{"id":13093,"date":"2025-01-17T05:34:11","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T12:34:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=13093"},"modified":"2025-12-11T16:44:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T23:44:56","slug":"autumnandtheblackjaguar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2025\/autumnandtheblackjaguar\/","title":{"rendered":"Autumn and the Black Jaguar * A Passionate Tale Of Friendship That Surpasses Human Boundaries"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-13101\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AutumnandtheBlackJaguar-POSTER_Large.jpg?resize=120%2C177&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"120\" height=\"177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AutumnandtheBlackJaguar-POSTER_Large.jpg?resize=203%2C300&amp;ssl=1 203w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AutumnandtheBlackJaguar-POSTER_Large.jpg?w=405&amp;ssl=1 405w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 120px) 100vw, 120px\" \/>Growing up in the Amazon rainforest gave Autumn the rarest of friendships &#8212; a lost jaguar cub she discovers named Hope. When a tragic event forces Autumn to leave Hope for the unknowns of New York City, she dreams for years of going back to the rainforest and her friend. Aged 14, and having grown accustomed to city life, Autumn discovers her childhood village is under threat from animal traffickers and decides she must return to the Amazon to her beloved jaguar. Anja (Emily Bett Rickards) &#8212; Autumn&#8217;s endearingly clumsy biology teacher &#8212; unsuccessfully tries to dissuade her from this reckless plan. Joined by Anja, Autumn embarks on a journey to reunite with Hope and save her from those who seek to destroy the rainforest and its wildlife.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ruhi K. comments, \u201c<em>Autumn and the Black Jaguar <\/em>is Told through a combination of flashbacks and present-day scenes, it shows how one girl, on a quest to save a jaguar, changes the mindset of an entire community.\u201d See her full review below.<\/p>\n<p>Autumn and the Black Jaguar<br \/>\nBy Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cpa7lX1YWd0?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13095 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jaguar.c.jpg?resize=108%2C162&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"108\" height=\"162\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jaguar.c.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jaguar.c.jpg?w=467&amp;ssl=1 467w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 108px) 100vw, 108px\" \/>Autumn and the Black Jaguar <\/em>is told through a combination of flashbacks and present-day scenes, it shows how one girl, on a quest to save a jaguar, changes the mindset of an entire community.<\/p>\n<p>The film follows Autumn (Lumi Pollack), a teen girl who loves animals but has none of her own. Autumn lives in New York City with her single father (Paul Greene), who moved them out of their former home in the forest after the murder of Autumn\u2019s mother (Eva Avila) by animal poachers. When Autumn learns that Hope, the jaguar who was her childhood best friend, is in danger, she makes the journey to the Amazon rainforest to save her, trailed by her agoraphobic biology teacher (Emily Bett Rickards) and her hedgehog.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-13098\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jaguar.f.jpg?resize=219%2C146&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"219\" height=\"146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jaguar.f.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jaguar.f.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 219px) 100vw, 219px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One of the most impressive aspects of <em>Autumn and the Black Jaguar <\/em>is the character development of multiple people. Almost every character undergoes some kind of transformation. Autumn learns to ask for help when she needs it, and that, while she should trust her instincts, being careful is just as important as activism. Autumn\u2019s father learns to let people in instead of pushing them away. Her teacher opens up and is forced to reenter the world and make friends. Even Autumn\u2019s uncle Or\u00e9 (Wayne Charles Baker) learns to take a stand when something is wrong, rather than sitting still.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13100 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jaguar.h.jpg?resize=216%2C144&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"216\" height=\"144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jaguar.h.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jaguar.h.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The cinematography is also worth mentioning \u2013 <em>Autumn and the Black Jaguar<\/em> takes place in a rainforest and we see many breathtakingly beautiful shots of the Amazon jungle and its wildlife, rivers and waterfalls. Finally, the chemistry between Lumi Pollack and the real jaguar used for the film blows my mind. Before filming for <em>Autumn and the Black Jaguar <\/em>began, Pollack spent one year bonding with the jaguar, which is very apparent when they are on-screen together. Their interactions are very natural, and Pollack displays no fear or tension around the jaguar (which is really saying something, considering its size!). I was greatly moved by this touching story of one girl\u2019s unwavering bond with an animal and how she uses it to make a change.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-13099\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jaguar.g.jpg?resize=218%2C145&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"218\" height=\"145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jaguar.g.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jaguar.g.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px\" \/>Autumn\u2019s inspiring journey is a reminder to stand up for those who would do the same for you in your time of need \u2013 animals as well as people. Be there for those who have been there for you, because one day you could be depending on them to save you. <em>Autumn and the Black Jaguar <\/em>also highlights the importance of perseverance. Determination can be the difference between failing and making an impact, even when it seems like the cards are stacked against you.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Autumn and the Black Jaguar <\/em>5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The film releases to theaters nationwide on January 17, 2025.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Y7wWZsTRr4I?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Growing up in the Amazon rainforest gave Autumn the rarest of friendships &#8212; a lost jaguar cub she discovers named Hope. When a tragic event forces Autumn to leave Hope for the unknowns of New York City, she dreams for years of going back to the rainforest and her friend. Aged 14, and having grown accustomed to city life, Autumn discovers her childhood village is under threat from animal traffickers and decides she must return to the Amazon to her beloved jaguar. Anja (Emily Bett Rickards) &#8212; Autumn&#8217;s endearingly clumsy biology teacher &#8212; unsuccessfully tries to dissuade her from this reckless plan. Joined by Anja, Autumn embarks on a journey to reunite with Hope and save her from those who seek to destroy the rainforest and its wildlife.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ruhi K. comments, \u201cAutumn and the Black Jaguar is Told through a combination of flashbacks and present-day scenes, it shows how one girl, on a quest to save a jaguar, changes the mindset of an entire community.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4949,15],"tags":[8603,8606,7631,1783,8604,8611,1207,4573,8605,8610,8608,1166,817,8607,8609],"class_list":["post-13093","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-autumn-and-the-black-jaguar","tag-autumn-and-the-black-jaguar-review","tag-blue-fox-entertainment","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-emily-bett-rickards","tag-eva-avila","tag-family","tag-gilles-de-maistre","tag-jaguar","tag-kids-film","tag-lumi-pollack","tag-movie-reviews","tag-new-movies","tag-paul-greene","tag-wolf-and-the-lion"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-3pb","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13093","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13093"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13093\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13108,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13093\/revisions\/13108"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13093"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13093"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13093"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}