027. Reaching $40,000 directly sustains our biggest ongoing program expenses:

• Professional Video Editing: Refining student reviews into broadcast-ready media.
• Expert Coaching & Mentorship: Hands-on instruction in critical thinking and journalism.
• Social Media Outreach: Amplifying youth voices to national audiences.
• Core Office & Operational Expenses: Keeping our daily program delivery running.

Why Give Today (Instead of Waiting for Giving Tuesday)?

Giving Tuesday is right around the corner on December 1st. We all know that inboxes will be flooded with dozens of charity requests that week.

We’re asking our closest supporters to beat the Giving Tuesday noise and give today. Supporting early gives us the clarity to plan our 2027 youth journalism programs with confidence, rather than waiting for an end-of-year scramble.

What Your Tax-Deductible Contribution Accomplishes

Every dollar brings us closer to keeping our doors open and our young reporters thriving:

• $25 — Keeps Our Tools Running: Pays for 1 week of essential administrative, software, and office utility costs that power our daily program coordination.
• $50 — Amplifies Youth Voices: Funds social media marketing campaigns to share student video reviews and interviews with over 20,000 online viewers.
• $120 — KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Boot Camp: Covers boot camp for one tween/teen to receive expert coaching and editorial feedback and be trained to join our KIDS FIRST! Film Critic team.
• $150 — Professional Edit: Pays for full video editing and post-production on a student-led film review or interview, bringing it up to broadcast standard.
• $500 — Operational Lifeline: Directly sustains core office expenses, technology platforms, and coaching resources needed to run an entire month of youth journalism programs.
• $1,500 — Sponsor a KIDS FIRST! Reporter for 1 Year: Fully funds a young journalist’s entire year of boot camp training, 1-on-1 coaching, video editing, and national media promotion.

Give a Little Love Today

Whether you can chip in $25, send a tween to boot camp for $120, or sponsor a reporter for $1,500, every gift matters.

Click Here to Donate & Support Phase 2 Today

Thank you for standing with our young reporters and helping us keep KIDS FIRST! going strong into 2027!

With gratitude,

Evie Kaatz, Campaign Chairperson

Ranny Levy, President, KIDS FIRST!

Journey alongside the people of Israel as they navigate their new-found freedom in an unforgiving wilderness. When Joshua is called to replace Moses as their faithful leader, tensions mount in the midst of dwindling supplies and approaching armies. With one last fortified city standing between the Israelites and the Promised Land, unexpected help emerges from behind enemy lines and Joshua’s trust in God’s plan is put to the ultimate test. Filmed in front of a live audience, this special release invites you to experience one of the most redemptive stories of the Bible come to life.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Braedyn M. Comments, “The unique perspective of a recorded stage musical features extremely detailed and creative scenes. That and the exceptional actors pulled me deeper into the story of the Israelites as they stumbled their way through the desert.” Bailey G. adds, “I absolutely love JOSHUA—Live! for so many reasons! The realistic-looking sets made me feel like I had traveled back in time; the actors bring their characters’ to life and the intense scenes kept me interested. I especially enjoyed seeing the story of Joshua’s faith unfold on stage.” Kaylee H. wraps it up with, “JOSHUA Live! is hands down the best filmed play I have ever seen. I love taking a Bible story and turning it into a modern day play that everyone can enjoy and learn the Gospel from.” See their full reviews and interviews below.

JOSHUA: Live!
By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18

Powerful.  That’s the word that comes to mind when describing JOSHUA: Live! from Sight and Sound Theaters. The unique perspective of a recorded stage musical features extremely detailed and creative scenes. That and the exceptional actors pulled me deeper into the story of the Israelites as they stumbled their way through the desert.

