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AMAZON PRIME Series: FEATURE, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - This film is a biopic about Jose Hernandez and his path from a farm worker to becoming an engineer and an astronaut. Jose M Hernandez was born in Mexico. While working in the fields, he co-developed the first digital mammography imaging system. He then persevered to become a crew member on Space Shuttle mission STS-128. Tells a tale of perseverance, community and sacrifice to accomplish a seemingly impossible dream. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A Million Miles Away is an absolutely incredible film that is definitely worth watching. The film has great performances, a compelling story and stunning visuals. The storyline reveals the true life story of Jose Hernandez, the first migrant farmworker to become an astronaut. His journey is filled with incredible perseverance and resilience, as he overcomes numerous obstacles to achieve his dream of reaching the stars. A Million Miles Away is full of remarkable acting. Michael Pena leads as Hernandez with much charisma and dramatic depth. He excellently captures the humble, smart and ambitious astronaut. It's very difficult not to root for him, as we can all resonate with aspects of his journey. Rosa Salazar portrays the strong, supportive, and similarly determined Adela, who marries Hernandez. Salazar's performance effectively portrays the film's theme of dreams interfering with reality and one's struggle to chase their ambitions while concurrently supporting their family. The way in which Hernandez's story is told in this film is especially captivating. The film connects his past with his present life, helping us understand how his earlier life influenced who he has become. Throughout the film, watching Jose get closer and closer to becoming an astronaut is incredibly satisfying. The film keeps us engaged and eager to see how his life unfolds - making it a truly memorable viewing experience. The film's message is one of aspiration and persistence. Jose's path is filled with barriers and obstacles, but his unyielding determination drives him to fulfill and pursue his dreams. With Jose Hernandez's traits, one can reach what previously felt a million miles away. I give A Million Miles Away 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases on September 15, 2023. By Daniel S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
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VISION FILMS Series: FEATURE, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - A typical summer for four young friends becomes the adventure of a lifetime when they notice that something is amiss at their favorite swimming spot as their friends and family begin falling ill. When they discover that the local factory is dumping harmful chemicals into the town's water, they must expose the truth and figure out how to stop the pollution and save the town before it's too late. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - With a simple but engaging story and strong casting, Little Heroes is the perfect film to culminate your summer with! Little Heroes takes place in a small town where four young friends -- Robbie (Coleman Christian), Brewster (Max Gerstenberg), Eric (Corban Jazz) and Grace (Ashtine Besteda) -- are enjoying their summer break. Brewster's father works in a factory which gets a contract with the town government. He soon finds out that the factory plans to expand their operations, and as a byproduct, is dumping hazardous chemicals into a lake where his son and his friends swim. The friend group catches wind of this and realizes they must use their wits to find a solution. The casting of Little Heroes is a high point, as is its production quality. Coleman Christian as Robbie and Max Gerstenberg as Brewster are the stars of the cast; it's evident they paid attention to even the littlest nuances in playing their characters. Director and producer Brittany Goodwin has taken all the pains to ensure that every audiovisual element of the film is perfectly tuned. The score by Andrei Shulgach comes off a little bit like stock music, but it does suit the film. It's similar with the costumes, which fit the film's eclectic characters but somehow seem snatched out of a children's book. My personal favorite is the set design by Jennifer Dopp, Donald Imm and Craig Weaver, and the editing and color-correction by Justin Moe and Cinegach Studios. The town in which Little Heroes takes place looks picture-perfect, and every frame is vibrant. I also enjoyed how the plot came together; sure, it is predictable at some points, but there are other plot points (including a romance!) that come out of nowhere. The script feels a little bit forced and the chemistry between Brewster and his father doesn't really work for me; their relationship feels unnatural. Little Heroes promotes teamwork, caring for our environment, and friendship. It also shows that our individual talents are what help us most in times of crisis. It's a great film for young viewers interested in conservation and those who are fans of realistic fiction. Parents should know that the children do wander around on their own in the film and do risky things like jumping into a biohazardous lake. Also, one character nearly drowns. I give Little Heroes 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases on October 17, 2023 on demand. By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17 I really like the hilarious adventure film, Little Heroes. It has a suspenseful storyline that kept me engaged and is a wonderful comfort movie! This film is about a group of friends attempting to save their whole town before a factory releases harmful chemicals into their favorite lake. Will it be too late to stop the corrupt factory? The characters in the friend group are Robbie (Coleman Christian), Brewster (Max Gerstenberg), Grace (Ashtine Besteda), and Eric (Corban Jaaz). Other main characters are Diana (Alexa Feldman), Drew Brewster (Brian Stever), and Kerri Smithson (Brittany Goodwin). The characters' interactions are entertaining and they make me feel like I'm in the scene with them. I really admire that despite hardships in their lives, Robbie, Brewster, Grace, and Eric always show up for each other. This is shown when Robbie has a deep conversation with Brewster about his dad working extra hours to make more money. Audiences could relate to this on a personal level. Robbie is a supportive friend, as are the others. I also like the diversity in the friend group. From interests to feminism, everyone in the audience is represented in some way in the group. They are all completely different but get along. Next, I applaud the director and writers, Brittany Goodwin, Doug Maddox, and Jeremiah Wiseblood. They created a suspenseful storyline with an interesting resolution (you'll have to wait and see!) The film is slow at times but it eventually picks up the pace. The camerawork is shaky when there's a lot of action, and closeups when the scene feels more intimate. The sets are well-made, too. I like their clubhouse because it looks like the perfect hangout place. The watering hole, town ice cream shop, and factory look realistic, as well. There's tension in the music when Brewster sneaks into the factory. All of these little details enhance the movie overall. My favorite part of the film is the characters Grace and Diana. They're both strong female leaders and I like their personalities. The message of this film is that community is the only thing that matters. Love comes before money, power, and success. Brewster's dad figures this out. Another message is that teamwork makes the dream work. Also, Robbie mentions to Brewster that he has "friends that love him," which is an important reminder. I give Little Heroes 4 out of 5 stars and recommend this for ages 8 to 12. Little Heroes comes out October 17, 2023 on VOD. By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
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ARTISTVIEW ENTERTAINMENT Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - Get ready for an epic adventure with "Ghosters: Phantom Patrol!" When tricky ghosts break free from a super-secret government facility, things get wild, a little spooky, and a whole lot of fun! As New York City is packed with mischievous ghosts, two clueless security guards team up with a pair of fearless tech-savvy kids to save the day. Get ready for a side-splitting and thrilling ride as they dive into the ghostly commotion and work together to save the city! KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Ghosters: Phantom Patrol is a spoof of the classic movie, Ghostbusters. It has good cinematography, but a lot of the time I found myself confused. I wasn't sure whether to laugh or scream at the animated images, and the plot is confusing. The storyline takes place in New York City and follows Wilbur (Leon Mayfield) and Casey (Heath C. Heine), two ordinary men work the night shift as guards in a mysterious government facility. They soon discover the building is home to ghosts who have been trapped and contained in glowing green tubes (a reference to Ghostbusters, where ghosts are trapped in similar tubes). When the ghosts escape the building, it's up to Wilbur and Casey to stop them from taking over the city. There are many similarities between Ghosters and Ghostbusters, such as the theme music, the New York setting, and even the logo with the ghost shown at the beginning (though it isn't exactly the same). Fans of Ghostbusters will enjoy certain scenes, like the scene where one spirit takes over a giant statue, a nod to the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. However, some things are very different - the iconic four-person crew is missing, and Ghosters is set in the 21st century and ends in a video game. I especially like Wilbur's character -- he provides comic relief, such as when he has to ride a child's bike and when he eats a Domino's� pizza during an attack scene. But while the movie is funny and the landscapes of New York are beautifully captured, it falls a bit short. It has no climax; the movie never peaks. It's all action from the start with no plot twist or big