KIDS FIRST!
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RIMA MATHEW Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Description - In a crowded market, a four year old girl wanders with her father, seeing magic in the most ordinary things. While she marvels at sweets, trinkets, colors and sounds, her father remains tied down by the heaviness of his own world. A sudden phone call separates them, and in her eyes, he seems to swap heads with a stranger. As she drifts deeper into her world of wonder, he plunges into panic and the market becomes a place of shifting realities. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoyed A Very Normal Day of Wonders, especially the technical aspects. The way it portrays the different perspectives from the child and the parent is genius, using lighting and sound to differentiate. It is an entertaining story, capturing a regular day in the life of a child, which seems more fantastical through her eyes which makes it more interesting. The story follows a four-year-old girl (Aruvi Eleanor) and her dad (Shinod I A) in India as they walk through a market, with their perspectives constantly changing. The child is enchanted by all the small things that she finds amazing - sweets, trinkets, people, colors and sounds. When her dad is distracted by a phone call, she innocently wanders off with a stranger, and her dad panics, trying to find her. The market suddenly becomes a complete explosion of chaos to him having to go find her. The film is from India with dialogue in Malayalam and subtitled in English. The camera work and audio recording are both top notch. The story is well written and is certainly very relatable. It's easy to understand what's happening, even when the perspective changes, thanks to the excellent camera work. For example, when the child splits up with her dad, the camera angle and the way the colors change helps make it easy to follow. The camera work is incredible. The closeups on the girl's face are so revealing of her joy at experiencing the colorful impact of the market. I love how when the daughter looks at things, the camera looks at them from her point of view. When it takes the perspective of the dad, it takes a longer point of view. Aruvi Eleanor perfectly encapsulates what it's like to have a "child-like wonder of a four-year-old." Her acting is incredible, especially considering she's so young. Everything she does has so much emotion and helps differentiate her perspective from her dad's. Shinod I A, who plays her dad, gives an incredible performance, one that is much more serious, more anxious and quite realistic. The costumes fit perfectly with the area in India where the film takes place. This film takes place in current day India, in a market filled with busy people. The Indian music pushes the Dad's frenetic search and helps heighten our awareness. I think we can all relate to the anxiety he must have felt that day and the relief he experiences when he finally locates her. My favorite part is when the scene first switches from the child to the parent's perspective. This is not only a big tone shift, but it made me realize what a smart idea it is. This also happens when the girl first wanders off and moves to a more serious plot point. The film's message is that children see everything in a much more positive light, and everything feels more brilliant. Be aware that it shows a child wandering off from their parent in a busy market and going off with a stranger. I give A Very Normal Day of Wonders 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! The story follows a four-year-old girl (Aruvi Eleanor) and her dad (Shinod I A) in India as they walk through a market, with their perspectives constantly changing. The child is enchanted by all the small things that she finds amazing - sweets, trinkets, people, colors and sounds. When her dad is distracted by a phone call, she innocently wanders off with a stranger, and her dad panics, trying to find her. The market suddenly becomes a complete explosion of chaos to him having to go find her. The film is from India with dialogue in Malayalam and subtitled in English. The camera work and audio recording are both top notch. The story is well written and is certainly very relatable. It's easy to understand what's happening, even when the perspective changes, thanks to the excellent camera work. For example, when the child splits up with her dad, the camera angle and the way the colors change helps make it easy to follow. The camera work is incredible. The closeups on the girl's face are so revealing of her joy at experiencing the colorful impact of the market. I love how when the daughter looks at things, the camera looks at them from her point of view. When it takes the perspective of the dad, it takes a longer point of view. Aruvi Eleanor perfectly encapsulates what it's like to have a "child-like wonder of a four-year-old." Her acting is incredible, especially considering she's so young. Everything she does has so much emotion and helps differentiate her perspective from her dad's. Shinod I A, who plays her dad, gives an incredible performance, one that is much more serious, more anxious and quite realistic. The costumes fit perfectly with the area in India where the film takes place. This film takes place in current day India, in a market filled with busy people. The Indian music pushes the Dad's frenetic search and helps heighten our awareness. I think we can all relate to the anxiety he must have felt that day and the relief he experiences when he finally locates her. My favorite part is when the scene first switches from the child to the parent's perspective. This is not only a big tone shift, but it made me realize what a smart idea it is. This also happens when the girl first wanders off and moves to a more serious plot point. The film's message is that children see everything in a much more positive light, and everything feels more brilliant. Be aware that it shows a child wandering off from their parent in a busy market and going off with a stranger. I give A Very Normal Day of Wonders 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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YASHVI BHARARIYA Series: FOREIGN DOCUMENTARY, AGES 8-18 Topic - Description - Set within spaces designed to support neurodivergent individuals, the film gently shifts focus to the people and everyday moments of connection that give these places meaning. Through Felipe, Zaheen, and Coach Debra, we see how patience, attention, and genuine care often teach far more than formal training ever could. Interwoven with reflections from psychologist Dr. Strobel and glimpses into family life, the documentary includes interviews and program settings that capture the quiet, authentic gestures that shape real understanding. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love One Thing At a Time because it talks about an important topic and because the film has an encouraging message. This documentary, made by a high school student, talks about a program helping neurodivergent individuals. Debra Orenstein and Dr. Matthew Strobel introduce us to the world they work in and how their program operates. They remind us how important it is to encourage their clients to try and how it is for others to show awareness and empathy. The film begins with Debra Orenstein and Dr. Matthew discussing the program at Plainsboro Recreation Center for the facility for the Expressive Arts for neurodivergent individuals and the variety of students who participate, from those who are autistic, or ADHD or OCD, or are non-verbal - and the challenges involved. This goes way beyond watching talking heads. We see clips of what goes on in the program. We meet three students, Joe, Felipe and Zaheen, and learn how the program has helped them grow as a person. We also meet Zaheen's sister who tells us It's encouraging seeing how people benefit from participating in this program. One important quote that stayed with me is, "I don't think one has to be a very trained person to have that sense of empathy and awareness." The camera work includes some wonderful close ups of the activities that are part of the program. I love the scene where everyone is moving because everyone seems so happy. The film's Director and Producer, Yashvi Bharariya's work really stands out because she addresses a topic that isn't easily talked about and portrays it in a way that is engaging for the audience. My favorite part is the quote that I shared above because it really encouraged me to help in any way and reminded me that, as long as we really try, we can help make our community a stronger community. This film invites us to slow down, pay attention, and see one another, one interaction at a time. The film's message is that we can all share empathy with each other and that, with empathy comes awareness. That awareness reminds us that we can do anything as long as we try. I give One Thing at a Time 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Zamyra G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This documentary, made by a high school student, talks about a program helping neurodivergent individuals. Debra Orenstein and Dr. Matthew Strobel introduce us to the world they work in and how their program operates. They remind us how important it is to encourage their clients to try and how it is for others to show awareness and empathy. The film begins with Debra Orenstein and Dr. Matthew discussing the program at Plainsboro Recreation Center for the facility for the Expressive Arts for neurodivergent individuals and the variety of students who participate, from those who are autistic, or ADHD or OCD, or are non-verbal - and the challenges involved. This goes way beyond watching talking heads. We see clips of what goes on in the program. We meet three students, Joe, Felipe and Zaheen, and learn how the program has helped them grow as a person. We also meet Zaheen's sister who tells us It's encouraging seeing how people benefit from participating in this program. One important quote that stayed with me is, "I don't think one has to be a very trained person to have that sense of empathy and awareness." The camera work includes some wonderful close ups of the activities that are part of the program. I love the scene where everyone is moving because everyone seems so happy. The film's Director and Producer, Yashvi Bharariya's work really stands out because she addresses a topic that isn't easily talked about and portrays it in a way that is engaging for the audience. My favorite part is the quote that I shared above because it really encouraged me to help in any way and reminded me that, as long as we really try, we can help make our community a stronger community. This film invites us to slow down, pay attention, and see one another, one interaction at a time. The film's message is that we can all share empathy with each other and that, with empathy comes awareness. That awareness reminds us that we can do anything as long as we try. I give One Thing at a Time 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Zamyra G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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NETA RHYNE Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Description - Buddy Two Socks, a 34 year old horse and his pasture mate, a Mustang named Jasper, are the stars of the Thundering Hooves Honor Ride and Gathering on the Old Santa Fe Trail. Buddy and Jasper stood proud on the Santa Fe Plaza, loving all the attention and time spent with children, proving, once again, the value of old horses is indeed ...priceless! KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This short film definitely serves as an ode to older horses. Loving shot and narrated we learn about the beauty and love of these horses. Writer, director, producer and narrator, Neta Rhyne is a member of the Cherokee Nation and a direct descendent of the 'Trail Of Tears' who holds a special bond with horses. This story features Buddy Two Socks, a 34 year old horse and Jasper, his pasture-mate at a gathering on the Santa Fe Plaza, where children and families adore them both. The documentary is pretty straightforward, well produced with great camera work, audio recording and editing. The narration tells us the story behind these horses and of Neta's love for and appreciation of them. Neta is the founder of Thundering Hooves 501-c-3 non-profit organization which brings awareness to the many hardships horses face today, and the important role they play in protecting the environment. Her passion resonates in this film. If you are a horse lover, this will truly make an impact on you and, even if you are not, will touch your heart. The film's message is about the role of horses in our lives and the life of the planet. I give Buddy Two Socks 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Writer, director, producer and narrator, Neta Rhyne is a member of the Cherokee Nation and a direct descendent of the 'Trail Of Tears' who holds a special bond with horses. This story features Buddy Two Socks, a 34 year old horse and Jasper, his pasture-mate at a gathering on the Santa Fe Plaza, where children and families adore them both. The documentary is pretty straightforward, well produced with great camera work, audio recording and editing. The narration tells us the story behind these horses and of Neta's love for and appreciation of them. Neta is the founder of Thundering Hooves 501-c-3 non-profit organization which brings awareness to the many hardships horses face today, and the important role they play in protecting the environment. Her passion resonates in this film. If you are a horse lover, this will truly make an impact on you and, even if you are not, will touch your heart. The film's message is about the role of horses in our lives and the life of the planet. I give Buddy Two Socks 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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BIRKE DUNCAN Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-8 Topic - Description - This short film deals with another adventure for the ever-patient Mr. Birke and his foster rooster. Chicken attends the first grade in elementary school. Today he over-eats in the cafeteria and makes himself sick. A trip to the vet teaches him about the importance of sticking to his own diet. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Cute characters, good message for young kids. The film follows Chicken and his person, Mr. Birke, as Chicken overeats at the school lunchroom and has to go to the vet to find out what's wrong. All of the characters are puppets, and quite cute ones at that, especially the main characters, Chicken and Mr. Birke. The backgrounds - Mr. Birke's home, the school lunchroom, and the vet's office - perfectly suit the story and are well illustrated. The voice actors, Mia McGlinn and Birke Raymond Duncan (who is also the director) give great performances. The topic, of overeating, is one that resonates well for young kids who sometimes get carried away until their tummy hurts. The film's message about not overeating is age appropriate and suitable. I give Chicken, The Lunchroom and Mr. Birke 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Julies S., KIDS FIRST! The film follows Chicken and his person, Mr. Birke, as Chicken overeats at the school lunchroom and has to go to the vet to find out what's wrong. All of the characters are puppets, and quite cute ones at that, especially the main characters, Chicken and Mr. Birke. The backgrounds - Mr. Birke's home, the school lunchroom, and the vet's office - perfectly suit the story and are well illustrated. The voice actors, Mia McGlinn and Birke Raymond Duncan (who is also the director) give great performances. The topic, of overeating, is one that resonates well for young kids who sometimes get carried away until their tummy hurts. The film's message about not overeating is age appropriate and suitable. I give Chicken, The Lunchroom and Mr. Birke 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Julies S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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BEN BORROK Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Description - Charlie, an underdeveloped 8th grader, struggles to maintain his friendships with his more mature peers. After befriending a theater employee named Kyle, Charlie divulges his situation and receives perspective-altering advice over a round of ICEEs. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Terrific coming-of-age film that kids can easily relate to. The storyline follows a 8th grade boy, Charlie, who befriends a cinema employee that ultimately give him some advice that helps him move beyond a stale relationship with his friends who have drifted away. Lovely production, with great video, audio and editing. The casting is perfect, especially for Charlie and Kyle, who deliver believable performances. What I really love about this short film is its therapeutic aspect, when Kyle spends time with Charlie and coaches him on how to move beyond his so-called friends. The film's message is about caring enough about other people to listen to them, really listen and give them a gentle nudge to move beyond their stalemate. Note, there is a scene at the end when Kyle flips off his co-worker. Also note that the subtitles are not well done; there are misspelled words and odd sentence breaks. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows a 8th grade boy, Charlie, who befriends a cinema employee that ultimately give him some advice that helps him move beyond a stale relationship with his friends who have drifted away. Lovely production, with great video, audio and editing. The casting is perfect, especially for Charlie and Kyle, who deliver believable performances. What I really love about this short film is its therapeutic aspect, when Kyle spends time with Charlie and coaches him on how to move beyond his so-called friends. The film's message is about caring enough about other people to listen to them, really listen and give them a gentle nudge to move beyond their stalemate. Note, there is a scene at the end when Kyle flips off his co-worker. Also note that the subtitles are not well done; there are misspelled words and odd sentence breaks. