KIDS FIRST! News

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.

Every single dollar counts—and 48 hours remain in our KIDS FIRST! campaign.

We have two quick updates as we enter the final 48 hours of our KIDS FIRST! fall campaign:

First, thanks to our incredible community, we just officially crossed the $3,000 mark! 🎉

Second, I wanted to share a quick moment from earlier today that truly captured the spirit of this campaign. Someone I care deeply about—who happens to be going through a tough patch right now and looking for work—saw our campaign update. Without hesitating, she reached out and said:

“I have a dollar. Where do I send it?”

That is the heart of what we do at KIDS FIRST!

It’s not about huge financial commitments; it’s about a community coming together to back our young journalists, filmmakers, and film festival showcases.

As we make this final push toward our deadline on October 17th, I want to pose that same question to our entire community:

If every single person reading this email donated just $1 today, we would make a massive leap toward empowering the next generation of storytellers.

👉 Pitch in $1 or enter our sweepstakes here: 

When you chip in $1, you enter our sweepstakes for fantastic prizes!

If we could ask one more thing of you, it is to forward this email to a friend. Who knows you might just win a trip to Portugal for $1.

Remember, your support gives young reporters the tools, equipment, and platforms they need to make their voices heard.

Thank you for believing in our youth!

Warmly,

The KIDS FIRST! Dream Team and the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics

Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Cooper, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years who now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City. She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens, the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures with his raucous crew, the more dangerous the better. As storm season intensifies, terrifying phenomena never seen before are unleashed, and Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves squarely in the paths of multiple storm systems converging over central Oklahoma in the fight of their lives.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, “I was on the edge of my seat during the entire film. Twisters combines anxiety-producing suspense, heartbreak, and thrill—a perfect summer movie that left me crippled with anxiety in the best way possible.”  Mikella G. adds, “Twisters is a big adventure film that takes you on a wild tornado adventure. I really like how informative and descriptive this movie is when it comes to meteorology, while still being so exciting and entertaining.” Sydney S. wraps it up with, “Twisters is an action-packed movie with realistic special effects that make the tornados feel authentic and dangerous. However, the plot is mediocre and not very memorable. The characters don’t have much emotional range and don’t have great chemistry together, either.” See their full reviews below.

Twisters
By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

I was on the edge of my seat during the entire film. Twisters combines anxiety-producing suspense, heartbreak, and thrill—a perfect summer movie that left me crippled with anxiety in the best way possible.

The story begins with Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones). She’s a remarkably smart girl who is a storm chaser. After a horrific accident when chasing a storm, in which she loses her best friends and boyfriend, Kate decides she will never chase again. Years later, she reunites with Javi (Anthony Ramos), the only other one who survived the accident. He tells Kate that she is what his team needs to test a new, top-of-the-line storm tracking system. With much hesitation, she embarks on this journey where she meets Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), an internet sensation who’s known for chasing storms. Together they experience the storm of their lives.

The original, called Twister, came out in 1996, and I don’t know if this film will meet the expectations of those who have seen the 1996 film. However I can say that this film exceeded my expectations tremendously. From the visuals to the story line, my attention was always drawn to the screen. I love the thrill that comes along with watching the intense storm action sequences. Screenwriter Mark L. Smith captures and brings to life this compelling story, and the visuals are intense and very well done. Each storm that is chased brings so much suspense, and no boredom – and I could never predict what would happen next. Director Lee Isaac Chung perfectly combines good storytelling with immersive visuals that captivate the entire theater. I love Daisy Edgar-Jones’ portrayal of Kate. Kate is very smart but also selfless and wants to use her gift to help people. This creates a great dynamic with Tyler, played by Glen Powell, one of my favorite actors, who delivers a great performance.

I especially love the message of this film: even if it’s hard, always do what’s right for the greater good.

I’d give Twisters 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can catch Twisters in theaters July 19, 2024.

Twisters
Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18

Twisters is a big adventure film that takes you on a wild tornado adventure. I really like how informative and descriptive this movie is when it comes to meteorology, while still being so exciting and entertaining.

Twisters takes its audience to Oklahoma and follows meteorologist Kate (Daisy Edgar Jones). After a devastating accident while working on a college science project, Kate thought she would give up her love for chasing tornadoes forever. However, years later, memories from her past resurface, and Kate soon realizes that her true calling lies in the thrill of tornadoes, and figuring out how to save her people in the place she calls home.