reveal. The characters have no objective or goal either. Wilbur and Casey's escape from the building lacks pizzazz - we are left to use our imaginations. The animated images are confusing as well. Although Ghosters has a funny tone, the ghosts are actually pretty scary looking, with sunken white eyes and limbs that can twist and contort in ways we can't imagine. They're terrifying but very unrealistic. I'm still not sure whether they are supposed to be funny or creepy! As this movie is meant to be a spoof that makes fun of another movie, the message is a bit unclear. Be aware that there is some mild language, very mild graphic content, some alcohol references and one drug reference. The ghosts may be quite frightening, especially to young children and they scared me. I give Ghosters: Phantom Patrol 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This film releases on AVOD on September 22, 2023. The film Ghosters: Phantom Patrol is a very interesting movie. I like this film because it's the perfect mix of funny and suspenseful along with also tackling tough family dynamics. This storyline follows two guys, Wilbur (Leon Mayfield) and Casey (Heath C. Heine), as they work an overnight surveillance job in a government building. The two, being unemployed, take the job and everything seems to be going fine until they find out they aren't the only ones in the building. One of my favorite moments in the film is when Joey (Arthur Gazarian) and his dad, Casey, get to bond over fighting some ghosts. Casey was going to miss his son's birthday because of his new job that he got but he later ends up making it up to his son when he joins the battle against the spirits with his dad. The way that Heine and Gazarian show the reconciliation between a dad and a son in a time of need is truly amazing. My favorite character is Wilbur because he is hilarious throughout the film. There is a moment where Wilbur gets out of the facility he's trapped in after Casey does. Once he realizes that he was left there to fend for himself while the others are off looking for what may help them with the ghosts, he finds a very small bike and begins to pedal himself to the source of the issue to be as much help as he can, even if it's going to take a little bit longer for him to get there than the others. This film's message is that your family will always have your back. Even while Jenah and Casey are not happy with each other, Jenah still stands by Casey's side in his time of need, making sure he is safe. Be aware there is mild swearing and brief discussion about violent actions. I give Ghosters: Phantom Patrol 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Ghosters: Phantom Patrol will be available in theaters this fall on September 22, 2023. By Victoria L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
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BLANCA PICTURES Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5 -12 Topic - Family Description - Ginji's dream takes flight when she joins Cade Express, the bustling heart of Cade City's economy, as a courier. What starts as a routine job quickly spirals into a series of thrilling escapades, with new friends like the adventurous Varona and her ever-reliable sidekick, UB-7, her trusty backpack. UB-7 is more than just her delivery companion; he's her loyal protector, ready to aid her through any obstacle. But the real adventure begins when Ginji crosses paths with Nigista, the eccentric, ethereal spirit of her distant ancestor. From Cyprus, Animation, Dialogue in English KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love Dreams Come True: Ginji Series. It is an animated show that is pretty funny because they have adventures delivering packages. Ginji is also very stubborn. The story follows Ginji (Katie Zieff) arriving in Cade City to fulfill her dream of becoming a courier, and when a thief steals her package, Ginji's droid backpack helps her. The film is from Cyprus, but the dialogue is all in English. The animation is very outstanding! Kudos to Slava Ushakov, the creator. This really is some of the best animation I have seen in some time. It is very unique and beautifully created - very vintage style with a completely wildly futuristic background of Cade City. All of the characters are interestingly formed, relating to animal type shapes sort of and each one is quite different. I love how her backpack is anthropomorphic - and very cute. I like the relationship between Ginji and her backpack, UB7 (Erik Zieff). He always tries to help, but Ginji will not listen and she winds up getting into trouble. Ginji and UB7 argue quite frequently, but UB7 tries to help her and eventually Ginji has to save him. Even though they argue a lot, Ginji and Ub7 show their friendship and devotion by saving one another. They also make a new ally in Verona, (Katie Zieff), who goes from foe to friend and leads them on a path to new adventures. The film reminds us that sometimes you need to listen to others because your stubbornness can get you into trouble or prevent you from doing important things. Dreams Come True: Ginji Series, Episode 1 gets 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Anyone who loves animation will appreciate this. By Kira O. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows Ginji (Katie Zieff) arriving in Cade City to fulfill her dream of becoming a courier, and when a thief steals her package, Ginji's droid backpack helps her. The film is from Cyprus, but the dialogue is all in English. The animation is very outstanding! Kudos to Slava Ushakov, the creator. This really is some of the best animation I have seen in some time. It is very unique and beautifully created - very vintage style with a completely wildly futuristic background of Cade City. All of the characters are interestingly formed, relating to animal type shapes sort of and each one is quite different. I love how her backpack is anthropomorphic - and very cute. I like the relationship between Ginji and her backpack, UB7 (Erik Zieff). He always tries to help, but Ginji will not listen and she winds up getting into trouble. Ginji and UB7 argue quite frequently, but UB7 tries to help her and eventually Ginji has to save him. Even though they argue a lot, Ginji and Ub7 show their friendship and devotion by saving one another. They also make a new ally in Verona, (Katie Zieff), who goes from foe to friend and leads them on a path to new adventures. The film reminds us that sometimes you need to listen to others because your stubbornness can get you into trouble or prevent you from doing important things. Dreams Come True: Ginji Series, Episode 1 gets 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Anyone who loves animation will appreciate this. By Kira O. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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ANA LAURA CALDERON Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8 -12 Topic - Family Description - Andrea (age 4) and Marina (age 6) become fast friends while playing on the rooftops of their adjacent buildings during the pandemic in Mexico City. They cling to their precious friendship amidst the stress and loneliness of confinement. When Marina's parents separate suddenly, however, Marina is heartbroken to have to move away without being able to say goodbye to Andrea, who is equally heartsick until she unexpectedly finds a remnant of their friendship. From Mexico, very little dialogue - in Spanish with English subtitles KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Under The Same Sky is a great reminder of the world that our children experienced during the COVID 19 pandemic. The story follows two young girls, Andrea (age 4) and Marina (age 6) who become friends during the pandemic while playing on the rooftops of their respective houses.. They fly paper airplanes to each other with pictures on them and should across the space between the buildings to share information. Suddenly, Marina's parents spare and she moves away without notice. Andrea is puzzled and heartsick until she finds a remnant of their friendship. Beautiful concept, simply made. Very nice camera work and audio. Most of this is non-narrative with minimal language in Spanish, and English subtitles. The two little girls are absolutely adorable. Their movements are so natural and you can feel the connection between them. I love that this takes a look back at how our young ones experienced the pandemic as it will always affect their lives. The film's message is about friendship, even in the most challenging situations. I give Under The Same Sky 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows two young girls, Andrea (age 4) and Marina (age 6) who become friends during the pandemic while playing on the rooftops of their respective houses.. They fly paper airplanes to each other with pictures on them and should across the space between the buildings to share information. Suddenly, Marina's parents spare and she moves away without notice. Andrea is puzzled and heartsick until she finds a remnant of their friendship. Beautiful concept, simply made. Very nice camera work and audio. Most of this is non-narrative with minimal language in Spanish, and English subtitles. The two little girls are absolutely adorable. Their movements are so natural and you can feel the connection between them. I love that this takes a look back at how our young ones experienced the pandemic as it will always affect their lives. The film's message is about friendship, even in the most challenging situations. I give Under The Same Sky 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: Screenplay |