After shaking off their bonds of slavery in Egypt, the Hebrews find themselves in a harsh and unforgiving wilderness, surrounded by enemies that care nothing for them or their God.  Moses has led them well through this time of trial on their way to the promised land, but one man can only do so much.  When the time comes for a new leader, Joshua (Carl Anderson) takes up the mantle.  As he leads the Hebrews towards the promised land and tries to grow their faith, a young Philistine woman named Rahab (Hope Klessig) is facing trials of her own in the corrupt city of Jericho.  As these two worlds collide, it sets the stage for God to show his power and mercy once again.

Like previous Sight & Sound Theaters productions, the detail in the sets and props absolutely blew me away. My favorite example of this is the collapse of the city of Jericho. Using everything from LED screens, falling castle doors over 30 feet tall, collapsing city walls, and much more, Jericho and the wickedness it contains is brought crashing to the ground in spectacular fashion.  But no matter how much power a set may contain, it can only bring its full effect if the actors give their all. This cast does not disappoint.

Carl Anderson, who plays the lead role of Joshua, perfectly captures the emotions and trials of the leader tasked with leading a people with little faith through the endless desert, and staying true to the Lord in the process, sharing his conflicts and worries in dramatic fashion.  Joshua’s not the only one with star power, though.

Hope Klessig, who portrays the Philistine, Rahab, adds another layer to this production as she tries to trust in the God of the Hebrews while her people, and even her own family despise her for it. This ground-shaking internal battle of world vs. worship makes the message of JOSHUA: Live!  and the promise it contains, even more meaningful.

The film’s message reminds us that, even in the face of seemingly impassable trials, we can trust in the Lord to care for and protect us.  Though it seems foolish, Joshua and Rahab both learn how to trust in their God, no matter what happens. In the end, when the disbelieving world around them comes crashing down, they find themselves standing strong on the foundation of the Lord.

I give JOSHUA: Live! 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This faith-filled film releases in cinemas on October 30, 2026.

JOSHUA Live!
By Bailey G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I absolutely love JOSHUA—Live! for so many reasons! The realistic-looking sets made me feel like I had traveled back in time; the actors bring their characters’ to life and the intense scenes kept me interested. I especially enjoyed seeing the story of Joshua’s faith unfold on stage. This film combines an important Bible story with impressive stage effects and meaningful lessons that make it worth watching.

When Joshua is chosen to replace Moses as the leader of the Israelites, he must guide his people toward the Promised Land while facing many challenges. With dwindling supplies, approaching armies, and the fortified city of Jericho blocking their way, Joshua must trust God, even when the future seems uncertain. Along the way, unexpected help comes from Rahab, a woman living inside enemy territory. Joshua’s faith and courage are tested as he leads his people toward their goal.

One thing I love most about JOSHUA—Live! is how realistic the decorations and sets look. They made me feel like I was standing right there with the characters during Biblical times. Joshua was a great main character and we see his highs, lows, and doubts throughout his journey of faith. Watching him struggle to get people to believe what God had told him made me want to cheer him on. Rahab is another favorite because her emotional performance helped me understand how much she cared about her family and how frightened she felt during dangerous moments. I also love Joshua’s daughters! They show a sweet, childlike innocence, and the flowers in their hair make them look particularly lovely.

The action becomes more exciting as the story continues, and my favorite part is when Jericho begins to crumble. Seeing a city collapse on a stage is incredible! I am impressed by how the production created such a powerful moment in a live performance. Although the film tries to feel historically accurate, the scene where characters talk about getting their bags and wear backpacks seems a little inaccurate for that time period.

The film’s message is to trust God’s plan, even when life becomes difficult. Joshua faces many problems, but he continues to believe in God and follow His direction. It also shows the importance of helping others and protecting your family. Be forewarned that there are intense moments involving approaching armies and the destruction of Jericho.

I give JOSHUA—Live! 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It releases in theaters on October 30, 2026.

JOSHUA Live!
Kaylee H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

JOSHUA Live! is hands down the best filmed play I have ever seen. I love taking a Bible story and turning it into a modern day play that everyone can enjoy and learn the Gospel from. While staying accurate to the Bible, they have created an incredibly well done musical with some excellent singers. The cast adds some humor that lightens the mood in a few of the tense situations. There are so many moments throughout this production that just left me in awe.