A huge standout in this film is the CGI and visual effects. The tornadoes, and their formations, are extremely realistic. I really enjoyed when the inside of the tornado was shown. There are multiple moments when the characters are sitting in a car as the tornado is directly above them and the CGI is outstanding in these moments – I almost felt as if I was in the tornado myself! Additionally, the characters are really connected which really helps build the plot. From the start of the movie, watching Kate and her friends working together, I could see the clear bond that they have. This signifies friendship and foreshadows just how important that will be throughout the film as it develops. Plus, the chemistry between Kate and Tyler (Glen Powell) is strong. These two actors have a camera presence that they each use to build off one another. The tension, yet curiosity, between the two characters during their earlier interactions really helps build their strong connection. The night scene at the motel when the two are going back and forth and the other characters are reacting exemplifies this and enhances their connection. Last, I really enjoyed the storyline which is extremely interesting. Learning about meteorology and how tornadoes work by watching an action-packed film is rare. It raises awareness about tornadoes and the effects that it can have on people.

The message of the Twisters is to always do what you know in your heart is right. Be aware there are scenes that contain harsh injury.

I give Twisters 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Twisters in theaters beginning July 19, 2024.

Twisters
By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Twisters is an action-packed movie with realistic special effects that make the tornados feel authentic and dangerous. However, the plot is mediocre and not very memorable. The characters don’t have much emotional range and don’t have great chemistry together, either.

The film follows Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who has a history of tornado chasing. She has avoided the matter until her friend wants to collect new tornado data and asks her to come along, and they find themselves competing with others to catch a tornado. Suddenly, the group is faced with the extreme tornadoes, leaving all their lives threatened.

The main characters are Kate, Tyler Owen (Glen Powell), Javi (Anthony Ramos) and Ben (Harry Hadden-Paton). The characters don’t seem to really resonate with one another. I presumed that Kate and Tyler would eventually become each other’s love interest, but nothing actually happens between them. None of the characters really show much emotion at all and their attitude is pretty uninspired. For instance, Kate stares emotionless into the distance, and I guessed that is because she’s afraid due to her past experiences, but nothing is mentioned. Also, we know very little about Tyler besides his live-streaming. Does he have experiences that define why he is here? Again, we are left with a guessing game. In terms of camera work, at the beginning of the film, the cinematography is so shaky that it was hard to concentrate. However, the cinematography improves later on. The makeup, especially when there’s blood involved, is great. Kate’s scar on her leg looks realistic. The CGI is also convincing. The tornadoes look natural and the green screens don’t have any faults. For example, when there are twin tornadoes shown and they come apart from each other, it looks genuine! My favorite part of the movie is the exciting action, which got my heart racing. For instance, when the ceiling of a building is about to cave in, the suspense is thrilling. It’s disappointing that once the action happens, the plot plods along, which means there is a lack of balance.

The message of Twisters is hidden, but it calls the audience to action. Tornadoes happen in many places, and the film brings awareness to how fatal tornadoes can be. Climate change is not mentioned, since director Lee Isaac Chung believes the audience should not be “preached” to, but it hangs in the distance. You should be aware there is mild cursing.

I give Twisters 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Twisters releases in theaters July 19, 2024.

---

 [1]

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is a six-episode journey into the fearsome Galactic Empire through the eyes of two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras. After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, while former Jedi Barriss Offee does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Daniel S. comments, “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is perfect for lifelong fans, but also an entertaining watch for new viewers. Its stunning animation and characters make it an amazing entry into the Star Wars franchise. The animation style is in the vein of Star Wars’ beloved animated series The Clone Wars, and is absolutely stunning.” See his full review below.

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire
By Daniel S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is an enjoyable series that I loved with its great animation and captivating characters.

The animated series consists of six short episodes andis split into two parallel stories – the first three episodes follow Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) who we were introduced to in 2023’s Ashoka, and these episodes act as a sort of prequel for the Ashoka character. We witness Morgan’s rise to power through vengeance, following the destruction of her home as a child. The last three episodes follow Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger), a recurring character from Star Wars: The Clone Wars. These episodes show Barriss navigating an ever changing galaxy, and includes stories from throughout her life.