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CAMILLE SHORT Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Camille, a little shy girl who feels lonely, bakes a mountain of cupcakes in order to make friends, but the situation doesn't turn out as she expected. From Mexico, No dialogue, animation KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I like the stylized animation of Camille and the message, which is a good reminder to not give too much. The storyline follows Camille, who is alone at school and excluded from the other children on the playground. She makes cupcakes in an attempt to make friends, but she endangers herself in the escalating attempts to be accepted. Social isolation at school is a real issue and I admire this little girl making an attempt to step forward to be accepted. However, she goes over the top in her quest to have others like her to the point that she endangers herself and her health. The animation is very good and the kids' faces are very expressive. Background music begins rather sad and you can emphasize with Camille's sense of isolation; it gets happier when she is baking and interacting with her cat. As the film progresses we see her getting tired, overwhelmed and then frightened. The music really moves the story forward - it is critical to the film since there is no dialogue. However, Camille's face is very expressive so you can feel the emotion of Camille as well as the others. My favorite scene is when Camille comes home from school and is greeted by her cat, who is likely her best friend. The film's message is about fitting in at school, or elsewhere. Showing how Camille is taken advantage of by the other children in her search for friendship is a reminder to not over extending yourself. I give Camille 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows Camille, who is alone at school and excluded from the other children on the playground. She makes cupcakes in an attempt to make friends, but she endangers herself in the escalating attempts to be accepted. Social isolation at school is a real issue and I admire this little girl making an attempt to step forward to be accepted. However, she goes over the top in her quest to have others like her to the point that she endangers herself and her health. The animation is very good and the kids' faces are very expressive. Background music begins rather sad and you can emphasize with Camille's sense of isolation; it gets happier when she is baking and interacting with her cat. As the film progresses we see her getting tired, overwhelmed and then frightened. The music really moves the story forward - it is critical to the film since there is no dialogue. However, Camille's face is very expressive so you can feel the emotion of Camille as well as the others. My favorite scene is when Camille comes home from school and is greeted by her cat, who is likely her best friend. The film's message is about fitting in at school, or elsewhere. Showing how Camille is taken advantage of by the other children in her search for friendship is a reminder to not over extending yourself. I give Camille 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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CANEDY KNOWLES Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - BizKidz is a short mockumentary exploring our cultural obsession with success and privilege. A documentary crew captures the behind the scenes antics of the annual BizKidz Challenge. Bradley, Amy, Cyndi and Eek are out to find a young person with the next big invention that will change the world and take the winner from entre-manure to entrepreneur. When Bradley hears that Jeff Besos has accepted his invitation to judge the contest, it sends him into a capitalist frenzy as he tries to present the local event as world class. Luckily, his friends are there to keep his feet on the ground and the show on track. BizKidz is Shark Tank meets Waiting for Guffman meets Stairway to Stardom. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Absolutely intriguing! BizKidz captivates with its inventive concept, promising a hilarious yet thought-provoking exploration of our fascination with success and privilege. With a talented young cast, this mockumentary is poised to be a must-watch for its clever humor and social commentary. This tongue-in-cheek mockumentary follows a quirky team's quest to discover the next significant invention at the BizKidz Challenge, leading to uproarious antics and a humorous take on our obsession with success. I recommend BizKidz for a youth and family film festival. Its focus on young entrepreneurs and their journey to pursue innovative ideas makes it entertaining and inspiring for young audiences and their families. The film's creativity, determination, and teamwork themes align well with the festival's target demographic. I appreciate the comedic approach to satirizing our culture's fascination with success and innovation. It offers a humorous and thought-provoking commentary on these themes. I love how each kid has a different business idea, which adds a unique and engaging dimension to the storyline. The cinematography and camera work uses a dynamic range of angles and a documentary style that lends the film a vlog-like, intimate feel. However, there are scenes where the camera work becomes somewhat busy, which lead to visual distraction. The characters wear typical attire for young people, which align perfectly with the film's style. The locations, specifically the business fair and the stage, suit the storyline. The film relies on dialogue and natural audio to convey the story so there is minimal background music or sound effects. Some young actors portray characters participating at a kids' business fair while others represent potential entrepreneurs. George Andrew Moore as "Bradley," Kylie Kwon as "Amy," Finely Malone as "Cindy" and Malia Keita as "Eek" are key characters. Their character development revolves around them as young entrepreneurs experiencing the BizKidz Challenge, offering a glimpse into their personal growth, insights, and evolving perspectives as they engage with the competition. The behind-the-scenes contributors play that shape the film's creative vision and execution include director Canedy Knowles and writers Don Stallings and Canedy Knowles, who play an essential role in coordinating and managing the filmmaking process. My favorite part of the film was witnessing all the fair attendees' interviews about their innovative ideas and professional attitudes. This segment provides a fascinating glimpse into the young entrepreneurs' creative minds and dedication to their visions. The film's message promotes the idea of young entrepreneurs' creative and innovative potential, highlighting the importance of nurturing their ideas and fostering a supportive environment for the next generation of business leaders. I give BizKidz 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! This tongue-in-cheek mockumentary follows a quirky team's quest to discover the next significant invention at the BizKidz Challenge, leading to uproarious antics and a humorous take on our obsession with success. I recommend BizKidz for a youth and family film festival. Its focus on young entrepreneurs and their journey to pursue innovative ideas makes it entertaining and inspiring for young audiences and their families. The film's creativity, determination, and teamwork themes align well with the festival's target demographic. I appreciate the comedic approach to satirizing our culture's fascination with success and innovation. It offers a humorous and thought-provoking commentary on these themes. I love how each kid has a different business idea, which adds a unique and engaging dimension to the storyline. The cinematography and camera work uses a dynamic range of angles and a documentary style that lends the film a vlog-like, intimate feel. However, there are scenes where the camera work becomes somewhat busy, which lead to visual distraction. The characters wear typical attire for young people, which align perfectly with the film's style. The locations, specifically the business fair and the stage, suit the storyline. The film relies on dialogue and natural audio to convey the story so there is minimal background music or sound effects. Some young actors portray characters participating at a kids' business fair while others represent potential entrepreneurs. George Andrew Moore as "Bradley," Kylie Kwon as "Amy," Finely Malone as "Cindy" and Malia Keita as "Eek" are key characters. Their character development revolves around them as young entrepreneurs experiencing the BizKidz Challenge, offering a glimpse into their personal growth, insights, and evolving perspectives as they engage with the competition. The behind-the-scenes contributors play that shape the film's creative vision and execution include director Canedy Knowles and writers Don Stallings and Canedy Knowles, who play an essential role in coordinating and managing the filmmaking process. My favorite part of the film was witnessing all the fair attendees' interviews about their innovative ideas and professional attitudes. This segment provides a fascinating glimpse into the young entrepreneurs' creative minds and dedication to their visions. The film's message promotes the idea of young entrepreneurs' creative and innovative potential, highlighting the importance of nurturing their ideas and fostering a supportive environment for the next generation of business leaders. I give BizKidz 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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DAN KELIN Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - This is a story of a pupu kani oe (Hawaiian tree snail) named George and a tiny, yet vital, battle against extinction. Presented in shadow puppet style, the story follows Lonely George struggling to survive invasive threats as an endling, the last of his species. Deep within the forests of Hawai'i, pupu kani oe maintain a harmonious relationship with their environment, caring for the flora until invasive creatures sail in, disrupting the tiny island creatures' trusting lifestyle. Upon his parents' death, George becomes an endling, the last of his species. For more than ten lonely years, George struggles to survive, waiting for a mate. On New Year's Day, as the world celebrates a new beginning, Lonely George's wait ends, as his species comes to an end, begging the question, "How will we carry on the story of Lonely George?" KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really like After The Endling! It's a wordless fable with pretty remarkable, shadow-puppet like animation. A baby snail is left in a state of shock when both of his parents are taken from him by a formidable predator. The story line is about a baby snail, the Hawaiian pupu