This film is a live recording of the play JOSHUA Live on Stage from the Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It follows the Bible story of Joshua (Carl MJ Anderson) and the Israelites on their journey to find the promised land. They go through many challenging situations that teach Joshua to trust God and what God has planned for him and his fellow Israelites.

The acting in this film captures all of the strong feelings perfectly. It is very impressive how the actors nail every scene every time.  Additionally, the entire cast and ensembles’ vocals are insanely good. Even though the cast varies greatly in age, all the singing, dancing, and acting is top notch. Every musical and choreographed moment is beautifully done. In addition, the costumes, props, and sets all seem very authentic. The costumes look like a lot of thought and preparation took place behind them to make the story feel realistic.

At the beginning and end of this film they showcase the work, planning, and building that went into creating the sets, which is very fascinating. The sets do not disappoint. From Mount Sanai to the city of Jericho, the sets look very realistic and create the feeling of time travel. Although this is all astonishing, my favorite part of this production is definitely the special effects. The lighting, sound, and special effects are impeccable. The effects of fire, water, and fighting scenes are truly what set this production apart from others. There is nothing else like this performance. I also really enjoyed how they include real animals on stage, which adds to its originality. I can imagine sitting in the audience during this live show, and immersing into this Bible story with all of these incredible variables. This is an absolutely amazing film, and I love that it is completely faith-based. The writer, director, and producer really know what they are doing and I commend them on creating an iconic and memorable production.

The film’s message is to never worry, fear, or question God’s plan for you. He will provide; you just have to trust the Lord and be brave, strong, and have the courage to follow Him. Although based on a Bible story, be aware that there is mention of adult-like content.

I give JOSHUA Live!  5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is available in theaters on October 30, 2026.

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. She is a fun, relatable character that gives the film an interesting perspective. Watching Klara explore her new world as she moves into the house, was like watching a young child learning about the world…” Julie O. wraps it up with, “The film’s message is about how grief can change people and the importance of relying on others to get through difficult times. Parents should be advised that this film deals with death, sickness, and loss as well as mild violence and injury.” See their full reviews below.

Klara and the Sun
Raasti K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

Can a machine love us more deeply than a human? Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestselling novel, Klara and the Sun reimagines science fiction by asking whether kindness matters more than being gifted. The timing of this film couldn’t be more perfect, since our current world is quickly being taken over by AI and, although the film is depicted as dystopian fiction, it could very well be our reality soon.

In a future where Artificial Friends (human-like robots) accompany youth, solar-powered robot Klara (Jenna Ortega) is chosen by Josie (Mia Tharia), a lonely, sick girl ailing from genetic “lifting.”

Despite initial skepticism from Josie’s busy mother (Amy Adams), Klara becomes a devoted companion. Meanwhile, Josie’s unlifted friend Rick (Aran Murphy) uses custom drones to apply to an elite academy. When Josie’s health declines, her mother considers a plan by Mr. Capaldi (Steve Buscemi) for Klara to replace Josie if she dies. Devoted to Josie, Klara risks her own life and prays to the Sun to save her.

Klara and the Sun is so emotional and thought-provoking. The cast is phenomenal; Jenna Ortega plays Klara with such optimism that I truly felt her warmth, sincerity, and humor as she wins over Josie’s family. It really made me fall in love with the idea of having an AF who is such a loyal friend. We see the world through Klara’s pixelated eyes, and see her struggle with even the simplest tasks like climbing stairs. One particularly funny moment is when Klara, despite feeling pain at losing her fellow AF friend, is asked by Rick to say some parting words. Since Klara is a robot, she simply says, “You’re dead,” which shows us the emotional limitations of being a robot!

Aran Murphy plays Rick so genuinely, and the most moving scene is when he is with other lifted children, who are cruel and treat their AFs badly, questioning whether being gifted is worth it if humans lose their basic quality of kindness. The pace of the film is perfect, giving us enough time to let the plot sink in while still enjoying the characters’ growth throughout the film, especially Klara’s.

