A Matching Gift Opportunity – Up to $25,000
August 23rd, 2024
Dear Friends,
A Matching Gift Opportunity: I am thrilled to announce a $25,000 matching gift to KIDS FIRST! This means every dollar you donate will be doubled, up to $25,000.
The Coalition for Quality Children’s Media (CQCM), home to the KIDS FIRST! Film Critic program and KIDS FIRST! Film Festival, is seeking your support to bridge a critical funding gap between now and the end of the year.
We have a matching opportunity! An anonymous donor will match your donation, up to $25,000. This means your gift will have twice the impact on empowering young media consumers.
Since 1991, KIDS FIRST! has been at the forefront of media literacy, empowering young people to become discerning media consumers. Our unique approach centers on the voices of children, providing them with a platform to review films as they develop essential life skills. We have a team of 65 kids, ages 9 through 22, who attend press screenings, press junkets and film premieres. They review the latest films rated PG13 or younger and interview celebrities. Their reviews reach over 5 million people every week through the KIDS FIRST! website, blogs, social media and partnerships with like-minded publications. As one alumna, Samantha Marcus, recently told us:
“I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of California, San Diego with a BA inInternational Business. My journey toward the entertainment industry began with a pivotal role at KIDS FIRST! in 2016, where I worked as a radio show host and film critic. This rewarding experience provided me with a unique glimpse into the entertainment world, sparking my passion for marketing and business within this vibrant field. Witnessing Ranny Levy’s remarkable leadership and success at KIDS FIRST! deeply inspired me, positively shaping my professional path, encouraging me to find my voice and make the world a better place.
Additionally, KIDS FIRST! curates a collection of indie and student films that we provide to film festivals, children’s museums and others that host screenings for youth and families. We have 30+ partners all across the US, plus 4 international partners in Ukraine, Pakistan, Uganda and India. These festivals focus on deep cultural, environmental and sociological issues such as environmental solutions, cross-cultural understanding, and empowering marginalized communities. Our festival screenings will reach over 500,000 kids and parents in 2025.
The young people we work with are truly remarkable. They aren’t just talking about making a difference; they’re doing it. I thought that you would resonate with the goals of this organization and be honored to help support its cause.
Become a partner! Help us double our impact! Donate today and have your gift matched, up to $25,000 at https://fundrazr.com/kidsfirstglobal. Alternatively, you can send a check to the address below.
Your donation supports:
- KIDS FIRST! Film Critics: Empowering young voices, reaching millions.
- KIDS FIRST! Film Festival: Inspiring change through film, reaching half a million.
- Education: Training the next generation of media critics and advocates.
With your support, we can continue to empower young people to make informed choices, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
SKIDS FIRST! Team
A sweeping family adventure, My Penguin Friend is a triumphant tale of friendship between a lonely father and a little lost penguin who recharges his spirit and heals his family with an unshakable, ocean-crossing loyalty. Humble fisherman João (Jean Reno) has turned away from the world in the wake of tragedy. But when he discovers a penguin drifting alone in the ocean, drenched in oil from a spill, his first instinct is to help. To his wife’s (Adriana Barraza) dismay, he not only rescues the sea creature, but takes the flightless bird under his wing. For the first time in years João starts to feel joy, even if he cannot fathom just how unbreakable a bond is being formed. When the penguin suddenly disappears back into the immense wilds of the ocean, João believes it is impossible that he will ever see his friend again. But thousands of miles away, the penguin is caught in misadventures of his own, determined to use his unique GPS-like powers to find his way back to the place he now considers home. Based on a true story and filmed on the spectacular coasts of Brazil and Argentina, My Penguin Friend is a tale that traverses the magic of the ocean, the beauty of nature, and the transformative power of love.
I love My Penguin Friend! By the time this charming and heartfelt true story was over, I wanted my own cute and curious penguin pal.
The thing that stands out to me the most in this movie is the penguin, Din Dim. I’m not sure if an actual trained penguin was used in this film or very sharp CGI. I’m guessing he’s real. Din Dim is very excited while exploring Joao’s house, even though Joao’s wife, Ma (Adriana Barraza) doesn’t approve. He rummages through toilet paper, scarfs down fish, and makes a burrow out of old trinkets he finds. He is quite humorous and cute at the same time.
The film’s message is about the loyalty that comes from caring for an animal. Joao cares for Din Dim, and the little penguin becomes a companion to Joao, making both of them very happy. After a while, even Maria starts to play with Din Dim.
Jean Reno delivers a deeply moving performance as João, capturing a man’s despair and the joy that blossoms as he bonds with this penguin. The film’s breathtaking cinematography, set on the beautiful coast of Brazil and Argentina, further enhances the emotions of this true story. It’s a touch that’s an inspiring story, perfect for anyone who loves heartfelt adventures.
What a perfect family film that offers a moving story which resonates with viewers of all ages. The lead characters in My Penguin Friend are brought to life by a talented cast. Jean Reno shines as João, perfectly capturing the mix of sorrow and hope in his character’s journey. Adriana Barraza delivers a strong performance as Maria, João’s wife, whose skepticism about the penguin adds depth to their relationship. The coastal locations in Brazil and Argentina are stunning and provide a beautiful backdrop for the story, making the film visually captivating.
The movie promotes positive social behavior, emphasizing the importance of empathy, family, and resilience.
A young boy, grieving the recent loss of his mother, attempts to contact her with the help of his friends.
The Spirit of Friendship is incredibly cute and entertaining. Like friends should be, it feels good and has lots of charm. It also has a unique storyline which made me laugh throughout.
The film is cute, unique, and interesting. When a brother and sister experience the loss of their mother, a story within a story ensues, as their dad retells how he coped with his own loss as a child. We go back in time to see a younger Billy (Carter Grassi) losing his mother as a child and his friend (Dante Corticelli) suggesting a ritual to communicate with the dead. While performing the ritual, the friends scatter because they think they’re in trouble. Billy remains behind, upset that his attempt to reach his mother has failed. The story develops and, rather than being caught, Billy and an old man, Leonard (Sal Rendino) develop a friendship. They meet to share their memories and favorite moments. Billy lost his mother, and Leonard lost his wife, Margret. The two share a common thread; the people they lost both loved doing crossword puzzles. This similarity brings Leonard and Billy closer together as friends. When Billy wants his new friend, Leonard, to meet his neighborhood crew, Leonard never shows. The magic of this movie is the reveal at the end. There are moments of friendship, bullying, crushes and heartache. We see how the bond of friendship can withstand loss.
I like Spirit of Friendship because of the gorgeous scenery, appeal to kids, fitting background music and meaningful theme. Although there are some awkward moments, it is a good family friendly film.
The movie Spirit of Friendship offers a unique look at a child mourning the loss of a loved one. The message and plot have a lot of potential and a great message. I liked the beginning, but towards the middle, I lost interest.