kani oe named George, who is left in a state of shock when both of his parents are taken from him by a formidable predator. Presented in shadow puppet style, we watch George struggle to survive invasive threats to his own life. In Hawai'i, these snails have maintained a harmonious relationship with their environment, until invasive predators arrive. Upon his parents' death, George becomes an endling, the very last of his species. Great short! I love the animation, the story, and its message about the environment. This story is not particularly complex, but it's certainly relevant to our planet today, with issues of extinction and sustainability and is presented in an entertaining animation that definitely kept my attention. The animation is really, really cool; the 2-D figures that look like cut out pieces of paper traversing a flat, but colorful world are oozing with charm. The backgrounds add an enormous amount of atmosphere to the story. The background Hawaiian music complements the story well, including a haunting piece after a tragic event that really stands out. My favorite scene is the one where George is out on his own after the death of his parents. I give After The Endling 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! A baby snail is left in a state of shock when both of his parents are taken from him by a formidable predator. The story line is about a baby snail, the Hawaiian pupu kani oe named George, who is left in a state of shock when both of his parents are taken from him by a formidable predator. Presented in shadow puppet style, we watch George struggle to survive invasive threats to his own life. In Hawai'i, these snails have maintained a harmonious relationship with their environment, until invasive predators arrive. Upon his parents' death, George becomes an endling, the very last of his species. Great short! I love the animation, the story, and its message about the environment. This story is not particularly complex, but it's certainly relevant to our planet today, with issues of extinction and sustainability and is presented in an entertaining animation that definitely kept my attention. The animation is really, really cool; the 2-D figures that look like cut out pieces of paper traversing a flat, but colorful world are oozing with charm. The backgrounds add an enormous amount of atmosphere to the story. The background Hawaiian music complements the story well, including a haunting piece after a tragic event that really stands out. My favorite scene is the one where George is out on his own after the death of his parents. I give After The Endling 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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SABINA SATTAR Series: FOREIGN FEATURE, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - A widower takes his new girlfriend camping to bond with his children but the kids see this as an opportunity to get rid of her. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I enjoyed Mum Said and feel that it has a place in contemporary culture. It is a well-crafted film addressing a delicate family matter when a widowed dad tries to establish a relationship with a new woman and his two children resist it like crazy, fearful that their own mother's memory will be lost in the process. It is well paced and has an adrenaline filled ending that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story revolves around Lily and Oliver, who have lost their mother and their father, Jim, has a new girlfriend, Anna. Jim plans a camping trip with his girlfriend and children in order to help them bond with each other, but Lily and Oliver have other ideas and are afraid that Anna will replace their mom, so they play pranks on Anna, hoping to get scare her off. The storyline is a bit predictable and addresses the conflicts that arise when family structures change due to the loss of a parent and spouse. The plot develops quite naturally and predictably, but it's not cloying in any way. The two child protagonists are well portrayed and their situation - having to deal with their father's new girlfriend is relatable. The rationale behind the children wanting to get rid of the girlfriend, Anna, is very touching; they don't want their father to forget about their mother, for whom they are full of love and longing. On the other hand, the love connection between Anna and Jim is a bit unclear. We don't see when they relationship goes from being just friends to something more, so that is confusing. The acting is pretty good, especially from the primary characters - Jim, Anna, Lily and Oliver. The "missing person" here is the deceased mom and wife, whose presence seems omnipotent in the memories of both the children and Jim. The repeated comments -- "Mom said" or "my wife used to say" --become an ominous drum roll in Anna's mind and beg the question of whether this man or his children are ready to move forward or not. It takes a complete meltdown before Jim finally steps up to the plate and addresses his children's poor behavior. It takes an all-out crisis to bring everyone together and realize that there is more to fear than the emotions they have been dealing with. The camera work is quite good, with adequate lighting and a blend of camera angles throughout. I particularly like the use of animated line drawings at the opening of the film to indicate what is to come. That is heartwarming and lighthearted. I should point out that there is a spot around the 15 min mark when Jim and Anna are at night and the scene is too dark to see them. The setting includes multiple rooms in a middle class home and when they go camping, they are in a vehicle on the road and then in a wooded area. The background music is very non-intrusive gives a calmness to the film. The theme of the film is about adjusting to new situations after the loss of a loved one and the difficulties it brings. In the end - love conquers all. There are a few unsafe situations that one would not children to replicate, like allowing Anna's hear to be hit by a branch and Oliver overeating chocolate to the point that he vomits. I give Mum Said 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Xiangxi K. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story revolves around Lily and Oliver, who have lost their mother and their father, Jim, has a new girlfriend, Anna. Jim plans a camping trip with his girlfriend and children in order to help them bond with each other, but Lily and Oliver have other ideas and are afraid that Anna will replace their mom, so they play pranks on Anna, hoping to get scare her off. The storyline is a bit predictable and addresses the conflicts that arise when family structures change due to the loss of a parent and spouse. The plot develops quite naturally and predictably, but it's not cloying in any way. The two child protagonists are well portrayed and their situation - having to deal with their father's new girlfriend is relatable. The rationale behind the children wanting to get rid of the girlfriend, Anna, is very touching; they don't want their father to forget about their mother, for whom they are full of love and longing. On the other hand, the love connection between Anna and Jim is a bit unclear. We don't see when they relationship goes from being just friends to something more, so that is confusing. The acting is pretty good, especially from the primary characters - Jim, Anna, Lily and Oliver. The "missing person" here is the deceased mom and wife, whose presence seems omnipotent in the memories of both the children and Jim. The repeated comments -- "Mom said" or "my wife used to say" --become an ominous drum roll in Anna's mind and beg the question of whether this man or his children are ready to move forward or not. It takes a complete meltdown before Jim finally steps up to the plate and addresses his children's poor behavior. It takes an all-out crisis to bring everyone together and realize that there is more to fear than the emotions they have been dealing with. The camera work is quite good, with adequate lighting and a blend of camera angles throughout. I particularly like the use of animated line drawings at the opening of the film to indicate what is to come. That is heartwarming and lighthearted. I should point out that there is a spot around the 15 min mark when Jim and Anna are at night and the scene is too dark to see them. The setting includes multiple rooms in a middle class home and when they go camping, they are in a vehicle on the road and then in a wooded area. The background music is very non-intrusive gives a calmness to the film. The theme of the film is about adjusting to new situations after the loss of a loved one and the difficulties it brings. In the end - love conquers all. There are a few unsafe situations that one would not children to replicate, like allowing Anna's hear to be hit by a branch and Oliver overeating chocolate to the point that he vomits. I give Mum Said 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Xiangxi K. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