This film questions whether being lifted is worth it if someone loses their kindness in the process. The finale is both heartbreaking and beautiful, and it left me with a huge question: can an AI actually love, or is it just sophisticated programming?

I rate Klara and the Sun 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in cinemas on October 23, 2026.

Klara and The Sun
By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 13

Klara and The Sun is a beautiful film! It is visually stunning, has relatable characters, relevant themes and a powerful message that make the film unforgettable.

In a dystopian future, an older model of a solar-powered Artificial Friend, aka AF, named Klara (Jenna Ortega) is waiting to be purchased. She believes the Sun has godlike powers and can grant wishes. Eventually, a sickly teenage girl named Josie (Mia Tharia) and her hesitant mother Chrissie (Amy Adams) buy Klara to take care of Josie. As Klara learns about Josie and her health, she starts to look for ways to get her wish to save Josie to the sun.

I love Klara. She is a fun, relatable character that gives the film an interesting perspective. Watching Klara explore her new world as she moves into the house, was like watching a young child learning about the world and being hopeful of all the good that can come from it. Speaking of the world, the scenery and visual design of the sets are amazing. The bright city streets, retro interiors of the house, and surrounding vast fields enhance the story. I like how the use of special effects, like glitches in her eyes as Klara takes in new spaces, helped me see the world from Klara’s point of view. It gives the film more depth without being overstated. The build-up and reveal was shocking. At first, I was just enjoying the little adventures Josey and Klara were on. But when all the little pieces clicked into place, and I saw the whole picture, the emotional payoff was surprising. While I love this film, it is certainly not perfect. First, the pacing is a bit off in the beginning, with some scenes feeling undercooked. The film also condenses a lot of information into explanatory monologues which made me feel like I was being talked at.

It’s important to note that this film is not a faithful adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s original novel of the same name. However, even with its faults, I still love the film.

The film’s message is that true love is not something that can be manufactured, and sometimes people can be so heartless they act like robots. Note that there are themes and visuals of death, blood, explosions, abuse and self-harm.

I give Klara and The Sun 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on October 23, 2026.

Klara and the Sun
By Julie O. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I absolutely love the beautiful film, Klara and the Sun. It is an exciting futuristic sci-fi drama that emphasizes the power of love, friendship, and coping with grief.

The storyline follows Klara (Jenny Ortega), an AF (Artificial Friend) robot, that was designed to be a friend to a teenager to help them through their lonely awkward teen years. She spends years waiting to be selected until one day a girl, Josie (Mia Tharia) picks her to be her AF. Josie and her mom, Chrissy (Amy Adams) are still dealing with the death of Josie’s older sister. As Klara adapts to life in the real world she learns about love, friendship, and loss.

Klara and the Sun takes place in the future and I like that much of the futuristic technology is only slightly more advanced from the technology we have today which makes the film feel relatable. For example, every car is self-driving. The imagery in the movie is really beautiful and adds to the overall beauty of the film. I especially love the scenes where Klara explores nature. I also love that the camera angle switches to first person when Klara is calibrating her new surroundings and we get to experience what she sees and how she adapts. I really like the storyline of the store manager (Natasha Lyonne). She adds a lot of humor and sweetness. I love how she has so much compassion for the B1 model AF’s she sells and how she cares for them. I genuinely love every part of this film but my favorite part of the movie is how Klara interprets and experiences love.

The film’s message is about how grief can change people and the importance of relying on others to get through difficult times. Parents should be advised that this film deals with death, sickness, and loss as well as mild violence and injury.

I give Klara and the Sun 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Klara and the Sun releases in theaters on Friday, October 23, 2026.

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 3-bedroom home near the Plaza. Finally, Erika L. won the VIP Behind-the-Scenes Studio Experience for four at WUSA9-DC! A huge congratulations to all of our winners, and we hope you enjoy these incredible experiences.