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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DRAHOMIR STREIT Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Description - This short student made film follows a young boy and his friends as they reflect on the world. They are influenced by the character of the Little Prince, whom they know from the popular book and who shares their way of seeing the world. In their stories, the children emphasize the role of their parents in their lives. The children also discuss their compassion for children across the world whose lives are at risk. The idea to make the film arose in 2023, when the world celebrated the 80th anniversary of the first edition of The Little Prince. The film's title represents the symbolic balance between joy and sadness. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Kudos to this group of elementary school students and their instructors for creating a beautiful film. I love seeing the young people on camera, the references to The Little Prince, and the drawings by the kids. The film's storyline is about their experiences as a young person, their relationships with their parents and their concern about life's unfairness in that some children go without access to clean water or food or worse. I like that this is not a sugar-coated view of childhood, but includes references to difficult things in the world that affect children and questions why those happen. As an adult I certainly relate to that similarly. This is well produced, with the except that the audio in some scenes has a very noticeable echo, which is distracting. It doesn't make it unwatchable but it should be pointed out. Other than that, the video, audio and editing are all very good. The background music is suitable and not particularly noticeable. The film is from the Czech Republic so the language is Czech and it has English subtitles, which limited its suitability by younger viewers. I think it makes a great addition to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival as it gives insight into another culture. The film's message is about observing the world through the eyes of a child. I give this documentary 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST! The film's storyline is about their experiences as a young person, their relationships with their parents and their concern about life's unfairness in that some children go without access to clean water or food or worse. I like that this is not a sugar-coated view of childhood, but includes references to difficult things in the world that affect children and questions why those happen. As an adult I certainly relate to that similarly. This is well produced, with the except that the audio in some scenes has a very noticeable echo, which is distracting. It doesn't make it unwatchable but it should be pointed out. Other than that, the video, audio and editing are all very good. The background music is suitable and not particularly noticeable. The film is from the Czech Republic so the language is Czech and it has English subtitles, which limited its suitability by younger viewers. I think it makes a great addition to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival as it gives insight into another culture. The film's message is about observing the world through the eyes of a child. I give this documentary 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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HODA ELATAWI Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - Mesmerizing marble runs roll onto young kids' screens and into their imaginations with the new original live-action series Run the Marbles! (25 x 3'). In each episode, kids explore STEM principles via marble run problem-solving while having non-stop fun watching marbles race, jump, roll, and sometimes even make music. With many marble run variations to try out - from using everyday objects at home to arranging marble run toy sets in fun, new configurations - this entertaining and energetic series lets kids aged four to seven imagine, make, and play with endless possibilities. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Fun show from our friends in Canada. I love when science is entertaining like this. This short film is an episode from a new live action TV series called "Run the Marbles." In this, two on-camera hosts, one in a wheelchair, explore different ways to make marbles move. What a great way to explore various principles of physics! This is as entertaining as it is educating. Well made with great camera work, audio recording and editing. I can't wait to share this with my grandson. The film's message is about how STEM principles apply to everyday tasks - well, if you consider running marbles every day. Perhaps I should say, things you can relate to. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST! This short film is an episode from a new live action TV series called "Run the Marbles." In this, two on-camera hosts, one in a wheelchair, explore different ways to make marbles move. What a great way to explore various principles of physics! This is as entertaining as it is educating. Well made with great camera work, audio recording and editing. I can't wait to share this with my grandson. The film's message is about how STEM principles apply to everyday tasks - well, if you consider running marbles every day. Perhaps I should say, things you can relate to. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: TV |
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DISNEY+ Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - A social media influencer threatens global devastation, forcing Hawkeye and The Avengers to expand their ranks. The heroes discover that fighting viral threats requires more than just their usual superhero skills. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails is a hilarious and action-packed return to the LEGO Marvel Universe. This two-episode adventure perfectly blends humor, chaos, and superhero fun, while including tons of clever nods to the original Marvel comics. It's an awesome way to keep the Halloween excitement going a little longer, especially with its mix of spooky magic and silly moments. The story follows Hawkeye (Chris Cox), who finds himself in a strange new situation after the Avengers mysteriously vanish. With his teammates gone, Hawkeye ends up leading a group of leftover heroes on a mission to stop a social media-obsessed villain who turns cats into a full-blown crisis. As if fighting evil wasn't hard enough, now he has to deal with literal cat chaos! Along the way, he learns what it really means to be part of a team--even when things get weird--but can he put a stop to this CAT-tastrophe? The animation in LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails looks great and feels sharper and more colorful than ever. The LEGO characters move smoothly, and their expressions are full of energy, which makes every joke land perfectly. The backgrounds, like Doctor Strange's magical world and the city streets packed with cats, are filled with fun details that made me want to pause and look closer. The voice acting is also top-notch, with Chris Cox giving Hawkeye just the right mix of confidence and sarcasm. What really stands out, though, is the music-- something that's not common in many LEGO series. The custom soundtrack adds a lot to the action scenes and makes everything feel more epic. This installment also has a ton of surprises for Marvel fans. Seeing Spider-Man, the Thing, and Wolverine all pop up in LEGO form is really exciting. One of the funniest moments happens when Sabretooth gets thrown through a wall while a group of heroes plays Go Fish in the background--it's random and ridiculous in the best way. The humor works for both kids and adults, balancing silly puns with clever jokes about the Marvel universe. This is absolutely the best series to introduce kids to Marvel fandom. The show's message is that teamwork is the key to success. It also shows how friendship and trust help people overcome even the strangest situations. Parents should know there's some mild cartoon fighting, but it's all in good fun and totally age-appropriate. I give LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can stream the show in full on Disney+ beginning November 14, 2025. By Jackson N., age 12, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails is a good film for younger kids. Though it is quite different from the original Marvel Movies as well as other LEGO movies, it is a worthwhile watch. The storyline follows Hawkeye and The Avengers facing their wildest threat yet - social media. To save the world, The Avengers have to recruit a new team to fight their new rival - cats! Specifically, these magic cats are controlled by the evil influencer, Meryet (Alia Shawkat), who is also in control of The Avengers. She devises an evil plan of world domination all for likes and views on her channel. From a huge fight scene, recorded by an aspiring cat influencer, Meryet, the Avengers save the day, but not without the help of Hawkeye (Troy Baker). It seems that fighting comes easy to him, but nothing could prepare him for his biggest rival to be cats. Let's talk about the humor in this film because a big part of Marvel Movies is the humor. Though this film definitely has some good lines, it is a lot more toned down than The Avengers. I like the irony that Hawkeye hates cats while having to work with a team of cat superheroes in episode 2. The film does keep the lightheartedness of the jokes that are so well loved in the original Marvel films, but a lot of the humor is geared for a younger audience. Viewers, like me, who are attached to the original Avengers' movies, might have a hard time adjusting to different voice actors and aged-down humor. The animation of action scenes is beautiful in the LEGO style, but I missed Marvel's well-delivered jokes. I was expecting something similar to LEGO Batman but got an extremely watered-down version of that. Despite that, the characters are fun, and it is interesting to see different interpretations of their voices. As a long time Marvel fan, I enjoyed seeing new characters like Meryet and Tigra (Cat Taber). These characters have the potential for a bigger presence in future movies and TV shows. The film's message is about how being famous or popular does not define how good of a person you are. Hawkeye gains fame and then loses it to all the cats. He feels irrelevant and questions why he even tries when no one likes him. But he remembers why he is an Avenger and that he does good things regardless of his fame. We are also reminded how a lust for fame can corrupt someone. Meryet starts out as an innocent aspiring influencer, but becomes power hungry and doesn't stop until she gets what she wants. This is a very important and powerful theme for a kids' movie. I give LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is available on Disney+ starting November 14, 2025. By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14 I absolutely love Lego Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails. It is comedic, has a great storyline and amazing voice acting. It teaches an important lesson as well. This series follows Hawkeye (Chris Cox) who has recently experienced a surge in fame and little does he know that fame will soon disappear. Suddenly nobody cares about superheroes; instead everyone is obsessed with cat videos. Hawkeye despises cats and is maybe a little jealous of them. He is able to see that something fishy is happening and it turns out that all the cats are being controlled by an evil influencer. Hawkeye must put together a team of cat themed superheroes to save the world. This series is hilarious -it had me laughing throughout the episodes. Not only does it have humorous scenes, but the entire storyline itself is ridiculous. It had me cracking up and completely invested in it. I am a huge Marvel fan, and I love how LEGO adds a comedic twist to this series. It is so fun seeing the Avengers get defeated by cats - that had me laughing up a storm. I find it amusing how Hawkeye puts together a team of cat themed superheroes to defeat an army of evil cats. Even if you look past the comedy, it still has a great plot. I was completely enthralled by the action and the plot. The voice acting is fantastic. Chris Cox perfectly captures the pitch and tone of Hawkeyes' voice throughout the series. There is a fine line between doing something for fame and doing it because it is the right thing to do, and it is easy to mistake one for the other. This show reminds us to watch that line and choose to do things for the right reasons. My favorite part is the ending when Santa comes in and beats up a bunch of bad guys. The film's message is that fame doesn't define you, but your actions do. Note that there is some violence but nothing bloody or gory. I give Lego Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18 plus adults. You can find it on Disney Plus beginning November 14, 2025. By Ari C., KIDS FIRST Film Critics, age 13 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
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PAMELA KAVAL Series: FOREIGN MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - At the Psychic Arts Academy, kids train to master powers like telepathy and telekinesis--but three bullies who haven't yet discovered their own abilities torment the gifted students until the telepaths and telekinetics finally fight back. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a fun short made by middle school students. The story was a bit confusing and took two viewings for me to really understand what was going on. The storyline follows a group of middle school students at the Psychic Arts Academy who are training how to use their powers of telepathy and telekinesis. Three kids, who haven't yet realized their powers, have been bullying the gifted kids who finally right back. The production values are pretty good although the lighting stands out as something that comes up short. Also, although the background music is well suited, it is way too loud and often overshadows the dialogue. Last, the handheld camera work, which is used a lot, is very shaky wish is unpleasant to watch. Other than that, the audio is well recorded and it is well edited. The storyline was a bit hard to follow on the first viewing and took a subsequent viewing to make more sense of it. I love the concept of the story and there are fun things in the film such as the signs on the wall, directing the students of proper etiquette when developing their telepathic and telekinetic skills - such as "no floating desks" in the school room. The film's message is about following rules and protocol, even when studying supernatural skills. I give The Psychic Arts Academy 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows a group of middle school students at the Psychic Arts Academy who are training how to use their powers of telepathy and telekinesis. Three kids, who haven't yet realized their powers, have been bullying the gifted kids who finally right back. The production values are pretty good although the lighting stands out as something that comes up short. Also, although the background music is well suited, it is way too loud and often overshadows the dialogue. Last, the handheld camera work, which is used a lot, is very shaky wish is unpleasant to watch. Other than that, the audio is well recorded and it is well edited. The storyline was a bit hard to follow on the first viewing and took a subsequent viewing to make more sense of it. I love the concept of the story and there are fun things in the film such as the signs on the wall, directing the students of proper etiquette when developing their telepathic and telekinetic skills - such as "no floating desks" in the school room. The film's message is about following rules and protocol, even when studying supernatural skills. I give The Psychic Arts Academy 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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PHILIP HAIN Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - On what seemed like an ordinary school day, silence suddenly takes over. The School hallway is empty. Every child and teacher has disappeared--except for five. This five Children begin to investigate the strange events, following clues deep into the hidden basement corridor of the school. Behind a forbidden door, they encounter light, glowing symbols, and a truth they had once forgotten: they were abducted themselves. With the help of a mysterious alien--the last of its kind--they uncover the secret behind the disappearances. But as an ancient shadow is coming, it becomes clear: this is only the beginning. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What an interesting sci-fi film for kids. I love all the child talent in it and the suspense at the end. The story takes place inside a school where five children awake on the floor to discover that all their classmates have disappeared. These five wander around the school trying to figure out the cause of their disappearance. They discover that they were abducted themselves and with the help of an alien, uncover the secret behind the disappearance. Their classmates reappear, but an ominous being emerges with a message that more is to come. It's not often that a sci-fi film is made specifically for a youth audience, which makes this a rarity. It is well produced with good camera work, audio recording and editing. The youth actors stand out, especially the five featured. The plot is a bit unclear, but moves along pulling you with it. The film's message is about the unexpected and learning to deal with it. I give Mystery of the Abduction 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST! The story takes place inside a school where five children awake on the floor to discover that all their classmates have disappeared. These five wander around the school trying to figure out the cause of their disappearance. They discover that they were abducted themselves and with the help of an alien, uncover the secret behind the disappearance. Their classmates reappear, but an ominous being emerges with a message that more is to come. It's not often that a sci-fi film is made specifically for a youth audience, which makes this a rarity. It is well produced with good camera work, audio recording and editing. The youth actors stand out, especially the five featured. The plot is a bit unclear, but moves along pulling you with it. The film's message is about the unexpected and learning to deal with it. I give Mystery of the Abduction 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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ZEMARIO SHEPPARD Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Created as part of a 48-hour film challenge, this tender and lightly comedic short follows recently widowed Dad Eli as he navigates the chaos of a single morning with his spirited 11-year-old daughter, Naomi. What begins as a struggle over burnt grilled cheese turns into a quiet, heartfelt moment of connection, love, and resilience. Naomi's wisdom, humor, and old-soul insight help her father navigate grief, reminding us that even in loss, love--and laughter--can still find a way. A story about family, imperfection, and the small moments that make life meaningful. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This short film, produced in 48 hours, reveals a tender moment between a recently widowed dad and his young daughter. What begins with Dad intending to make breakfast for his daughter, only to burn it, but it results in a heart to heart moment between them. The production values are pretty good here - from the video and audio recording, to the editing, the script and the acting. The writer, director also plays the role of the dad and his daughter in real life plays his daughter in the film. The background music is well selected, providing enough tone to move the story forward without being overbearing. My favorite moment in the film is when the daughter takes a bite of her sandwich and says, "mm." One thing that doesn't quite fit is that the supposedly "burnt" sandwich does not appear to be burnt at all - just lightly toasted like a good grilled cheese sandwich should be. Otherwise, it feels authentic. The film's message is about family and supporting each other after a loss. I give Cheesy Mourning 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The production values are pretty good here - from the video and audio recording, to the editing, the script and the acting. The writer, director also plays the role of the dad and his daughter in real life plays his daughter in the film. The background music is well selected, providing enough tone to move the story forward without being overbearing. My favorite moment in the film is when the daughter takes a bite of her sandwich and says, "mm." One thing that doesn't quite fit is that the supposedly "burnt" sandwich does not appear to be burnt at all - just lightly toasted like a good grilled cheese sandwich should be. Otherwise, it feels authentic. The film's message is about family and supporting each other after a loss. I give Cheesy Mourning 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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STAAS NELIS Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - At the start of the holiday, eleven-year-old Billie is thrilled to finally spend some time with her mother, Estella, a busy hotel owner. But when a secret hotel inspector checks in, everything changes. Billie turns into a detective, determined to uncover the inspector's identity and win back her mother's attention. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really like The Little Hotel Detective. The story line reminds me of many films that I grew up watching such as Annie, Home Alone, and more. I also enjoyed Billie's character and how she plays her part really well. I can tell that this film was made with a lot of love and effort. The story follows an 11-year-old girl named Billie who is spending time at a busy hotel for the holidays with her mom who is the owner of that hotel. An inspector comes to inspect the hotel and Billie's mom is stressed out about that. If it doesn't pass, Billie's mom will have to close the hotel down. Ever since her dad passed away all Billie wants is to have time with her mom, so she begins to investigate and find out who the secret inspector is to help her mother out and be with her like old times. The film is from The Netherlands and the dialogue is in Dutch, with English subtitles. The story develops really well and held my interest. The film is well produced, with good camera work, audio recording, editing and acting. I really like the opening shot of the blue car driving up to the hotel. There are a lot of nuances to this story and it's amazing that they have been told in 21 minutes! Billie is my favorite character, played by Jolene Horowitz. She is adorable and reminds me of Eloise at the Plaza in some ways as she maneuvers her way around the hotel, having fun in a way that only someone completely familiar with it could. I could relate to her wanting to be closer to her mom after her dad passed. I particularly like Billie's detective costume with her oversized coat; it expresses her love for being a detective just like her favorite book series, Sherlock Holmes. We all try to emulate our favorite characters from books and movies, don't we? The film takes place in a rural area and the hotel seems to be sort of vintage. I like the background music that is used to introduce Billie's character, it provides a foreshadowing of Billie's personality. And, I love the dance and pancake happy ending scene at the end. Julia van Braak, the director of this film, really stands out here. You can tell the work and effort that Julia put into making this film into a masterpiece. She directed this film and created the character of Billie similar to her own childhood, which I find interesting. My favorite part is when Billie is hiding in the closet and when she's busted by the inspector, she says, "I am inspecting for woodworms." The film's message is that without family, there is nothing. Families aren't just our blood relatives, they are the people who are close to us in our lives. I give The Little Hotel Detective 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Hafsa H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows an 11-year-old girl named Billie who is spending time at a busy hotel for the holidays with her mom who is the owner of that hotel. An inspector comes to inspect the hotel and Billie's mom is stressed out about that. If it doesn't pass, Billie's mom will have to close the hotel down. Ever since her dad passed away all Billie wants is to have time with her mom, so she begins to investigate and find out who the secret inspector is to help her mother out and be with her like old times. The film is from The Netherlands and the dialogue is in Dutch, with English subtitles. The story develops really well and held my interest. The film is well produced, with good camera work, audio recording, editing and acting. I really like the opening shot of the blue car driving up to the hotel. There are a lot of nuances to this story and it's amazing that they have been told in 21 minutes! Billie is my favorite character, played by Jolene Horowitz. She is adorable and reminds me of Eloise at the Plaza in some ways as she maneuvers her way around the hotel, having fun in a way that only someone completely familiar with it could. I could relate to her wanting to be closer to her mom after her dad passed. I particularly like Billie's detective costume with her oversized coat; it expresses her love for being a detective just like her favorite book series, Sherlock Holmes. We all try to emulate our favorite characters from books and movies, don't we? The film takes place in a rural area and the hotel seems to be sort of vintage. I like the background music that is used to introduce Billie's character, it provides a foreshadowing of Billie's personality. And, I love the dance and pancake happy ending scene at the end. Julia van Braak, the director of this film, really stands out here. You can tell the work and effort that Julia put into making this film into a masterpiece. She directed this film and created the character of Billie similar to her own childhood, which I find interesting. My favorite part is when Billie is hiding in the closet and when she's busted by the inspector, she says, "I am inspecting for woodworms." The film's message is that without family, there is nothing. Families aren't just our blood relatives, they are the people who are close to us in our lives. I give The Little Hotel Detective 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Hafsa H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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GAVIN LEE Series: FOREIGN FEATURE, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - A mentally disabled teenager called Wang Wang like Forrest Gump who longs to "fly" freely on the ice, saves an Oriental white stork abandoned by his mother, and two abandoned children grow up together. After joining the Special Olympics speed skating team, Wang Wang, with the help of his coach and friends, unfolds a story of confrontation and love between "abnormal" and "normal" people. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I enjoyed Super Wang Wang for its positive portrayal of neurodivergent kids participating in sports activities. The film follows Wang Wang (Yuze WU), an autistic boy who has a talent for ice skating. Fang Dan (Yujun Fan), a Chinese former world champion ice skater, helps coach neurodivergent kids to ice skate. She takes Wang Wang under her wings and coaches him to the championships. After joining the Special Olympics speed skating team, Wang Wang unfolds a story of confrontation and love between "abnormal" and "normal" people. The dialogue is in Chinese with English subtitles. This film starts showing Coach Fang teaching kids, including Wang Wang, how to roller blade to get them accustomed to the feeling of the blades. Next she takes them to an ice rink, but only Wang Wang can grasp it. Eventually everyone catches on and Coach Fang coaches the kids to compete in competitions, starting with local ones and expanding to national ones. The production is beautifully made; the director's skills are obvious with the great video and audio quality. Hats off to Lingshou Kong. I particularly like the close-ups when all the kids are skating and we see the determination on their faces. The main characters are Coach Fang, Wang Wang, and Wang Wang's father, Wangchun (Binlong Pan). Coach Fang is portrayed with a caring heart and the passion of a coach. Wangchun starts the film with a dry attitude and a disregard for his health, but this changes when Wang Wang starts training. Wang Wang is portrayed as a happy and active kid with a natural talent for ice skating. This film takes place in modern-day China and was completed in 2024. The background music is interesting; it is in Chinese with children's voices. I commend the film's creator for choosing to make a film about neurodivergent individuals; it must take a lot of work, and the results here are commendable. My two favorite scenes are definitely the montage scenes because you can see how much work these kids put in. The film's message is that we are all able to reach our goals; sometimes we need a little boost from our friends and family. Note that there is some mild profanity, scenes of alcohol consumption and some condescension towards Wang Wang. Near the beginning, when Coach and Wangchun meet for the first time, they say ass and bullshit. Also, Wangchun is shown drinking and gets drunk enough to go to the hospital. At another point, when Wang Wang meets other kids they call him stupid and idiot. I give Super Wang Want 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Zamyra G., KIDS FIRST! The film follows Wang Wang (Yuze WU), an autistic boy who has a talent for ice skating. Fang Dan (Yujun Fan), a Chinese former world champion ice skater, helps coach neurodivergent kids to ice skate. She takes Wang Wang under her wings and coaches him to the championships. After joining the Special Olympics speed skating team, Wang Wang unfolds a story of confrontation and love between "abnormal" and "normal" people. The dialogue is in Chinese with English subtitles. This film starts showing Coach Fang teaching kids, including Wang Wang, how to roller blade to get them accustomed to the feeling of the blades. Next she takes them to an ice rink, but only Wang Wang can grasp it. Eventually everyone catches on and Coach Fang coaches the kids to compete in competitions, starting with local ones and expanding to national ones. The production is beautifully made; the director's skills are obvious with the great video and audio quality. Hats off to Lingshou Kong. I particularly like the close-ups when all the kids are skating and we see the determination on their faces. The main characters are Coach Fang, Wang Wang, and Wang Wang's father, Wangchun (Binlong Pan). Coach Fang is portrayed with a caring heart and the passion of a coach. Wangchun starts the film with a dry attitude and a disregard for his health, but this changes when Wang Wang starts training. Wang Wang is portrayed as a happy and active kid with a natural talent for ice skating. This film takes place in modern-day China and was completed in 2024. The background music is interesting; it is in Chinese with children's voices. I commend the film's creator for choosing to make a film about neurodivergent individuals; it must take a lot of work, and the results here are commendable. My two favorite scenes are definitely the montage scenes because you can see how much work these kids put in. The film's message is that we are all able to reach our goals; sometimes we need a little boost from our friends and family. Note that there is some mild profanity, scenes of alcohol consumption and some condescension towards Wang Wang. Near the beginning, when Coach and Wangchun meet for the first time, they say ass and bullshit. Also, Wangchun is shown drinking and gets drunk enough to go to the hospital. At another point, when Wang Wang meets other kids they call him stupid and idiot. I give Super Wang Want 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Zamyra G., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
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NATHALIE LIPPENS Series: FOREIGN DOCUMENTARY, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Johannes is a young athlete with a big dream: to become a Paralympian. His story unfolds when he joins for the first time a training camp abroad, without parents. Through his dedication, he not only makes great strides as an athlete but also gains more independence. Along the way, he meets C�cile, a fellow wheelchair athlete who shares the same ambition. A warm friendship develops between them. Paralympic champion Peter Genyn, who won gold in Tokyo, also plays a role in supporting Johannes on his journey--both in sport and in life. But the true narrator of this story is Roller, Johannes's loyal old wheelchair. From Roller's unique point of view, we follow Johannes's path to greatness. Roller shows us how Johannes grows, but also faces a challenge of his own: the arrival of a shiny new sports wheelchair--an unexpected rival... KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I absolutely love this film! Roller is a deeply inspirational short film that delivers a powerful message about resilience and dreaming big. The brilliant concept of telling the story from the perspective of a talking wheelchair is not only hilarious but also provides surprisingly insightful commentary on the journey of an athlete. The storyline follows Johannes, a dedicated young German athlete who harbors the dream of becoming a Paralympian. His ambition begins to take shape when he joins his first track training camp in Belgium. The most unique aspect of the film is its narrator: Roller, Johannes's trusty, everyday wheelchair. Roller becomes the comic voice of the film, but also an emotional one, especially when he grows jealous of the sleek new competitive chair that Johannes begins using in training. The plot tracks Johannes's journey from packing his bags at home all the way to his final Paralympian race, showing the support he receives from new friends at the training facility who inspire him along the way. The film's concept--rooted in the real-life story of a boy named Johannes--is fantastic. Director Nathalie was inspired to make this tribute to a boy from his hometown who was paralyzed in a car accident at age two, to show that no matter what challenges life presents, you can still achieve greatness. The camera work is clear and effective. I particularly enjoyed the mesmerizing shots of the ocean, which offered a beautiful, meditative break from the intensity of the track training. The visual impact of the red German national team jerseys worn by Johannes and his friends at the camp was strong and unifying. The highlight of the film is undoubtedly the characterization of Roller, the talking wheelchair. Roller's humorous sound effects and clever commentary inject tremendous humor and personality into the story, making the film engaging and truly interesting to watch. I highly recommend this film for its innovative storytelling, clear message, and laugh-out-loud narrator. Roller is a tribute to achievement and tenacity. The film's ultimate message--that no physical hurdle can stop you from chasing and achieving your goals--is delivered beautifully, culminating in an extremely inspirational