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MARY HAWKINS Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-18 Topic - Family Description - I love working with type and I started making this set of hand-drawn, animated letters representing New York City's subway lines as a love letter to NYC. I've pulled the imagery from the neighborhoods that our trains move through, used common items in the subway as textures, and found shapes in the architecture and sights around us as we get where we're going. I've been drawing these on the trains, and other subway riders have peered over my shoulder as I work and started conversations with me about the lines they take to live, play and work and the communities we move through. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The animated short, Love Letters For The Subway, clearly tells a compelling and interesting story about NYC subways, with great background music and flawless animation. In her animated film Love Letters for the Subway, Mary Hawkins uses hand-drawn letters to represent New York City's subway lines. The images in the film are inspired by the architecture, geography, and everyday life of the neighborhoods through which the trains run. The clever concept and great visuals of Love Letters for the Subway are perfectly suited to the New York City subway system. Each letter or number tells a story, from the Ferris wheel to the protest signs, buildings, staircases, subway pillars, flowers, the pond with ducks, and subway rails. I had to watch the film multiple times to appreciate all of its nuances. The background music by Carlos Dengler is also well-suited to the film, giving it a sense of motion and excitement. Love Letters for the Subway is a love letter to New York City and its inhabitants. The film captures the richness and diversity of life in the city, from the hustle and bustle of the subway to the quiet moments of reflection in Central Park. It is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the city that we call home. I give Love Letters for the Subway 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! In her animated film Love Letters for the Subway, Mary Hawkins uses hand-drawn letters to represent New York City's subway lines. The images in the film are inspired by the architecture, geography, and everyday life of the neighborhoods through which the trains run. The clever concept and great visuals of Love Letters for the Subway are perfectly suited to the New York City subway system. Each letter or number tells a story, from the Ferris wheel to the protest signs, buildings, staircases, subway pillars, flowers, the pond with ducks, and subway rails. I had to watch the film multiple times to appreciate all of its nuances. The background music by Carlos Dengler is also well-suited to the film, giving it a sense of motion and excitement. Love Letters for the Subway is a love letter to New York City and its inhabitants. The film captures the richness and diversity of life in the city, from the hustle and bustle of the subway to the quiet moments of reflection in Central Park. It is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the city that we call home. I give Love Letters for the Subway 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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INDIA MITCHELL Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - With crime and courtroom scenes, "The Innocent" tells the story of a young person who was misidentified by two witnesses and wrongfully convicted of a bank robbery. In the American criminal justice system, wrongful conviction because of misidentification is unfortunately not new, but in this film, middle school students bring a fresh perspective and highlight the importance of the topic for all. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Innocent is a terrific short film that tackles a difficult issue - of subject misidentification in the legal system. The story line follows a young person who is misidentified by two witnesses and wrongly convicted of a bank robber, yet we see who the actual robber is. Excellent product by middle school students. Good camera work; good audio work; good editing; good casting. This short film really serves as a PSA for this important issue as we can easily see the problem that created the misinformation. Well done. The film's message is about how easily misidentification comes about in today's judicial system. I give The Innocent 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! The story line follows a young person who is misidentified by two witnesses and wrongly convicted of a bank robber, yet we see who the actual robber is. Excellent product by middle school students. Good camera work; good audio work; good editing; good casting. This short film really serves as a PSA for this important issue as we can easily see the problem that created the misinformation. Well done. The film's message is about how easily misidentification comes about in today's judicial system. I give The Innocent 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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TECA E TUTI Series: FOREIGN FEATURE, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - The tiny clothes moth Teca lives with her family and pet dust mite in a sewing box. What they love most is to eat paper, but when Teca learns to read, she notices that books cannot be eaten; after all, they keep stories that she loves. Committed to solving a great mystery, Teca and Tuti part towards the library, searching for the most important story of their life. From Brazil; Dialogue in Portuguese, English subtitles KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoyed watching Teca & Tuti: A Night at the Library. It has a wonderful family-friendly storyline and a strong message about the importance of reading. The storyline is about a moth named Teca (Luy Campos) and her little pet Tuti (Hugo Picchi) who understand the importance of reading instead of eating a book. I love the story line because it shows the importance of reading and talks about how kids are forgetting to read daily. This film is a combination of animation and live-action. Both are done perfectly --I love how the camera shows the scenery of the city during the live-action parts and in the animation we always get a perfect angle of the characters. For example when Teca turns to a book character the quality of the animation is on point. The costumes are perfect. Teca has a great outfit and always appears with a bow on her antenna. The locations for the live-action are great and the backgrounds of the animation are very well done. The music follows the story line perfectly. Every scene when Teca or another character has a strong feeling the music fits their mood quite well. Zico (Micael Gomes Matos) and his Grandmother (Nelma Nunes) love to read every night and Teca learns how to read and appreciate a book by listening to its story. The Directors Eduardo Perdido, Tiago M. A. Lima, Diego M. Doimo made an amazing film with a very compelling storyline and message to all. My favorite part is when Teca meets her mother. The film's message is that we all should go more to the library and read constantly. I give Teca & Tuti: A Night at the Library 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. By Keila V., KIDS FIRST! The storyline is about a moth named Teca (Luy Campos) and her little pet Tuti (Hugo Picchi) who understand the importance of reading instead of eating a book. I love the story line because it shows the importance of reading and talks about how kids are forgetting to read daily. This film is a combination of animation and live-action. Both are done perfectly --I love how the camera shows the scenery of the city during the live-action parts and in the animation we always get a perfect angle of the characters. For example when Teca turns to a book character the quality of the animation is on point. The costumes are perfect. Teca has a great outfit and always appears with a bow on her antenna. The locations for the live-action are great and the backgrounds of the animation are very well done. The music follows the story line perfectly. Every scene when Teca or another character has a strong feeling the music fits their mood quite well. Zico (Micael Gomes Matos) and his Grandmother (Nelma Nunes) love to read every night and Teca learns how to read and appreciate a book by listening to its story. The Directors Eduardo Perdido, Tiago M. A. Lima, Diego M. Doimo made an amazing film with a very compelling storyline and message to all. My favorite part is when Teca meets her mother. The film's message is that we all should go more to the library and read constantly. I give Teca & Tuti: A Night at the Library 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. By Keila V., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
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JULIETTA ZAMORA LAM Series: COLLEGE STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - A 3D Animated Short film in which a young girl learns to shed her guilt about her absent father. This student short film features an experimental flat character in a 3D environment with a toony rendered look. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A Trace is my new favorite film of the day. Beautifully animated and addressing a difficult topic of absentee fathers - or parents. The storyline follows a little girl whose father has left the family and her feelings about that. Ultimately, she is able to let go of him and realize that her family is herself and her mom. Great animation. Beautiful rendered. I love how the little girl is created and the backgrounds are also quite wonderful. But, the focus here really is on the storyline, which is told amazingly well, without narration. The film's message is about being able to let go and move on when someone walks out of your life. I give A Trace 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows a little girl whose father has left the family and her feelings about that. Ultimately, she is able to let go of him and realize that her family is herself and her mom. Great animation. Beautiful rendered. I love how the little girl is created and the backgrounds are also quite wonderful. But, the focus here really is on the storyline, which is told amazingly well, without narration. The film's message is about being able to let go and move on when someone walks out of your life. I give A Trace 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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LORA BATCHELOR MIDDLE SCHOOL Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - This documentary tells the story of Amelia Earhart and why she is a hero. Middle school student film. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love this short documentary about Amelia Earhart, the woman who dared! It has a great mix of background information, historical photos and inspiration. This middle school student made documentary tells the story of Amelia Earhart, a woman who was ahead of her time. This film tells an inspirational story and provides information in an easy format for audiences to digest. I really like how the content unfolds; it's very easy to follow and, for anyone unfamiliar with our heroine Amelia Earhart, very eye-opening. The selection of historical photos and timeline are excellent and, together with good editing, deliver a commendable short film about Ms. Earhart. The background music works well and the narrator's voice is quite good, although the audio is not always very clear and, at times the background music overshadows the narration. I especially love the photos and information about her early years. The titles really stand out here as they make treat transitions between sections and are very well done. The challenges she overcame from her early years show her spirit and how truly inspirational she really is. The film's message is to dare to dream and follow those dreams. I give Amelia Earhart 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This middle school student made documentary tells the story of Amelia Earhart, a woman who was ahead of her time. This film tells an inspirational story and provides information in an easy format for audiences to digest. I really like how the content unfolds; it's very easy to follow and, for anyone unfamiliar with our heroine Amelia Earhart, very eye-opening. The selection of historical photos and timeline are excellent and, together with good editing, deliver a commendable short film about Ms. Earhart. The background music works well and the narrator's voice is quite good, although the audio is not always very clear and, at times the background music overshadows the narration. I especially love the photos and information about her early years. The titles really stand out here as they make treat transitions between sections and are very well done. The challenges she overcame from her early years show her spirit and how truly inspirational she really is. The film's message is to dare to dream and follow those dreams. I give Amelia Earhart 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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LORA BATCHELOR MIDDLE SCHOOL Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - This is an animation film made with crayons. It is inspired by Cinderella. Middle School student film. Animation KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Crayonerella is a fun twist on the classic tale of Cinderella, featuring crayons as characters. The middle student-made animated film is inspired by the Cinderella story and told with crayons. The narrator, Elia Defore, is really good; I enjoyed listening to her tell the story. She is also the writer, director, producer and cinematographer. The camera work is pretty good - all the images are clear. I like the ending, when a human hand comes onto the screen to turn the page and close the book. The backgrounds are very basic - white! The audio is very good; it's nice and clear. I particularly enjoyed the voice inflection by the narrator. I love the ending where Elia Defore tells what inspired her to create this short film. This film reminds me how creativity and imagination are blessings. I give Crayonerella 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Selene W., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The middle student-made animated film is inspired by the Cinderella story and told with crayons. The narrator, Elia Defore, is really good; I enjoyed listening to her tell the story. She is also the writer, director, producer and cinematographer. The camera work is pretty good - all the images are clear. I like the ending, when a human hand comes onto the screen to turn the page and close the book. The backgrounds are very basic - white! The audio is very good; it's nice and clear. I particularly enjoyed the voice inflection by the narrator. I love the ending where Elia Defore tells what inspired her to create this short film. This film reminds me how creativity and imagination are blessings. I give Crayonerella 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Selene W., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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LORA BATCHELOR MIDDLE SCHOOL Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - This is a film highlighting the problem of kids who are neglected or abused. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Congratulations on creating a film with such a hard-hitting message. This short film, by a middle-school student delivers a strong message about abused or neglected children. The camera work and audio recording are quite good. The titling with its poignant messages really drive home the film's message and are very impactful and clear to read. The film's message is to create an awareness of abused or neglected children and encourages the audience to look for the signs. I give Neglected 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! This short film, by a middle-school student delivers a strong message about abused or neglected children. The camera work and audio recording are quite good. The titling with its poignant messages really drive home the film's message and are very impactful and clear to read. The film's message is to create an awareness of abused or neglected children and encourages the audience to look for the signs. I give Neglected 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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LORA BATCHELOR MIDDLE SCHOOL Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT STHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - This film is about how the Indiana University Football team teaches concept of "Love Each Other" to it's players, coaches, and fans. By middle school students. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a remarkable documentary about the rationale behind the "love each other" concept adopted by the IU football team, which has now been incorporated by other teams in Bloomington, Indiana where this takes place. This video is about how the Indiana University Football team teaches concept of "Love Each Other" to its players, coaches, and fans. I love the idea of this documentary but it has some issues with the production values due to poor lighting, poor audio recording and students speaking too fast or not enunciating well. However, the message overshadows the delivery and, for that reason, I'm recommending it. Keep in mind that this is made by middle school students and we hope they will improve their attention to production details in future work. Love is a concept often not taught or promoted in schools or on sports teams and that is the key concept that is explored and defined in this short film. I believe audiences will overlook the production flaws and relish the message these young people bring forth here. I say, Bravo to them for choosing this topic for their film. The film's message is about loving each other, despite our differences. I give L.E.O. 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST! This video is about how the Indiana University Football team teaches concept of "Love Each Other" to its players, coaches, and fans. I love the idea of this documentary but it has some issues with the production values due to poor lighting, poor audio recording and students speaking too fast or not enunciating well. However, the message overshadows the delivery and, for that reason, I'm recommending it. Keep in mind that this is made by middle school students and we hope they will improve their attention to production details in future work. Love is a concept often not taught or promoted in schools or on sports teams and that is the key concept that is explored and defined in this short film. I believe audiences will overlook the production flaws and relish the message these young people bring forth here. I say, Bravo to them for choosing this topic for their film. The film's message is about loving each other, despite our differences. I give L.E.O. 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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RON CLEMONS Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - In the face of insurmountable odds, a lone boot embarks on a perilous journey back to its rightful home. From treacherous terrains to unforgiving elements, the boot confronts unimaginable obstacles that test its resilience and determination. Through sheer determination and unexpected alliances, the boot defies the odds, teaching us that even the smallest of beings can triumph against adversity and find their way back to where they belong. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - In the face of insurmountable odds, a lone boot embarks on a perilous journey back to its rightful home. From treacherous terrains to unforgiving elements, the boot confronts unimaginable obstacles that test its resilience and determination. Through sheer determination and unexpected alliances, the boot defies the odds, teaching us that even the smallest of beings can triumph against adversity and find their way back to where they belong. What a charming animated short this is, very well executed. This fits right in to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival as it easily generates discussions about fitting in. The film begins as we see a lone boot in a snowstorm that tries to go inside a building to get out of the storm but is prevented from doing so by other foot ware. He's rescued by some bags that may be filled with money, as we see money flies all around him. They protect him and escort him to a house where he's greeted by a single high heel and, ultimately, his life turns around in the best way. Using foot ware as the main characters is an interesting way to define characters with different personalities or ethnic backgrounds. The boot perseveres, regardless of its situation and, when united with the high heel, we see how its life is fulfilled. The animation of this film is very well done; I love the subtle details like the snowdrifts, the door closing, the flying dollar bills, the high heel with a bow at the back, the shoelaces connecting the shoe family at the tables as if they are arms and hands, and more. I enjoyed the background music, especially the outro under the credits. Very well done! The film's message is spelled out at the end: you never know what someone is going through unless you walk a mile in their shoes. I give A Mile 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 through 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! What a charming