When you support KIDS FIRST!, you are directly investing in the next generation of filmmakers, entertainment journalists, and media leaders. Evie Kaatz, Chairperson for the KIDS FIRST! campaign, shared her gratitude: “Phase 1 gave us a wonderful foundation, and we are so grateful to every supporter, board member, young reporter, and donor who stepped up during the sweepstakes. We are excited to build on this momentum as we transition into Phase 2 of our annual fundraising campaign.” Ranny Levy, President of KIDS FIRST!, added that every single dollar raised directly equips young journalists with essential media training, video editing, expert mentorship, and festival credentials as the organization heads toward the end of the year.

While the sweepstakes and prize entries have officially closed, our mission does not stop here. We are now transitioning into Phase 2 of our year-end fundraising campaign to ensure full funding for our upcoming 2027 youth journalism and media literacy programs. Direct, tax-deductible donations remain open through December 31, 2026.

Your continued support allows us to train children and teens across the country in journalism and critical thinking, giving them a national platform to interview filmmakers and critique major releases. To contribute to Phase 2 or learn more about our work, please visit our Campaign Page.

When a stray dog begins trailing 12-year-old Bridget through her small town, she tries everything to shake him. The more they wonder, they more she learns about loyalty, courage, and the kind of friendship she never knew she needed. “Not My Dog” is a heartfelt family film about letting go of fear and opening your heart, one paw-step at a time.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Spencer C. comments, “I really like Not My Dog. I enjoyed how we get a perspective at the beginning from Nudge’s point of view, showing Nudge (black German Shepherd named Inkois) being chased by Animal Control. I also like how we get a clear perspective on what the main character, Bridget (Rylie Pennington), is like.” Julie O. adds, “Not My Dog is a touching coming-of-age story thanks to the help of man’s best friend. I like that this film has a small cast and the focus is just on the single walk between Bridget’s house and her father’s work place.” Julianna S. wraps it up with, “I like the movie Not My Dog because it is a really sweet, enjoyable family film to watch, with a heartwarming story. The relationship between the main character, Bridget and “not her dog,” Nudge is the strongest part of the film, and the movie excels at mixing humor and sarcasm with emotion.” See their full reviews below. Note: This film is also available to play at our KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals.

Not My Dog
By Spencer C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

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I really like Not My Dog. I enjoyed how we get a perspective at the beginning from Nudge’s point of view, showing Nudge (black German Shepherd named Inkois) being chased by Animal Control. I also like how we get a clear perspective on what the main character, Bridget (Rylie Pennington), is like.

The storyline follows a stray dog, Nudge, and 12-year-old Bridget, through their small town, as they embark on an unexpected journey, discovering the joy of an unlikely friendship along the way. Bridget is sent to bring lunch to her father at his barbershop when she encounters a stray dog that the Animal Control Officer Phil (Sal Rendino) has chased off.

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As the dog persistently trails her, Bridget insists to everyone she meets that “he’s not my dog.” As they wander together, Bridget’s initial frustration turns into compassion, pulling her away from her phone and teaching her valuable lessons about loyalty, courage, and friendship.

The movie is set in Vernon, Connecticut, specifically the Rockville section, during the winter. I can tell it is winter because they all are wearing big winter jackets and there is a lot of snow. Something that stands out to me is the original song that Bridget and Jessie (Analise Scarpaci) sing together, which is written by Analise, an actor in the movie. Something else that stands out to me is how, at first, Bridget does not like dogs, because in most movies there is a big bond between the protagonist and animals. The scenes with Nudge running past the local chess players Chuck (Eric Roberts) and Carl (Jeremy London), store owners, and bullies is funny. My favorite character is Nudge the black German Shepherd, because he is very smart. He can always get away from Officer Phil, knows a lot of simple commands and even seems to understand English. But the real reason I like him is because Nudge is very persistent.