ending. The film's message is that no matter what life throws at you, you can still achieve your goals and dreams. I give Roller 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Hafsa H., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows Johannes, a dedicated young German athlete who harbors the dream of becoming a Paralympian. His ambition begins to take shape when he joins his first track training camp in Belgium. The most unique aspect of the film is its narrator: Roller, Johannes's trusty, everyday wheelchair. Roller becomes the comic voice of the film, but also an emotional one, especially when he grows jealous of the sleek new competitive chair that Johannes begins using in training. The plot tracks Johannes's journey from packing his bags at home all the way to his final Paralympian race, showing the support he receives from new friends at the training facility who inspire him along the way. The film's concept--rooted in the real-life story of a boy named Johannes--is fantastic. Director Nathalie was inspired to make this tribute to a boy from his hometown who was paralyzed in a car accident at age two, to show that no matter what challenges life presents, you can still achieve greatness. The camera work is clear and effective. I particularly enjoyed the mesmerizing shots of the ocean, which offered a beautiful, meditative break from the intensity of the track training. The visual impact of the red German national team jerseys worn by Johannes and his friends at the camp was strong and unifying. The highlight of the film is undoubtedly the characterization of Roller, the talking wheelchair. Roller's humorous sound effects and clever commentary inject tremendous humor and personality into the story, making the film engaging and truly interesting to watch. I highly recommend this film for its innovative storytelling, clear message, and laugh-out-loud narrator. Roller is a tribute to achievement and tenacity. The film's ultimate message--that no physical hurdle can stop you from chasing and achieving your goals--is delivered beautifully, culminating in an extremely inspirational ending. The film's message is that no matter what life throws at you, you can still achieve your goals and dreams. I give Roller 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Hafsa H., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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ALISON TEAL Series: INDIE DOCUMENTARY, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - From her Home Sweet Treehouse in Hawaii to the storm-swept cliffs of Northern Ireland, filmmaker and adventurer Alison Teal sets out to uncover the haunting legend of a ghost in a crumbling seaside castle perched above a mysterious mermaid cave. Joined by local legend and big-wave surfer Al Mennie, known from the Game of Thrones universe, Alison journeys by horseback, surfboard, and foot through sea caves, towering cliffs, and eerie forests in search of the fabled Lady in White. Their shocking yet heartfelt discovery blurs the line between myth and reality, revealing timeless lessons about courage, connection, and the unseen forces that may guide us all - proving that magic is still alive in our coconuts world. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Ghost of Dunluce Castle is far from a typical documentary. Scripted more like an adventure travelogue--think Anthony Bourdain meets ghost hunters on surfboards--it seamlessly blends high-stakes exploration with ancient Irish legend. The film opens in Hawaii, where accomplished environmental filmmaker and explorer Alison Teal reveals her long-held fascination with Northern Ireland's mystical Mermaid Cave. To investigate the fabled Lady in White who haunts Dunluce Castle, Alison partners with local big wave surfer and fellow explorer, Al Mennie (Game of Thrones, 100 Foot Wave). We follow Alison and Al as they travel across the magical, mystical Irish cliffs on horseback, foot, and surfboard to Dunluce Castle, the origin of the legend of Maeve Rose. Maeve was a maiden locked away in the tower by her disapproving father; she and her lover drowned attempting to escape through Mermaid Cave during a storm. The documentary features a dramatic reenactment of this tragic escape, as Alison and Al replicate the lovers' treacherous path from the high cliffs to the sea. They paddle along the shore and manage to enter the Mermaid Cave from the ocean side. The camera crew must have struggled greatly to follow them down that risky route, especially as a storm began to roll in! After cleaning up trash they find in the cave to create an improvised torch, the explorers emerge to spend the night locked away in the very castle tower where Maeve was imprisoned. As the Aurora Borealis illuminates the night sky, they never see the ghost--until they are both safely back home. While reviewing the photos from their trip, Alison and Al discover something that strongly resembles the ghost of Maeve in multiple shots. It beautifully suggests that the spirit was perhaps guiding their journey all along>The Ghost of Dunluce Castle is a thrilling and unique documentary. Its powerful message is to always keep curious, keep exploring, and protect the world's oceans. With its beautiful scenery and blend of history, adventure, and lighthearted spookiness, I highly recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic The film opens in Hawaii, where accomplished environmental filmmaker and explorer Alison Teal reveals her long-held fascination with Northern Ireland's mystical Mermaid Cave. To investigate the fabled Lady in White who haunts Dunluce Castle, Alison partners with local big wave surfer and fellow explorer, Al Mennie (Game of Thrones, 100 Foot Wave). We follow Alison and Al as they travel across the magical, mystical Irish cliffs on horseback, foot, and surfboard to Dunluce Castle, the origin of the legend of Maeve Rose. Maeve was a maiden locked away in the tower by her disapproving father; she and her lover drowned attempting to escape through Mermaid Cave during a storm. The documentary features a dramatic reenactment of this tragic escape, as Alison and Al replicate the lovers' treacherous path from the high cliffs to the sea. They paddle along the shore and manage to enter the Mermaid Cave from the ocean side. The camera crew must have struggled greatly to follow them down that risky route, especially as a storm began to roll in! After cleaning up trash they find in the cave to create an improvised torch, the explorers emerge to spend the night locked away in the very castle tower where Maeve was imprisoned. As the Aurora Borealis illuminates the night sky, they never see the ghost--until they are both safely back home. While reviewing the photos from their trip, Alison and Al discover something that strongly resembles the ghost of Maeve in multiple shots. It beautifully suggests that the spirit was perhaps guiding their journey all along>The Ghost of Dunluce Castle is a thrilling and unique documentary. Its powerful message is to always keep curious, keep exploring, and protect the world's oceans. With its beautiful scenery and blend of history, adventure, and lighthearted spookiness, I highly recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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POWERSPLASH PROJECT Series: INDIE SHORT AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - A joyful music video for the Holiday Season! KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Well, this got me up and dancing! Very upbeat holiday theme with terrific music by the same name from Jeff Meegan, David Tobin, and Mark Armstrong. This short film set to the song by the same name is toe-tapping fun. The images are a montage of holiday type preparations by Santa and his helpers as well as kids and families of every type - old and young, varied races, in lots of different places. I love seeing Santa on a surfboard and dogs with hats on. The film's theme focuses on families and Santa preparing for a splendid Christmas holiday. I give Working for Santa Claus 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This short film set to the song by the same name is toe-tapping fun. The images are a montage of holiday type preparations by Santa and his helpers as well as kids and families of every type - old and young, varied races, in lots of different places. I love seeing Santa on a surfboard and dogs with hats on. The film's theme focuses on families and Santa preparing for a splendid Christmas holiday. I give Working for Santa Claus 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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JOHAN HASS Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - A young boy dreams of a bicycle, but when he finally earns enough money, he chooses to buy something for his father instead, a decision that leads to an unexpected, heartwarming reward. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Oh, this is such a sweet story, told without any dialogue but we easily get the message. The storyline follows a young boy who dreams of getting a bicycle and gets a job as a delivery boy, which he does on his skateboard, to earn money for it. However, when he earns enough money to purchase it, something else becomes a priority and he buys a gift for his father instead. That selfless act has its own surprise award. What a lovely piece of animation, beautifully constructed with the just the right amount of details like the boy's eyebrow movements. The story unfolds at a reasonable pace and is easy to follow it, even without any dialogue. The background music is well selected and helps enhance the tone of the various scenes as they unfold. In the end, when the boy presents his gift to his father and the father pulls out one for him - we are all surprised and delighted. It's such a statement about the kindness of taking care of each other. The film's message is about how doing good has its own rewards. I give The Bicycle Wish 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows a young boy who dreams of getting a bicycle and gets a job as a delivery boy, which he does on his skateboard, to earn money for it. However, when he earns enough money to purchase it, something else becomes a priority and he buys a gift for his father instead. That selfless act has its own surprise award. What a lovely piece of animation, beautifully constructed with the just the right amount of details like the boy's eyebrow movements. The story unfolds at a reasonable pace and is easy to follow it, even without any dialogue. The background music is well selected and helps enhance the tone of the various scenes as they unfold. In the end, when the boy presents his gift to his father and the father pulls out one for him - we are all surprised and delighted. It's such a statement about the kindness of taking care of each other. The film's message is about how doing good has its own rewards. I give The Bicycle Wish 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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ANNA KADYKOVA Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Did you know that from the top of a pineapple you can grow a new pineapple--and so on, forever? Funny Sri Lankan animal friends grow a pineapple and dance. A bright and colorful reflection on the infinity of nature. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Ananasi is a vibrant and truly energetic short animated film. I enjoyed every minute of it, and the upbeat tempo definitely had me ready to get out of my seat and move! The film's central theme is deceptively simple: it's about how to grow a pineapple from the top of an old one. But it's far more engaging than a simple science lesson. The story introduces a group of wonderfully fun Sri Lankan animals who decide the best way to spend the six months it takes for a new pineapple to grow is by having a giant, continuous dance party! That's a lot of dancing, and it works perfectly. The animation is bright, colorful, and highly stylized. The background music is incredibly upbeat and entirely danceable, making the whole experience feel like a continuous celebration. The narration is pleasant and easy to follow, making the film ideal for younger viewers. While Ananasi isn't a scientific guide, it's certainly inspirational--I know I'm now tempted to try growing my own pineapple! The film's message is a blend of practical learning and emotional patience: It teaches you how to start a new project (growing the fruit) and how to handle the long wait with joy (by dancing and having fun). This is a fun, positive animated short that would be fantastic as interstitial programming at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. I give Ananasi 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST! The film's central theme is deceptively simple: it's about how to grow a pineapple from the top of an old one. But it's far more engaging than a simple science lesson. The story introduces a group of wonderfully fun Sri Lankan animals who decide the best way to spend the six months it takes for a new pineapple to grow is by having a giant, continuous dance party! That's a lot of dancing, and it works perfectly. The animation is bright, colorful, and highly stylized. The background music is incredibly upbeat and entirely danceable, making the whole experience feel like a continuous celebration. The narration is pleasant and easy to follow, making the film ideal for younger viewers. While Ananasi isn't a scientific guide, it's certainly inspirational--I know I'm now tempted to try growing my own pineapple! The film's message is a blend of practical learning and emotional patience: It teaches you how to start a new project (growing the fruit) and how to handle the long wait with joy (by dancing and having fun). This is a fun, positive animated short that would be fantastic as interstitial programming at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. I give Ananasi 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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CHEE HO Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - The story of the world's first visual storyteller. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a lovely animated film reflecting on Native American storytellers. The 2D animation, backed by a terrific soundtrack, tells this story without any dialogue and you can easily understand it. I love how we witness the community pretty much through the eyes of a boy / young man who is guided to become the storyteller of his people. Through him we see the hunting of buffalos, the attack of wild cats, the sickness of an elder, the kindness of a young woman, his extraction from the village and discovering ocher as a way to make images on the wall of a cave. The animation is simple and effective in telling the story, with things such as closeups of people's eyes, eyebrows lifting. The film's message is about our history and how storytelling came about with Native people. I give Ocher 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The 2D animation, backed by a terrific soundtrack, tells this story without any dialogue and you can easily understand it. I love how we witness the community pretty much through the eyes of a boy / young man who is guided to become the storyteller of his people. Through him we see the hunting of buffalos, the attack of wild cats, the sickness of an elder, the kindness of a young woman, his extraction from the village and discovering ocher as a way to make images on the wall of a cave. The animation is simple and effective in telling the story, with things such as closeups of people's eyes, eyebrows lifting. The film's message is about our history and how storytelling came about with Native people. I give Ocher 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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CIVIC STUDIOS Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Ori, a boy teased for his odd habit of collecting little things, stumbles upon a garbage-strewn beach near his home. What begins as a mission to collect unique bottle caps and win a contest, soon grows into a community effort, drawing neighbors, friends, and strangers together to clean the beach. As the beach slowly transforms, Ori discovers the power of small actions and shared hope, culminating in a quiet miracle that changes everything. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - An adaptation of Nandita da Cunha's 2023 book of the same name, Miracle on Kachua Beach, I wish that this film didn't rely so heavily on AI tools to make this animated film, but it is authentic to the original story, which is commendable. The film centers around Ori, a boy whose hobby of making organized collections makes him the subject of ridicule by bullies at his school. After receiving a Limelight Star cap from a crow, the collection of which would brand him India's "Limelight Star," Ori sees it as his mission to retrieve as many of these caps as possible. The crow leads him to Kachua Beach (Turtle Beach). But upon arriving, what was once Kachua Beach has become Kachra Beach--a beach of garbage, with mountains of garbage everywhere and from which the public is not allowed. Undeterred by the seemingly impossible task before him, Ori reaches out to friends and family to return the beach to its former glory. This film is from India, with dialogue in Hindi and English subtitles. At first, I was disappointed that the animation was AI generated as I felt that it works against the pro-human, pro-environmentalist message of the story. However, the story is certainly worthy of our attention and honors the events that initiated this story. The film was inspired by the real-life story of Afroz Shah - a lawyer who successfully led one of the largest beach clean-up efforts in the world - bringing together over 200,000 people to restore the shoreline - and it shows that anything is possible as long as one puts their mind to it. As a short film, the plot develops rapidly, but it's easy for viewers to pick up on these points and relate to them. Ori doesn't start out to be a hero, he just wants to collect enough bottle caps to win a competition. However, Ori's persistence in making Kachua Beach clean again speaks to those yearning to make a difference and who care for the well-being of our planet. The film falters somewhat in the visual department, with the AI-generated animation resulting in uncanny visuals such as Ori's legs changing from back-facing to front-facing in the scene where he's dancing, Ori's expression when he smells the beach, and similar. But, the essence of the story is what's most important. My favorite part is when the Olive Ridley turtles return to Kachua Beach after it is restored, an event that occurred in real life at a beach in Versova, Mumbai. The film's message is about the value of determination and self-expression. These two qualities, regardless of one's identity, hold significance and are worth cultivating. It's a reminder to never give up, no matter what. I give Miracle on Kachua Beach 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Christian C. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The film centers around Ori, a boy whose hobby of making organized collections makes him the subject of ridicule by bullies at his school. After receiving a Limelight Star cap from a crow, the collection of which would brand him India's "Limelight Star," Ori sees it as his mission to retrieve as many of these caps as possible. The crow leads him to Kachua Beach (Turtle Beach). But upon arriving, what was once Kachua Beach has become Kachra Beach--a beach of garbage, with mountains of garbage everywhere and from which the public is not allowed. Undeterred by the seemingly impossible task before him, Ori reaches out to friends and family to return the beach to its former glory. This film is from India, with dialogue in Hindi and English subtitles. At first, I was disappointed that the animation was AI generated as I felt that it works against the pro-human, pro-environmentalist message of the story. However, the story is certainly worthy of our attention and honors the events that initiated this story. The film was inspired by the real-life story of Afroz Shah - a lawyer who successfully led one of the largest beach clean-up efforts in the world - bringing together over 200,000 people to restore the shoreline - and it shows that anything is possible as long as one puts their mind to it. As a short film, the plot develops rapidly, but it's easy for viewers to pick up on these points and relate to them. Ori doesn't start out to be a hero, he just wants to collect enough bottle caps to win a competition. However, Ori's persistence in making Kachua Beach clean again speaks to those yearning to make a difference and who care for the well-being of our planet. The film falters somewhat in the visual department, with the AI-generated animation resulting in uncanny visuals such as Ori's legs changing from back-facing to front-facing in the scene where he's dancing, Ori's expression when he smells the beach, and similar. But, the essence of the story is what's most important. My favorite part is when the Olive Ridley turtles return to Kachua Beach after it is restored, an event that occurred in real life at a beach in Versova, Mumbai. The film's message is about the value of determination and self-expression. These two qualities, regardless of one's identity, hold significance and are worth cultivating. It's a reminder to never give up, no matter what. I give Miracle on Kachua Beach 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Christian C. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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ARANZA BERGES NAVARRETE Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Two friends embark on an adventure to visit sculptures around the world. As they experience art and beauty together, their relationship blossoms and evolves. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a lovely little animated film, so filled with meaning in such a short time. I completely relate to it on many levels. The storyline follows two strangers who become friends as they embark on an adventure visiting sculptures around the world. As their travels expand, they grow closer until they don't and we are faced with what happens when what brought us together with another person no longer sustains our relationship with them. The 2D animation is simple and effective, with colorful backgrounds and clearly defined characters. The story has minimal dialogue, but it's very effective. Plus, the background music helps create various moods throughout the film. I felt happy as the two people came together to explore a mutual interest in art and sad when one suddenly lost interest. However, the other sustains its interest on its own, and finds satisfaction in its own pursuit -- even imagining that its friend morphed from one of the sculptures. It's a great analogy for how friendships come together but don't always last forever as people change and move on. The film's message is about adapting to change and staying centered in oneself. I give Shapes of Us 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows two strangers who become friends as they embark on an adventure visiting sculptures around the world. As their travels expand, they grow closer until they don't and we are faced with what happens when what brought us together with another person no longer sustains our relationship with them. The 2D animation is simple and effective, with colorful backgrounds and clearly defined characters. The story has minimal dialogue, but it's very effective. Plus, the background music helps create various moods throughout the film. I felt happy as the two people came together to explore a mutual interest in art and sad when one suddenly lost interest. However, the other sustains its interest on its own, and finds satisfaction in its own pursuit -- even imagining that its friend morphed from one of the sculptures. It's a great analogy for how friendships come together but don't always last forever as people change and move on. The film's message is about adapting to change and staying centered in oneself. I give Shapes of Us 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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KURT SHAW Series: FOREIGN FEATURE, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - When Kalu and Teresa see bulldozers destroying the jungle near their homes, the twelve year old girls suspect the village priest. Rifling through an ancient steam chest In the church sacristy, they find plans to dam the river, but also arrow-heads, a head-dress, and photos of the indigenous people who once inhabited the area. Inspired by the spirits of their native and migrant ancestors, the girls climb the dramatic mountains above town and throw themselves in front of the bulldozers to save their beloved waterfall and swimming hole. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love The Treasure of Aiur�. The background music really enhances the storyline and adds emotion to the film. I also appreciate that the dialogue is in Portuguese, since it's from Brazil and addresses the Indigenous people in Brazil. The story line follows two 12-year-old girls, Kalu (Fernanda T�do Mongc�nnan) and Teresa (Helena Iara da Silva Shaw) who see bulldozers destroying the land, including a waterfall that is beloved by their community. The girls suspect that the village priest, Father Agenor (Fernando Alves Pinto) has something to do with this. Now, the girls have to stop the destruction and they discover the history of the land and their ancestors. The plot is easy to follow and the dialogue is in Portuguese and subtitled in English, but sometimes the subtitles are missing. This is very well produced with excellent camerawork, audio recording and editing. The main characters are Teresa and Kalu. The both have a burning desire to save the land, even though it's beyond their control. Throughout this film, the attire is typical of what present day people wear, they characters use cell phones and the bulldozer is very contemporary There is one scene where we see indigenous clothing and facial makeup. This happens when Kalu discovers her ancestors are Indigenous. The background music has such an important role in the film from acoustic melodies with brass and woodwind instruments to Indigenous chants or songs. I give credit to the director, Rita de C�cia Oenning da Silva, for bringing this film together, often using stories told to her by her mother. She incorporates the Indigenous culture into the film respectfully and beautifully. My favorite part is how the film teaches us a valuable lesson of enjoying life not for the riches, but for the things we learn and the people we meet on the way. The film's message is that the treasure we seek isn't always riches and gold. The treasure is learning about who we are and who are our ancestors were. I give The Treasure of Aiur� 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Zamyra G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story line follows two 12-year-old girls, Kalu (Fernanda T�do Mongc�nnan) and Teresa (Helena Iara da Silva Shaw) who see bulldozers destroying the land, including a waterfall that is beloved by their community. The girls suspect that the village priest, Father Agenor (Fernando Alves Pinto) has something to do with this. Now, the girls have to stop the destruction and they discover the history of the land and their ancestors. The plot is easy to follow and the dialogue is in Portuguese and subtitled in English, but sometimes the subtitles are missing. This is very well produced with excellent camerawork, audio recording and editing. The main characters are Teresa and Kalu. The both have a burning desire to save the land, even though it's beyond their control. Throughout this film, the attire is typical of what present day people wear, they characters use cell phones and the bulldozer is very contemporary There is one scene where we see indigenous clothing and facial makeup. This happens when Kalu discovers her ancestors are Indigenous. The background music has such an important role in the film from acoustic melodies with brass and woodwind instruments to Indigenous chants or songs. I give credit to the director, Rita de C�cia Oenning da Silva, for bringing this film together, often using stories told to her by her mother. She incorporates the Indigenous culture into the film respectfully and beautifully. My favorite part is how the film teaches us a valuable lesson of enjoying life not for the riches, but for the things we learn and the people we meet on the way. The film's message is that the treasure we seek isn't always riches and gold. The treasure is learning about who we are and who are our ancestors were. I give The Treasure of Aiur� 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Zamyra G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
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This title has online video!
AMAZON STUDIOS Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - Sarah's Oil is inspired by the remarkable true story of Sarah Rector, an African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s, who believes there is oil beneath the barren land she's allotted and whose faith is proven right. As greedy oil sharks close in, Sarah turns to her family, friends, and some Texas wildcatters to maintain control of her oil-rich land, eventually becoming among the nation's first female African American millionaires-at eleven years old. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Sarah's Oil brings to life the inspiring story of Sarah Rector, a real-life figure whose determination and faith propelled her into history. I was truly unaware of this incredible narrative before viewing the film, and it is inspiring in multiple ways--from its strong faith-based core to the sheer strength of an 11-year-old girl standing up for her rights during a tumultuous era. The story follows Sarah Rector, a young African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s. As a Black grandchild of Creek Indians, she was allotted 160 acres of land under the Dawes Allotment Act of 1887. While the land appeared barren, Sarah firmly believed there was oil beneath the surface. At a time when oil wildcatters were rampant in Oklahoma and Texas, Sarah had to fiercely fight for what was rightfully hers. She eventually succeeded, becoming the first female African American millionaire at the age of eleven. Kudos to Cyrus Nowrasteh for co-producing, co-writing, and directing this essential piece of history. The cast is wonderful, especially Naya Desir-Johnson as Sarah and Zachary Levi as Bert. The film opens powerfully with Sarah accepting the deed and immediately expressing her faith-filled conviction about the land's potential. She finds an unlikely ally and protector in the local wildcatter, Bert (Zachary Levi). Levi excels as the scoundrel with a good heart--unreliable at times, but ultimately redeeming himself as he supports Sarah against the local oil company, led by Garret Dillahunt. The performance of Naya Desir-Johnson stands out, flawlessly balancing Sarah's deep faith and innocence while demonstrating a fierce refusal to take flak from anyone. The pervasive racism of the era is evident, though it is handled sensitively for a broader audience. Sarah's Oil is an enjoyable and profoundly moving experience. Its message about faith, family, and legacy is an uplifting one that will surely brighten your day at the movies. With a powerful true story and exceptional performances, it earns a high recommendation. I give Sarah's Oil 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters November 7, 2025. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer The storyline follows a young African American girl, Sarah (Naya Desir-Johnson), who is determined to find oil on her land. Not only does she find oil, but unfortunately, she finds enemies too. She must not only deal with greedy crooks in the oil business, but she must also deal with great loss. This movie takes place in Oklahoma, in 1931, a time when racism and persecution were pretty predominant towards people of color. The entire cast is convincing, but Naya Desir-Johnson especially stands out, because her performance feels so real - her emotions jump right off the screen. Mel Rodriguez's portrayal of Mace perfectly captures the dramatic flair that the script calls for. Kenric Green, as Sarah's father Joe portrays a loving father figure wonderfully; he emanates paternal instincts. Kudos to Johnny Derango, the director of photography, and the entire cinematography department. All the shots are so perfectly framed; I felt as if I was right there observing all that was going on. The character development and the pace of the film are spot on. As I am half Black myself, I resonated with the messages of equal rights in this film. Hats off to Cyrus Nowrasteh for bringing this story to our attention and to the producers and crew for their sensitive delivery. I love the settings of the various scenes as they really match the mood of the story. Plus, the background music is well selected for the times and the topic. This movie teaches great lessons about equality and persistence that are important for everyone to learn. My favorite part is when oil rains down on Sarah because it reminds me of when I get to play in the rain and we see how her faith has delivered the oil she predicted was on her land. The film's messages are to treat everyone equally and never back down from what's right. Take note that there is some profanity, lots of violence, and a murder. I give Sarah's Oil 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It opens in theaters on November 7, 2025. By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12 Sarah's Oil is a dramatic time period piece. The acting is well done and the plot is very interesting - one I was unaware of. But I wanted more historical information from it. Sarah's Oil is a dramatic film set in the early 1900s which follows the real life story of Sarah Rector (Naya Desir-Johnson). After inheriting a massive plot of land, due to birthright as a Black grandchild of Creek Indians, she believes that there is a large bank of oil underneath her land. After following her gut instincts and persevering through hardships, eleven-year-old Sarah turns out to be right about her hunch and becomes America's first African-American millionaire. I found the story very interesting. I had never heard of Sarah Rector's story before watching this movie, and the film left me wanting to learn more about her life. The acting from both Naya Desir-Johnson and Zachary Levi really elevates the film. Both actors take on thick Southern accents and manage to maintain them throughout the entire movie, staying fully in character even during the most intense scenes while still maintaining great chemistry. Their characters, Sarah and Bert, originally meet inside of a cafe and end up crossing paths again shortly after. During this meeting, Sarah asks Bert to help her lead the journey in extracting all that oil. Eventually the two grow very close, with Bert acting as a business mentor for Sarah. While the plot is captivating, there are a few issues that broke the illusion of the 1900s setting. For instance, many people treat Sarah unusually kindly for that time period. While there is an attempt to showcase the racism that she and her family faced, it feels inadequate. The film's message focuses on trusting in your faith and having the strength to persevere through tough times. It is an inspiring message, reminding us that nothing good comes easy and that hard work always pays off. Note that there is some minor violence and profanity used. I give Sarah's Oil 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters November 7, 2025. By Tia O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
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This title has online video!