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is perfect for lifelong fans, but also an entertaining watch for new viewers. Its stunning animation and characters make it an amazing entry into the Star Wars franchise. The animation style is in the vein of Star Wars’ beloved animated series The Clone Wars, and is absolutely stunning. We are introduced to many characters, some familiar to fans, and some brand new;  every character design is unique and lifelike. The episodes travel to many different planets in the Star Wars galaxy and the landscapes are distinct and beautiful. Absolutely everything in this series, snow, wind, or fire, are all so detailed and stylistic. Some of the most stunning animation in this series comes in the form of action. Tales of the Empire perfectly depicts the essence of the lightsaber in animation, and they have captured the same thrill of lightsaber combat that is so prominent in the live action films. 

The two characters at the forefront of Tales of the Empire, Morgan and Barriss, are both wonderfully nuanced and fascinating. The series juggles complex themes, which make the characters and their stories very rich and grounded. Morgan Elsbeth is a character forged through tragedy and is on a path of vengeance. She needs to choose whether she will rise above, or be corrupted by the very evil that took everything from her. Barriss Offee is a former jedi, who is forced to traverse a world of conflicting good and evil, and ultimately choose her side. The characters are surprisingly multilayered and interesting.

The biggest constraint in Tales of the Empire’s short format is its limited runtime, which means that the pacing is way too fast. Each episode spans just over ten minutes and the story moves along so quickly that we are unable to get a clear picture of the characters. The episodes have to hurry to their resolution so some scenes feel rushed, which lessens the emotional impact of the stories. Additionally, each episode features a different point in the character’s life, so we feel like we are missing so much in the gaps between stories. Granted, the stories are very entertaining, but the lightning fast pace doesn’t allow enough time to fully grasp them.

I give Star Wars: Tales of the Empire 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 through 18, plus adults. It is available on Disney Plus now.

First of all, I want to thank those of you who have already donated to our campaign and I thought you might enjoy today’s alumni story and you might want to pass it on to a potential donor.  This fundraiser won’t last long and we do need your support. As much as we all love what we do here, we do need little love (and funds) to keep the operation in business.

Once a year we ask for support for our year-end campaign. And it’s that time once again. A little goes a long way here so please know that your contribution, no matter how small or how big, will be put to good use.  

Today I have another alumni story to share with you and believe you will find it as inspiring as I have. Harmony Makhfi was a KIDS FIRST! reporter 11 years ago and is now a happy neuroscientist. Here’s her story.

KIDS FIRST! changed my life for the better. I began my time there at the age of 14 and am now 25. I have nothing but great things to say about my time at KIDS FIRST! Through my experience, I developed skills that have truly propelled me in my career as an adult. Looking back at the content I produced (at what now seems like such a young age) makes me really proud. Analyzing media in the way we did really gave me a unique, mature perspective on media – and I am so proud to have that skill set. It has given me a lens to view the world with much more intention. Being a KIDS FIRST! Film Critic allowed me to explore my passion for movies, express my opinions, and engage with a vibrant community of film lovers. Through analyzing and reviewing films, I developed a deeper understanding of storytelling, cinematography, and the power of visual art. 

The structure of the organization is amazing…managing a bunch of kids is no easy feat! I had such an amazing time going to advanced screenings, writing and filming professional reviews, and practicing my public speaking on the recurring radio shows. For children, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of and it gives them a sort of education you can’t get anywhere else.

I’m so thankful for my time at KIDS FIRST! I continued to do reviews into my early college years while deciding to pursue cognitive science – a completely different world! My experience really stood out on my college applications, and later my resume. I am now a happy neuroscientist with a heart in film and an experience I get to brag about to this day. 

We are dedicated to training tweens and teens to act as entertainment professionals – as journalists, as YouTubers, as Influencers – but more importantly we allow them opportunities to express their opinions about entertainment and to learn and grow as young adults.

In order to continue doing the work we do, we need your support.  Our goal is to raise $50,000 in our year-end campaign, which allows us to continue doing the important work we do and will be matched by donations from other sources. We welcome  your donation of any amount — no amount is too small! If every one of our subscribers would donate $5 we would easily hit our goal tomorrow!

@kidsfirstmedia

Hanadie K. Invite you to the KIDS FIRST! End of Year Campaign @yourfavlambchop

♬ original sound – Kidsfirstmedia

You can donate online here: https://fnd.us/kidsfirst?ref=sh_bCo1e4, through PayPal or Venmo, or simply mail a check to our address in my signature below.

Thank you so much for taking time to read this and for your support. Here’s wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

KIDS FIRST! Team