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When Bridget doesn’t like him at first, he just keeps following her. She tells him to stop, but he keeps going until Bridget starts to like him. The turning point in the movie is when a rude woman, Miss Athelia (Marika Domińczyk) teams up with Animal Control Officer Phil to find the dog, and Bridget starts protecting Nudge. I like how the film reminds us that our feelings about someone, or an animal, can change once we actually get to know them.

The film’s message is that the best adventures are face to face instead of through a phone or on a screen.

I give Not My Dog 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Not My Dog is available on VOD, AVOD and Streaming now.

Not My Dog
By Julie O. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

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Not My Dog is a touching coming-of-age story thanks to the help of man’s best friend. I like that this movie conveys a lot of meaning with a small cast and a minimal script.

Bridget (Rylie Pennington) is a typical 12-year-old girl who has to walk across town to take her father his lunch. A decision on which path to take – the long way or the short cut, changes her life in an unexpected way. A stray dog joins her on her trip and refuses to leave her side. Along her way she comes across two chess players (Eric Roberts and Jeremy London), a singer, some high schoolers, a dog catcher, and Mrs. Athelia who tries to get Bridget in trouble for having the dog off of a leash.

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I like that this film has a small cast and the focus is just on the single walk between Bridget’s house and her father’s work place. I really enjoyed the slower pace of the film and the detail put into all of the interactions Bridget has on her journey. Most of the film is shot with close-ups, which gives a first person feeling. I love the use of the colors black, white, and red. The ground is covered in snow, the stray dog is black, and several of the characters wear red hats. These colors provide a nice contrast. I also like that Mrs. Athelia is dressed to look like Cruella from 101 Dalmatians. She wears a bright red hat and a long white and black fur coat. Every time she runs into Bridget there is conflict about the dog and her costume helps make her character larger than life.

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My favorite part of the story is whenever Bridget runs into Carl, one of the chess players in the park; he always imparts some life wisdom using chess as an example. He always says, “Life is like chess…”

The film’s message is that the unexpected can open new opportunities. I also like how the movie emphasizes the power of community and building relationships. This is a family friendly movie.

I give Not My Dog 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It is available to stream on VOD and AVOD now.

Not My Dog
By Juliana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

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I like the movie Not My Dog because it is a really sweet, enjoyable family film to watch, with a heartwarming story. The relationship between the main character, Bridget and “not her dog,” Nudge is the strongest part of the film, and the movie excels at mixing humor and sarcasm with emotion.

The storyline follows Bridget (Rylie Pennington), a guarded, sarcastic 12-year-old girl living in a small town. Her mom sends her on an errand to take lunch to her father and Bridget’s day takes an unexpected turn when a stray dog begins following her. After many attempts to get rid of him, she eventually takes him on and names him Nudge, based on the fact that he won’t leave her side. She repeatedly tells people that he is “not my dog,” but he becomes intertwined with different relationships with various people, who all comment on the dog. While Nudge begins the story as an annoying interruption to Bridget’s chore, he becomes something much more meaningful.

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The person who stands out to me the most is Rylie Pennington, who plays Bridget. Pennington portrays Bridget’s stubbornness and sarcastic-ness perfectly, while still showing a softer, more scared side of her character. At the beginning, Pennington demonstrates feeling annoyed by Nudge, and her body language shows us how she does not want to take responsibility for him. However, as the film develops, Pennington physically and emotionally opens up more to Nudge and her surroundings. I love how she shows Bridget’s emotions through her facial expressions! I was also impressed by Inkosi, the dog that plays Nudge. Even though he cannot speak, his expressions, movements, and reactions make him feel like an important character rather than a simple dog.

Inkosi develops a connection with Bridget, making their relationship feel authentic and sweet. Together, these two create a friendship that has a natural feel and produces heartwarming moments.

The film’s message is that sometimes, relationships we never expect can become the most important. Bridget begins her story trying to push away Nudge, but he ends up teaching her about loyalty, responsibility, and being kind and open to others. This film reminds us to be more open to the world, and take a chance beyond first impressions.

I give Not My Dog 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Not My Dog is available now on VOD, AVOD, and streaming platforms.