1 SOUL PRODUCTION Series: AUDIO CD FOR AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Doctor Noize's latest song and music video 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song is all about how to write a song! Watch the pure joy kids get from learning about song structure featuring the world's coolest orchestras. The music, lyrics and orchestration by Doctor Noize Recording are performed by Doctor Noize, Anton Schwartz, the Colorado Children's Chorale and the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. The single is off of his upcoming retrospective album Positive Energy! 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song is shared alongside a purely warm fuzzy nostalgia music video by acclaimed director Sidney Cullinan and features footage from 15+ years of Doctor Noize shows and recordings. Doctor Noize confides, "This video is like a big love letter to the people I have had the privilege of recording and performing for and with." KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song showcases a clinic in bringing together a variety of disciplines to accomplish an artist retrospective wrapped up in a teachable song moment. When you are given practical tools to write your own songs, I would imagine follow up workshops would be a blast. On the surface this is a children's song -- bright, bouncy, fun for car-rides. But peel back the confetti and you'll discover it's far more: a sly, joyous tutorial in how songs are built, disguised in the kind of melody that has kids tapping their feet and adults nodding along with satisfaction. What sets this apart? First, the scale -- Doctor Noize doesn't shy away from orchestral ambition: the participation of the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, the Colorado Children's Chorale and jazz saxophonist Anton Schwartz add texture, depth and a genuine "big stage" feel. Trust me, when you hear the swell of the strings and then the children's chorus jump in--you realize this isn't kids' music cut from the usual cloth. Yet, Doctor Noize balances it with approachability. The concept is smart, but inclusive: counting one through seven becomes a map of song-sections (verse, chorus, bridge, etc.). Kids pick up the rhythm; parents pick up the structure, and everyone leaves humming something they didn't know they'd learned. It's sneak-syllabus: art plus edutainment without the scare-quotes. This seasoned artist definitely knows his audience and leads the proceedings like a pied piper maestro. Production-wise this is crisp, exuberant, and lively. You hear the energy of the children's voices, the richness of the orchestra, and just enough jazz flourishes to keep it fresh. The key change? The hook? The moment when everything clicks? It's there, and it's satisfying. The structure is sound, no pun intended, because he outlines from 1 to 7 the structure of writing a song. And then there's the birthday release angle: dropping such a song on the artist's own birthday (October 30) gives it a little extra sparkle -- like a party you're invited to whether you know it or not. If I were to pick a minor note -- in the sea of children's music, ambitious cross-genre pieces still run the risk of "too big" for little ears -- so my guess is the song's success will lean heavily on how the arrangements support repetition and accessibility. But in this case, Doctor Noize seems more than up for the job. Verdict: "1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song" isn't just another counting tune -- it's a milestone in kids' music; it's intelligent, fun, and fully produced. It's the kind of song that makes you want to press replay in the car, let the chorus buzz through the house, and maybe, just maybe, you find yourself tapping along, picking up something you didn't know you were learning. I highly recommend this. It is a music video retrospective of the artist's career through music and song. I give 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By John Wood, KIDS FIRST! Music Critic Although the target audience may not all be musically-inclined, the song acts as a gateway to inspire a new generation of young, aspiring artists who don't know where to begin. It reviews integral aspects of music theory, such as the bridge, chorus, verse, and similar. Due to its repetitive nature, and easy-to-remember lyrics, it acts as an effective tool for young ones to grasp what comprises the music they listen to. Besides this, the video features nostalgic clips that fans may recognize from Doctor Noize's earlier music career, to the present. Doctor Noize, who is the lead singer, delivers an amusing, pitch-perfect performance while infusing educational value into the music. His collaboration with the Colorado Children's Chorale and the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra are what make his music feel complete, as it contributes to the climax of the song. At the beginning, the song starts off bare, and then as it progresses, there is more buildup in the instrumentation and vocals from the choir. The saxophone, which is the most soloistic, adds elements of jazz, creating variety among the range of sounds that are heard. From a technical standpoint, the video execution is also well done, as it contains a unique element of contrasting effects, based on the way it was edited. In other words, the structure of the video constantly alternates between Doctor Noize's past and present career, portraying juxtaposition. Whenever clips from his past performances are shown, they are followed by clips from the present-day that depict him reflecting upon the glory days of the past while singing in an empty theatre. To older viewers who grew up with his music, this subtle nuance is what makes it far from being a simple song about music theory. Instead, it is more like a love-letter to the fans. The song conveys the message of how music is universal in a sense. This is seen through the clips that alternate between different performance venues, containing young audience members from all over becoming united with his tunes. Also, it proves that if you understand the structure of what makes up a song, the listening experience is more fulfilling. I give 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song 4.0 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 A Song is available on all major music platforms now. By Ilana O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: AUDIO |
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EDUARDO LUENGO Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - A hippie adolescence, a cybernetic future or the confines of the universe were preferable to a future without horizon, in a brainless and decadent era'. This is how Pablo explains his friends' motivation to flee in search of a better future, somewhere else. He will help them find the way, which will not be exactly the one they had anticipated. This is a story of integration and self-acceptance, which reminds us that --the great barriers on life are psychological. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The One, The Other and Those From Beyond has a memorable cast speaking profound ideas with such childlike innocence. The cinematography is crisp and well edited, while the entire story is carried throughout by a fantastic classical film score - front to back. Hats off to Director and writer, Edwardo Garcia Luengo and his remarkable team The storyline is about a group of five boys who have concocted a theory that they are from the future, the past or somewhere in between. They discover that Nostradamus may have given a clue to how they can leave their boring, adolescent lives and move onto another planet or plane. Pablo, the wise boy who does not want to leave his family and town, nevertheless helps the others learn and understand the lessons of their journey. The film is from Spain with dialogue in Spanish with English closed captions. The One, The Other and Those From Beyond is a magical realism story that makes viewers think about what the heck is happening! The cinematography and music are married to the story, while each character is likable and truly interesting. The script has philosophical concepts beyond the age level of the boys, but their acting is so good that the story works. It took a little bit to get drawn into the film, because the narrator, Pablo, describes each of his friends in relation to their perceived past--these two are extraterrestrials, that one is from a future galaxy, and similar -all while ordinary scenes at school and home are shown. Once everything falls into place, a delightful and joyous feeling prevails. Credit goes to the brilliance of the director, writer, and producer, Edwardo Luengo! This film unravels a fantasy suitable for those who can handle unbelievable ideas. Visually, the lush landscapes, gorgeous Spanish architecture, and tiny, ancient streets of the beautiful medieval city of Cuenca draw you in. I loved that the primary mode of transportation for these youngsters is bicycles. I also like Pablo's face--he has an unusual cleft in his forehead and glasses. The orchestral music underscores most of the action scenes. The characters are endearing, because they think they are unwanted, outcasts or superior to society--and express that in such a way that they touch your heart. Kudos to Pablo Izquierdo, Yago de la Iglesia, Jaime Carpintero, Marco Barrio, and Mateo Garcia for great performances. Also, a big shout out goes to Candela Diaz who plays Abby; she is wonderful intermediary between the parents of the boys and her younger 'brothers.' This film invites the viewer to not only think about the ordinary aspects of living--including the spiritual nature of life--but about the quantum possibilities of our origins and connectivity to each other. Thus, it is educationally expansive. I laughed several times and was very curious about how the story would end. The film's message is that each person is different and each of us has our own universe of possibilities within ourselves, but family, friendship and camaraderie are the most important things to a fulfilling life. I give The One, The Other and Those From Beyond 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The only shortcoming for me is that the subtitles move too fast at times, which made it challenging to keep up with. By Nancy K. KIDS FIRST! The storyline is about a group of five boys who have concocted a theory that they are from the future, the past or somewhere in between. They discover that Nostradamus may have given a clue to how they can leave their boring, adolescent lives and move onto another planet or plane. Pablo, the wise boy who does not want to leave his family and town, nevertheless helps the others learn and understand the lessons of their journey. The film is from Spain with dialogue in Spanish with English closed captions. The One, The Other and Those From Beyond is a magical realism story that makes viewers think about what the heck is happening! The cinematography and music are married to the story, while each character is likable and truly interesting. The script has philosophical concepts beyond the age level of the boys, but their acting is so good that the story works. It took a little bit to get drawn into the film, because the narrator, Pablo, describes each of his friends in relation to their perceived past--these two are extraterrestrials, that one is from a future galaxy, and similar -all while ordinary scenes at school and home are shown. Once everything falls into place, a delightful and joyous feeling prevails. Credit goes to the brilliance of the director, writer, and producer, Edwardo Luengo! This film unravels a fantasy suitable for those who can handle unbelievable ideas. Visually, the lush landscapes, gorgeous Spanish architecture, and tiny, ancient streets of the beautiful medieval city of Cuenca draw you in. I loved that the primary mode of transportation for these youngsters is bicycles. I also like Pablo's face--he has an unusual cleft in his forehead and glasses. The orchestral music underscores most of the action scenes. The characters are endearing, because they think they are unwanted, outcasts or superior to society--and express that in such a way that they touch your heart. Kudos to Pablo Izquierdo, Yago de la Iglesia, Jaime Carpintero, Marco Barrio, and Mateo Garcia for great performances. Also, a big shout out goes to Candela Diaz who plays Abby; she is wonderful intermediary between the parents of the boys and her younger 'brothers.' This film invites the viewer to not only think about the ordinary aspects of living--including the spiritual nature of life--but about the quantum possibilities of our origins and connectivity to each other. Thus, it is educationally expansive. I laughed several times and was very curious about how the story would end. The film's message is that each person is different and each of us has our own universe of possibilities within ourselves, but family, friendship and camaraderie are the most important things to a fulfilling life. I give The One, The Other and Those From Beyond 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The only shortcoming for me is that the subtitles move too fast at times, which made it challenging to keep up with. By Nancy K. KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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MIKHAIL MEDVEDEV Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 2-8 Topic - Family Description - Masha and the Bear is a 3-D animated series that captures the hearts of children and adults alike. In this episode, an interesting couple appears in the world of Masha and Bear: Vivi the little witch and her huge Cat. The little witch accidentally turned her grandmother's favorite book of spells into a living frog and now this book must be urgently found and disenchanted before the grandmother notices. Masha is rushing to the rescue! KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I was spellbound by the characters in Masha and Bear: Frogbook! I love the energy and excitement of Masha and her new friend Vivi. This episode really made me want to see more of the series. The story follows Vivi, a young witch, who accidentally turns her grandmother's favorite spell book into a frog which quickly hops away. Vivi and her gigantic, blue Cat chase the frog who is desperately trying to hide in a local pond. Unfortunately Vivi needs to work on her spell casting ability to capture the frog and disenchant it before her grandmother discovers it's missing. Masha follows Bear to the same pond to go fishing. They meet Vivi and Cat and Masha uses her creative problem solving abilities to help Vivi! This short is from the Russian Federation and the dialogue is in English. This production is top notch. The entire episode is 3D animation and it's superb; the magic scenes are particularly fun and creative. The main characters are truly endearing. I really enjoyed the voice-over performances of Sofia Calasso, as Masha and Camila Zapata as Vivi. The intonation, diction and general excitement they bring to their characters is exceptional. The animated scenery is beautiful and detailed in both the indoor and outdoor scenes. The background music really sets the pace and playfulness of each scene. I haven't seen this series before so I don't know how this episode fits in or about the relationships of the characters. This episode is certainly easy to understand and follows a fun progression. I love the scene where Vivi's spells backfire and she ends up chasing the frog only to find that all the frogs in the pond are suspended. This episode is written by Marina Sycheva and it is really creative and fun. I love how Cat is always protecting Vivi and they meet when Masha is interested in Cat's tail. The show's message is that reading is fun and can help you find solutions to problem solving. Being open to friendship is also a theme in this story. I give Masha and Bear: Frogbook 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! The story follows Vivi, a young witch, who accidentally turns her grandmother's favorite spell book into a frog which quickly hops away. Vivi and her gigantic, blue Cat chase the frog who is desperately trying to hide in a local pond. Unfortunately Vivi needs to work on her spell casting ability to capture the frog and disenchant it before her grandmother discovers it's missing. Masha follows Bear to the same pond to go fishing. They meet Vivi and Cat and Masha uses her creative problem solving abilities to help Vivi! This short is from the Russian Federation and the dialogue is in English. This production is top notch. The entire episode is 3D animation and it's superb; the magic scenes are particularly fun and creative. The main characters are truly endearing. I really enjoyed the voice-over performances of Sofia Calasso, as Masha and Camila Zapata as Vivi. The intonation, diction and general excitement they bring to their characters is exceptional. The animated scenery is beautiful and detailed in both the indoor and outdoor scenes. The background music really sets the pace and playfulness of each scene. I haven't seen this series before so I don't know how this episode fits in or about the relationships of the characters. This episode is certainly easy to understand and follows a fun progression. I love the scene where Vivi's spells backfire and she ends up chasing the frog only to find that all the frogs in the pond are suspended. This episode is written by Marina Sycheva and it is really creative and fun. I love how Cat is always protecting Vivi and they meet when Masha is interested in Cat's tail. The show's message is that reading is fun and can help you find solutions to problem solving. Being open to friendship is also a theme in this story. I give Masha and Bear: Frogbook 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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JAMES BARORO Series: FOREIGN COLLEGE STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-8 Topic - Family Description - A cat who loves plane-making joins a local flight show. But is rejected due to his plane's unremarkable appearance. However, when a thunderstorm threatens the fair, the cat proves how far passion takes you. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Love it. I always love the underdog and this one is super charming. The story follows an aviation passion cat whose plane is rejected at the local airshow for not conforming to the aesthetics. Later, when a thunderstorm causes chaos, who comes to the rescue of the dignitaries, but our Passionate Cat! I love the fun style of animation by the college student filmmaker, James Baroro. Well crafted animation and well crafted story as well. All that, combined with a good message, makes this an ideal short film for KIDS FIRST! The film's message is that honesty and hard-work always delivers and to stick by your belief system. I give A Cat's Flight 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows an aviation passion cat whose plane is rejected at the local airshow for not conforming to the aesthetics. Later, when a thunderstorm causes chaos, who comes to the rescue of the dignitaries, but our Passionate Cat! I love the fun style of animation by the college student filmmaker, James Baroro. Well crafted animation and well crafted story as well. All that, combined with a good message, makes this an ideal short film for KIDS FIRST! The film's message is that honesty and hard-work always delivers and to stick by your belief system. I give A Cat's Flight 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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SOYEON KIM Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Two cosmic rivals push their powers to the limit, only to find that a spark of warmth can outshine the fiercest force. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a lovely tale, beautifully told and wonderfully illustrated. The story is adapted from and Aesop's fable, featuring two cosmic rivals - the sun and the wind - who challenge each other in seeing who will be most successful in getting a man to take off his coat. It's really appropriate to see whose power is most effective in this challenge - the wind with its gale like force only motivates the man to wrap his coat around him even tighter whereas the sun provides a welcoming warmth that allows the man to shed his coast and sit down in the sun-filled day. The animation is simple and effective. The narrator's voice is firm and delivers the story in a welcoming way. The background must is subtle and enhances the mood by its gentle presence. The film's message is about the effects of power with the welcoming warmth of the sun being more effective than the gale force of the wind. I give The Sun and The Wind 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story is adapted from and Aesop's fable, featuring two cosmic rivals - the sun and the wind - who challenge each other in seeing who will be most successful in getting a man to take off his coat. It's really appropriate to see whose power is most effective in this challenge - the wind with its gale like force only motivates the man to wrap his coat around him even tighter whereas the sun provides a welcoming warmth that allows the man to shed his coast and sit down in the sun-filled day. The animation is simple and effective. The narrator's voice is firm and delivers the story in a welcoming way. The background must is subtle and enhances the mood by its gentle presence. The film's message is about the effects of power with the welcoming warmth of the sun being more effective than the gale force of the wind. I give The Sun and The Wind 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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YANZHANG SONG Series: INDIE STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - A magical house has long waited for the perfect witch to be its owner--until one stormy night, a traveler with no spells, only a teapot and a warm heart, knocks on its door. Along their journey, a special magic starts to bloom. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoy watching House, Magic and A Teapot for its animation style and for its message. This animated short tells a tale of a magical house (Marjan Navidpour) that has waited a long time to find the "perfect witch" to live inside. One night, a traveler (Madeline Palmer) who has no witch-like powers, asks the house to stay the night. The house reluctantly agrees, on the condition that she leaves by the morning. The next day, the traveler offers to show the house where they can find the perfect witch. As they travel together, they create their own kind of magic. The animation is amazing! I love the animation style which reminds me of pieces of pottery put together to form a design. The protagonist, the house, is portrayed with a childlike personality and a passion to create its own kind and loving future. I love how the plot develops throughout the film, starting with showing us how picky the house is about finding the perfect witch to live there. When a traveler pleases to stay because of the storm outside, the house reluctantly agrees, with the caveat that she leaves early the next day. The traveler offers to introduce the house to some witches to help it find the perfect witch and throughout their journey, their relationship begins to blossom. The house meets the "perfect" witch, but declines taking on the witch. She realizes that the traveler is the caring and loving witch that she so desires and the traveler moves in. This film, directed by Yanzhang Song, is short and sweet with a beautiful message. My favorite part is the ending, when the traveler stays to live in the house and says, "Well, if we call love magic. Then, maybe that is my witch power." I really enjoy watching this scene for its heartwarming ending. The film's message is that love is its own special kind of magic that we all have. I give House, Magic and a Teapot 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Zamyra G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This animated short tells a tale of a magical house (Marjan Navidpour) that has waited a long time to find the "perfect witch" to live inside. One night, a traveler (Madeline Palmer) who has no witch-like powers, asks the house to stay the night. The house reluctantly agrees, on the condition that she leaves by the morning. The next day, the traveler offers to show the house where they can find the perfect witch. As they travel together, they create their own kind of magic. The animation is amazing! I love the animation style which reminds me of pieces of pottery put together to form a design. The protagonist, the house, is portrayed with a childlike personality and a passion to create its own kind and loving future. I love how the plot develops throughout the film, starting with showing us how picky the house is about finding the perfect witch to live there. When a traveler pleases to stay because of the storm outside, the house reluctantly agrees, with the caveat that she leaves early the next day. The traveler offers to introduce the house to some witches to help it find the perfect witch and throughout their journey, their relationship begins to blossom. The house meets the "perfect" witch, but declines taking on the witch. She realizes that the traveler is the caring and loving witch that she so desires and the traveler moves in. This film, directed by Yanzhang Song, is short and sweet with a beautiful message. My favorite part is the ending, when the traveler stays to live in the house and says, "Well, if we call love magic. Then, maybe that is my witch power." I really enjoy watching this scene for its heartwarming ending. The film's message is that love is its own special kind of magic that we all have. I give House, Magic and a Teapot 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Zamyra G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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YAMAL DURYEA Series: DOCUMENTARY, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - After opening the first surf shop in 1952, and later inventing the neoprene wetsuit, Jack creates the O'Neill Sea Odyssey program to teach ocean stewardship to elementary students via a sailing classroom trip on the Monterey Bay. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really love the documentary Jack O'Neill's Legacy. I enjoyed how he expresses his love for the ocean and was really impressed by his achievements, like opening up the first surf shop in San Francisco and his Sea Odyssey Program that teaches children about the ocean. This documentary examines the life of Jack O'Neill, a business man who started a swimwear brand for surfing and a sea educational program to teach children about the ocean environment. O'Neill is credited for opening up the first surf shop in San Francisco in 1952. Throughout the film, his efforts are explored along with his love for the sea. The Sea Odyssey Program not only educates kids about the ocean but teaches them to love it. O'Neill is really proud of what the program has to offer to kids. The documentary develops in chronological order, starting from when Jack opened up his surf shop in 1952 through 2017, when Jack passed away. Anyone who has spent time in the ocean, who has ever put on a wetsuit, knows the name O'Neill. But how many of us know the man behind the brand? O'Neill invented wetsuits and, in so doing, changed the sport of surfing forever. This film directed by Yamal Duryea and produced by Joyce Anderson, in 2025, is a loving tribute to Jack O'Neill. Their love and respect for Jack and for the ocean comes through this film loud and clear. The camera work is professionally done; it's quite beautiful and the background music adds an element of calmness and focus. I love the archival footage at the beginning, showing a funky little shack on the beach where it all began. I really like the shots of the boat in the ocean. O'Neill is the protagonist of his own story. He really bonded with the ocean and wanted to pass that on to the younger generation. His goal was to teach them the relationship between the living sea and the environment. He didn't just talk to kids about the ocean. The classroom for the Sea Odyssey Program is the O'Neill catamaran, which takes the kids out into the ocean and immerses them in it. Be aware that some of the archival footage is not very clear and, when projected on a big screen, will be even less so. The film centers around Santa Cruz, California where O'Neill's shop was located and locals testify how he truly exemplifies the "spirit of California." Jack's impact on people worldwide is shown at the memorial services held round the world where people formed circles on top of their surfboards to honor him. The film delivers a message about how the ocean is an integral part of our home on Earth and how important it is to honor, respect and protect it. I give Jack O'Neill's Legacy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Hafsa H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This documentary examines the life of Jack O'Neill, a business man who started a swimwear brand for surfing and a sea educational program to teach children about the ocean environment. O'Neill is credited for opening up the first surf shop in San Francisco in 1952. Throughout the film, his efforts are explored along with his love for the sea. The Sea Odyssey Program not only educates kids about the ocean but teaches them to love it. O'Neill is really proud of what the program has to offer to kids. The documentary develops in chronological order, starting from when Jack opened up his surf shop in 1952 through 2017, when Jack passed away. Anyone who has spent time in the ocean, who has ever put on a wetsuit, knows the name O'Neill. But how many of us know the man behind the brand? O'Neill invented wetsuits and, in so doing, changed the sport of surfing forever. This film directed by Yamal Duryea and produced by Joyce Anderson, in 2025, is a loving tribute to Jack O'Neill. Their love and respect for Jack and for the ocean comes through this film loud and clear. The camera work is professionally done; it's quite beautiful and the background music adds an element of calmness and focus. I love the archival footage at the beginning, showing a funky little shack on the beach where it all began. I really like the shots of the boat in the ocean. O'Neill is the protagonist of his own story. He really bonded with the ocean and wanted to pass that on to the younger generation. His goal was to teach them the relationship between the living sea and the environment. He didn't just talk to kids about the ocean. The classroom for the Sea Odyssey Program is the O'Neill catamaran, which takes the kids out into the ocean and immerses them in it. Be aware that some of the archival footage is not very clear and, when projected on a big screen, will be even less so. The film centers around Santa Cruz, California where O'Neill's shop was located and locals testify how he truly exemplifies the "spirit of California." Jack's impact on people worldwide is shown at the memorial services held round the world where people formed circles on top of their surfboards to honor him. The film delivers a message about how the ocean is an integral part of our home on Earth and how important it is to honor, respect and protect it. I give Jack O'Neill's Legacy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Hafsa H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-17 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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JULIE GOLDSTEIN Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Mutable Matter brings together three experimental shorts where clay becomes a site of transformation, memory, and dialogue between human touch and generative code. These films reimagine clay not as a static material but as something fragile, fissured, and endlessly in flux--shifting between sculpture, animation, and algorithm. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Mutable Matter is an unusual film featuring a group of clay characters that talk with us, explaining the nuances of what it's like to be made of clay. This really delves into the subconscious of these clay creatures and, for me, made me think about what it might be like to be made of clay. I give Mutable Matters 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This really delves into the subconscious of these clay creatures and, for me, made me think about what it might be like to be made of clay. I give Mutable Matters 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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PHILIP HAIN Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - In an ordinary school, five children stumble upon a locked chest in their workshop room. What begins as innocent curiosity soon turns into a magical journey. Inside, they find a wand with the power to bring back what was lost--if they prove brave and united enough. As the boundaries between the real and the magical begin to fade, the children must face an invisible threat that tests their strength and friendship. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love The Magical Return because of the contrast of the different music we hear, which gives it a horror or mystical feel. I also like the camera work because it adds to the tone of the film. The storyline follows three girls at school who find a locked chest inside their school's woodworking room, and two boys find a key. Inside the chest, they find a wand with the power to bring back what was lost--if they prove brave and united enough. Now, all five children embark on a mystical adventure to help get everyone back. The film begins with three girls meeting and discussing that all the other children from the school are nowhere to be found. A mysterious girl appears wearing a blue dress. The director cleverly uses small things such as the girls' hair all flying up as they creep towards where the girl in the blue dress disappeared. The girls, together with the two boys who found the key, begin to bond with each other as they take on the task to bring back those who have disappeared. The wand will bring back only those who they remember. The kids need to remember their peers in order to get them back. One by one, they take turns pointing the wand at a classroom or rehearsal space and all the missing kids reappear. We never know who wasn't remembered and left behind - perhaps the girl in the blue dress. The production is well made, with good camera work, audio recording and editing. The opening scene is in black and white until the girl in the blue dress appears as the first hint of color. Even after we realize that it's in color, it's pretty muted except for specific things we are drawn to see, such as the chest spewing fire when it's opened. The main characters are the five children who discover the key, the chest, and the wand. The five actors playing the lead children suit their roles. This film takes place inside a school in modern-day Austria and the dialogue is German, with English subtitles. The music director's work definitely stands out, especially in the opening of the chest scene. The background music changes from whimsical instrumental music to horror film-type music, which sounds like Jack-in-the-box music. For example, in the scene before the children open the chest, we hear the whimsical music, but as they open the chest, it changes to the Jack-in-the-box music. This scene still gives me the creeps. Those transitions help build suspense. There are a few special effects and they are well executed. One that I found interesting is when the girls first see the girl in the blue dress and she kind of vibrates. Another is when fire comes out of the chest when it's opened. The wand, when pointed at the room, sends out a fiery beam before all the kids magically appear. Keep in mind that this is a mystical journey. For example, when the three girls hear a noise and see something, one says that they should follow it, and another says: horror movie rule number 1: Stay put! This is my favorite scene. If someone asked me to follow that noise, I would have said the same thing. The film's message is that we should remember those who are lost, but be careful because some things will remain forgotten, and it's better that way. I give The Magical Return 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Zamyra G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows three girls at school who find a locked chest inside their school's woodworking room, and two boys find a key. Inside the chest, they find a wand with the power to bring back what was lost--if they prove brave and united enough. Now, all five children embark on a mystical adventure to help get everyone back. The film begins with three girls meeting and discussing that all the other children from the school are nowhere to be found. A mysterious girl appears wearing a blue dress. The director cleverly uses small things such as the girls' hair all flying up as they creep towards where the girl in the blue dress disappeared. The girls, together with the two boys who found the key, begin to bond with each other as they take on the task to bring back those who have disappeared. The wand will bring back only those who they remember. The kids need to remember their peers in order to get them back. One by one, they take turns pointing the wand at a classroom or rehearsal space and all the missing kids reappear. We never know who wasn't remembered and left behind - perhaps the girl in the blue dress. The production is well made, with good camera work, audio recording and editing. The opening scene is in black and white until the girl in the blue dress appears as the first hint of color. Even after we realize that it's in color, it's pretty muted except for specific things we are drawn to see, such as the chest spewing fire when it's opened. The main characters are the five children who discover the key, the chest, and the wand. The five actors playing the lead children suit their roles. This film takes place inside a school in modern-day Austria and the dialogue is German, with English subtitles. The music director's work definitely stands out, especially in the opening of the chest scene. The background music changes from whimsical instrumental music to horror film-type music, which sounds like Jack-in-the-box music. For example, in the scene before the children open the chest, we hear the whimsical music, but as they open the chest, it changes to the Jack-in-the-box music. This scene still gives me the creeps. Those transitions help build suspense. There are a few special effects and they are well executed. One that I found interesting is when the girls first see the girl in the blue dress and she kind of vibrates. Another is when fire comes out of the chest when it's opened. The wand, when pointed at the room, sends out a fiery beam before all the kids magically appear. Keep in mind that this is a mystical journey. For example, when the three girls hear a noise and see something, one says that they should follow it, and another says: horror movie rule number 1: Stay put! This is my favorite scene. If someone asked me to follow that noise, I would have said the same thing. The film's message is that we should remember those who are lost, but be careful because some things will remain forgotten, and it's better that way. I give The Magical Return 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Zamyra G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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PETER ELLIOTT Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-8 Topic - Family Description - Shot with homemade life sized puppets on location, Carrot Nose Annie is the short story of Annie, who is a "perfectly normal" young woman with the exception that she has a carrot for a nose which makes it difficult to eat her favourite food - spaghetti. Annie embarks on a journey to find a new friend to eat spaghetti with. She encounters a very un-wicked witch on her way to find her new friend. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The film, Carrot Nose Annie, is an inventive and charming use of lifesized puppets as characters. Set against breathtakingly beautiful scenery, the story develops at a thoughtful pace, delivering a sweet message about acceptance and the joy of finding a friend who truly understands you. Annie is a young woman who is "perfectly normal," except for one small detail: she has a carrot for a nose! This unfortunate feature makes it impossible to enjoy her favorite meal: spaghetti. Displeased with her dilemma, Annie leaves home on an adventure to find a friend she can share a plate of pasta with. This live-action film uses impressive life-sized puppets to bring its characters to life. While the film's narrator guides us, the characters themselves are striking. Annie, the protagonist, is designed to be intentionally imperfect--with a wide mouth and bedraggled hair, she looks unconventional. But it's this unique look that highlights her struggle to feel "normal." Annie confides her displeasure to her friend Pinky, a knitted hand puppet (Christina McNeily). The scene where Annie FaceTimes Pinky on a cell phone is clever and funny, making the film feel modern even with its classic puppet style. Annie's travels take her past a charming village, alongside a body of water, and past an old lighthouse. The background scenery, filmed on location in Newfoundland and Labrador, is truly lovely. The picturesque seaside, cobblestone bridge, and castle make the world feel authentic and charming, proving the Production Designer did a wonderful job choosing the setting. Annie eventually encounters Prince Parsnip. He also has a vegetable for a nose--a parsnip! They laugh together and finally enjoy spaghetti, discovering the simple joy of having a friend to share your favorite things with. While the final ending scene with the witch in the rain felt a bit confusing and didn't clearly wrap up that plot point, the core story of Annie and Prince Parsnip finding acceptance is delightful and provides a satisfying "happily ever after." The film's message is clear and important: Friendship matters, and your unique differences are what make you special. I give Carrot Nose Annie 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST Annie is a young woman who is "perfectly normal," except for one small detail: she has a carrot for a nose! This unfortunate feature makes it impossible to enjoy her favorite meal: spaghetti. Displeased with her dilemma, Annie leaves home on an adventure to find a friend she can share a plate of pasta with. This live-action film uses impressive life-sized puppets to bring its characters to life. While the film's narrator guides us, the characters themselves are striking. Annie, the protagonist, is designed to be intentionally imperfect--with a wide mouth and bedraggled hair, she looks unconventional. But it's this unique look that highlights her struggle to feel "normal." Annie confides her displeasure to her friend Pinky, a knitted hand puppet (Christina McNeily). The scene where Annie FaceTimes Pinky on a cell phone is clever and funny, making the film feel modern even with its classic puppet style. Annie's travels take her past a charming village, alongside a body of water, and past an old lighthouse. The background scenery, filmed on location in Newfoundland and Labrador, is truly lovely. The picturesque seaside, cobblestone bridge, and castle make the world feel authentic and charming, proving the Production Designer did a wonderful job choosing the setting. Annie eventually encounters Prince Parsnip. He also has a vegetable for a nose--a parsnip! They laugh together and finally enjoy spaghetti, discovering the simple joy of having a friend to share your favorite things with. While the final ending scene with the witch in the rain felt a bit confusing and didn't clearly wrap up that plot point, the core story of Annie and Prince Parsnip finding acceptance is delightful and provides a satisfying "happily ever after." The film's message is clear and important: Friendship matters, and your unique differences are what make you special. I give Carrot Nose Annie 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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REBEKAH LOUISA SMITH Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - This little story is based on actual experience where the girl is so taken in by the spectacular birds that they are welcomed with open arms. Her Staffy is forbidden from doing what obviously needs to be done and the Peacock population grows dramatically. With time the girl eventually changes her position to that of the Staffy who knew all along that the garden should be out of bounds to peacocks. From South Africa. Dialogue in English. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I absolutely love and relate to Every Dog Has Its Day! The dog, Shenzi, is adorable. I love all his facial expressions as she is taunted by and dreams of the peacock family. Shenzi's owner admires a male peacock in her yard which Shenzi considers his territory. She is not allowed to chase the peacock from the yard or garden. The peacock meets his mate and a family is created and now Shenzi must allow the entire flock in his domain. The late night crowing and other behaviors change the girl's opinion and Shenzi is finally allowed to protect his home. The plot is completely realistic and relatable and plays out in my backyard every day except with a different type of invader. Even without much dialogue or narration a viewer can easily understand the story by the characters' facial expressions and actions. The stop-motion clay animation is outstanding. This is such a demanding format to use and its execution is terrific here with lots of details on the various characters. Kudos to the filmmaking team. My only complaint is that some night scenes are poorly lit and very dark, making it hard to see. Shenzi exhibits a lot of different physical positions and the peacocks do as well including some beautiful flight scenes. Shenzi has so many facial and body expressions that it is easy to fall in love with him and his personality. His intentions are easily understood, and those of the girl and peacocks as well. The background music sets a good pace for the story and the sound is crisp and clear. I love Shenzi's panting sounds and the crows of the peacock. Kudos to Lindsay van Blerk, the writer, director and animator and his team for creating an enjoyable film. I particularly enjoyed the provocation from the peacock when he displays his feathers and pecks Shenzi when the girl holds him back from defending his yard. I also love the dream scene where Shenzi dreams that the peacock is stealing his food. The film's message is that tolerance has its limits. Motives should be considered while keeping an open mind and observing behavior. I give Every Dog Has Its Day 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Shenzi's owner admires a male peacock in her yard which Shenzi considers his territory. She is not allowed to chase the peacock from the yard or garden. The peacock meets his mate and a family is created and now Shenzi must allow the entire flock in his domain. The late night crowing and other behaviors change the girl's opinion and Shenzi is finally allowed to protect his home. The plot is completely realistic and relatable and plays out in my backyard every day except with a different type of invader. Even without much dialogue or narration a viewer can easily understand the story by the characters' facial expressions and actions. The stop-motion clay animation is outstanding. This is such a demanding format to use and its execution is terrific here with lots of details on the various characters. Kudos to the filmmaking team. My only complaint is that some night scenes are poorly lit and very dark, making it hard to see. Shenzi exhibits a lot of different physical positions and the peacocks do as well including some beautiful flight scenes. Shenzi has so many facial and body expressions that it is easy to fall in love with him and his personality. His intentions are easily understood, and those of the girl and peacocks as well. The background music sets a good pace for the story and the sound is crisp and clear. I love Shenzi's panting sounds and the crows of the peacock. Kudos to Lindsay van Blerk, the writer, director and animator and his team for creating an enjoyable film. I particularly enjoyed the provocation from the peacock when he displays his feathers and pecks Shenzi when the girl holds him back from defending his yard. I also love the dream scene where Shenzi dreams that the peacock is stealing his food. The film's message is that tolerance has its limits. Motives should be considered while keeping an open mind and observing behavior. I give Every Dog Has Its Day 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