animated short this is, very well executed. This fits right in to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival as it easily generates discussions about fitting in. The film begins as we see a lone boot in a snowstorm that tries to go inside a building to get out of the storm but is prevented from doing so by other foot ware. He's rescued by some bags that may be filled with money, as we see money flies all around him. They protect him and escort him to a house where he's greeted by a single high heel and, ultimately, his life turns around in the best way. Using foot ware as the main characters is an interesting way to define characters with different personalities or ethnic backgrounds. The boot perseveres, regardless of its situation and, when united with the high heel, we see how its life is fulfilled. The animation of this film is very well done; I love the subtle details like the snowdrifts, the door closing, the flying dollar bills, the high heel with a bow at the back, the shoelaces connecting the shoe family at the tables as if they are arms and hands, and more. I enjoyed the background music, especially the outro under the credits. Very well done! The film's message is spelled out at the end: you never know what someone is going through unless you walk a mile in their shoes. I give A Mile 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 through 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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BONITA DE ROSTO Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Celina finds out that she could never be considered the prettiest girl in her classroom. She will try everything to lose weight and stop the bullying she started to suffer at school. From Brazil; dialogue in Portuguese, English subtitles KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Such A Pretty Face is an awesome short film. This is a Brazilian movie and I am Brazilian so I can relate to it. But more importantly it talks with life situations that are universal -- how the bullying is hard and how we can deal with it. The story follows a young girl, Celina, who, at puberty, begins to suffer exclusion from her friends and tries to do everything to please everyone. However, she discovers that this is not how things work. This film hits home. It's so realistic in portraying the type of situation that Celina handles. This film is one that many young people should see, because of the script and the story. It teaches a lot. I like this film so much that I don't see any downsides, only positives, which I want to bring up here. I love the plot development from seeing Celina happy until the moment her life changes. It is impressive to see this, because when you watch it you felt all her emotions. The camera work is quite good; I really paid attention to every camera angle and found them interesting. There are close-ups that clearly show the kids' facial expressions and long shots that give us a view of her in her surroundings. The costumes are very typical for pre-teens and each one matches the personality of the character. Some are more extravagant than others, just like how the girls behave. More attention is put on the development of the protagonist, Celina, whose behavior changes due to the bullying. My favorite part is when Celina is with her friends after school and they start solving girly issues. The film's message is that you need to develop self-love and not care that much about what other people say about you, and let your own happiness fulfill you. I give Such A Pretty Face 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST! The story follows a young girl, Celina, who, at puberty, begins to suffer exclusion from her friends and tries to do everything to please everyone. However, she discovers that this is not how things work. This film hits home. It's so realistic in portraying the type of situation that Celina handles. This film is one that many young people should see, because of the script and the story. It teaches a lot. I like this film so much that I don't see any downsides, only positives, which I want to bring up here. I love the plot development from seeing Celina happy until the moment her life changes. It is impressive to see this, because when you watch it you felt all her emotions. The camera work is quite good; I really paid attention to every camera angle and found them interesting. There are close-ups that clearly show the kids' facial expressions and long shots that give us a view of her in her surroundings. The costumes are very typical for pre-teens and each one matches the personality of the character. Some are more extravagant than others, just like how the girls behave. More attention is put on the development of the protagonist, Celina, whose behavior changes due to the bullying. My favorite part is when Celina is with her friends after school and they start solving girly issues. The film's message is that you need to develop self-love and not care that much about what other people say about you, and let your own happiness fulfill you. I give Such A Pretty Face 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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MICHAEL XU Series: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FILM, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - "Palette of Progress: Feicheng Through My Grandfather's Eyes" is not just a journey into Mike Xu's personal heritage but also a deep dive into the sociocultural evolution of Feicheng in Shandong province in China. Through the lens of his grandfather's art, the documentary showcases the dynamic intersection of art and society. Every brushstroke, color choice, and theme in the artwork reveals the values, norms, and shifts in a community deeply rooted in tradition, yet evolving amidst China's rapid change. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a lovely documentary we find in Palette of Progress: Feicheng Through My Grandfather's Eyes. Created by the grandson of an accomplished Chinese artist, Mike Xu truly pays homage to his grandfather, Zhang Hua Qing. This documentary follows Mike Xu's personal travels to Feicheng in Shandong province in China to explore his grandfather's art and the heritage of his family. Beautifully constructed, this documentary reveals as much about the filmmaker as it does his quest to learn more about his grand father and the origins of art in his family. Nice camera work, excellent narration and very good editing make this easy to watch, learn and understand from. The film's message is really about exploring your family origins and allowing yourself the opportunity to learn from your elders and their community. I give Palette of Progress: Feicheng Through My Grandfather's Eyes 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie s., KIDS FIRST! This documentary follows Mike Xu's personal travels to Feicheng in Shandong province in China to explore his grandfather's art and the heritage of his family. Beautifully constructed, this documentary reveals as much about the filmmaker as it does his quest to learn more about his grand father and the origins of art in his family. Nice camera work, excellent narration and very good editing make this easy to watch, learn and understand from. The film's message is really about exploring your family origins and allowing yourself the opportunity to learn from your elders and their community. I give Palette of Progress: Feicheng Through My Grandfather's Eyes 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie s., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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THOMAS HEINEMANN Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - Paula's Dad is a busy man and writes stories for other children. That's why he doesn't have time for his own child. They had just moved and tin the new house are lots of children living who are great to play with. But Paula doesn't want to play with other children she doesn't even know and she's getting into a big quarrel with her Dad. Offended, she goes out onto the balcony and wants to stay there until Dad plays with her or gives her a talking Ken. Or at least a cell phone. Out of a sudden a storm comes up. It's called the big, cold wind and it blows Paula up into the mountains to the highest peak, where the wind robber children live. Sounds crazy? It is. Because Dad just invented the wind robbers and the big cold wind for his new children's story. And so a really weird adventure starts. From Germany; dialogue in German; English subtitles KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a wonderfully imaginative film Paula's Dad And The Right Button In His Head is. The plot is clever and the aspect of connecting the main story to one written by the father is also very interesting. I like the music and the childlike graphics. Note that it is from Germany with dialogue in German and English subtitles. A girl named Paula is disgruntled by the new place she and her family have moved to. She doesn't want to play with the other children that she doesn't know and feeling alone, retreats to the balcony hoping her Dad will come and play with her. Suddenly, she is blown away by a big cold wind which is interesting because Dad just invented the wind robbers and the big cold wind for his new children's story. A really weird adventure starts as the father goes in search of his daughter. This short film is very funny and presented in a fresh way that should appeal to children. I like the storyline, which many kids will resonate with. As the father goes on his way to find his daughter, he asks a lot of people if they have seen her. The presentation is creative and it is interesting to see the children as a dominant group of people who are doing a lot of professions that only adults can do in the real world. And I like when the father is locked up, because he wasn't available for his children, which seems like a situation a child might conjure. The camerawork is well executed. My favorite scene is when the wind takes the girl away. I especially like the sets; even though you can tell they're all fake -- they are childlike and feel almost like a child's scrapbook. The background music is super good -- they are very interesting and fit the storyline. The key cast members are the girl, played by Lisa Sweeney and her dad, played by Bodo Koch, both of whom give admirable performances. My favorite character is the little girl in the robber's group because she makes a lot of the decisions and is very thoughtful in her conversations with others. My favorite scene is the very beginning when it introduces the kids. It's an interesting blend of animation and live action. The film's messages are about the importance of family love and creativity. I give Paula's Dad And The Right Button In His Head 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Xiangxi K. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! A girl named Paula is disgruntled by the new place she and her family have moved to. She doesn't want to play with the other children that she doesn't know and feeling alone, retreats to the balcony hoping her Dad will come and play with her. Suddenly, she is blown away by a big cold wind which is interesting because Dad just invented the wind robbers and the big cold wind for his new children's story. A really weird adventure starts as the father goes in search of his daughter. This short film is very funny and presented in a fresh way that should appeal to children. I like the storyline, which many kids will resonate with. As the father goes on his way to find his daughter, he asks a lot of people if they have seen her. The presentation is creative and it is interesting to see the children as a dominant group of people who are doing a lot of professions that only adults can do in the real world. And I like when the father is locked up, because he wasn't available for his children, which seems like a situation a child might conjure. The camerawork is well executed. My favorite scene is when the wind takes the girl away. I especially like the sets; even though you can tell they're all fake -- they are childlike and feel almost like a child's scrapbook. The background music is super good -- they are very interesting and fit the storyline. The key cast members are the girl, played by Lisa Sweeney and her dad, played by Bodo Koch, both of whom give admirable performances. My favorite character is the little girl in the robber's group because she makes a lot of the decisions and is very thoughtful in her conversations with others. My favorite scene is the very beginning when it introduces the kids. It's an interesting blend of animation and live action. The film's messages are about the importance of family love and creativity. I give Paula's Dad And The Right Button In His Head 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Xiangxi K. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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SIDDHESH PANDEY Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Krishna the elder sibling to Shweta, needs to fulfil her demand to taste a pizza for the first time on her birthday. With crusty and cheesy bits will they be able to get their hand's on it? From India; dialogue in Hindi, English subtitles KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love this film, what a beautiful story about the love between siblings. The story follows Krishna, a young boy and older brother of Shweta, who yearns to taste pizza on her birthday. Although Kristna has no means to buy it for her, he promises to fulfill her wish. The story evolves quite naturally, and we observe how dedicated Kristna is to making his sister's wish come true. He does everything he can do to earn enough money to buy her pizza on her birthday and, when he does, the unexpected happens. Beautifully shot with wonderful camerawork and audio recording. Great cast, especially the two actors playing Krishna and Shweta, but also the pizza guy. This really is a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival ideal film as it not only shows positive behavior but also gives us a glimpse into life in India among a family with limited financial resources. The film's message is about the love between siblings. I give A Happy Pizza Day 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for age 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows Krishna, a young boy and older brother of Shweta, who yearns to taste pizza on her birthday. Although Kristna has no means to buy it for her, he promises to fulfill her wish. The story evolves quite naturally, and we observe how dedicated Kristna is to making his sister's wish come true. He does everything he can do to earn enough money to buy her pizza on her birthday and, when he does, the unexpected happens. Beautifully shot with wonderful camerawork and audio recording. Great cast, especially the two actors playing Krishna and Shweta, but also the pizza guy. This really is a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival ideal film as it not only shows positive behavior but also gives us a glimpse into life in India among a family with limited financial resources. The film's message is about the love between siblings. I give A Happy Pizza Day 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for age 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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AARON PHELPS Series: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FILM, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - This movie shows how my muscle disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) has affected my life and how I hope people can view kids with disabilities. A high school student production KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Wow! What an insightful short film by this young filmmaker that shares what his life is like as someone who lives with a severe disability. This documentary shows how a teenager with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) lives his life and how he has been able to persevere even with this disability. This remarkable documentary by a 15-year-old took my breath away. This young man shares what his life is like living with a debilitating disease that prevents him from being able to walk or even sit or turn his head side to side on his own. It is really remarkable how he created this film and shares his insights with us in hopes that people will think differently about people with disabilities. The filmmaker shares his reason for making the film, which is to try to help people learn about kids like him who can't walk so they can understand more about what life is like for them. I give Slanted Perspectives: My Life with SMA 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Your life will be changed from watching this film. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This documentary shows how a teenager with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) lives his life and how he has been able to persevere even with this disability. This remarkable documentary by a 15-year-old took my breath away. This young man shares what his life is like living with a debilitating disease that prevents him from being able to walk or even sit or turn his head side to side on his own. It is really remarkable how he created this film and shares his insights with us in hopes that people will think differently about people with disabilities. The filmmaker shares his reason for making the film, which is to try to help people learn about kids like him who can't walk so they can understand more about what life is like for them. I give Slanted Perspectives: My Life with SMA 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Your life will be changed from watching this film. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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LIGHT HOUSE STUDIO Series: STUDENT FILM, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Students encounter some bizarre difficulties while making a sci-fi movie. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - If you're a fan of documentaries, you'll love The Slime from Outer Space. The film follows a group of kids as they making a sci-fi film. Good camera work; good audio work. Funny plot. This easily fits in as an interstitial in between more serious programming perhaps, or as part of a comedy sequence. The film's message is to not take yourself too seriously. I give The Slime from Outer Space 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! The film follows a group of kids as they making a sci-fi film. Good camera work; good audio work. Funny plot. This easily fits in as an interstitial in between more serious programming perhaps, or as part of a comedy sequence. The film's message is to not take yourself too seriously. I give The Slime from Outer Space 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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LIGHT HOUSE STUDIO Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Two wannabe travel influencers make a very ill-informed video and search for a landmark that may not exist. A middle school student production. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Sometimes you just have to be silly and that is exactly what Untitled Delaware Project by middle school student is - goofy to the nth degree. If Saturday Night Live was made by kids, this segment would fit right in. This is a tongue-in-cheek film featuring two young tweens making a very misinformed travel documentary about DC Washington Delaware - that should give you a clue about how ill-informed it is. I had mixed feelings about this from the get go with the very shaky hand-held video, but then realized that all the poor video was intentional, even the two hosts wearing hats that put their faces in shadow 50% of the time. If you're tired of being serious, then this will give you some comic relief from the kids standing in front of a sign saying chemically treated water and saying that it's fresh water to joking about this being where pizza was invented or claiming that in New Jersey they don't have grass. The film's message is about not taking things too seriously. I give Untitled Delaware Project 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This is a tongue-in-cheek film featuring two young tweens making a very misinformed travel documentary about DC Washington Delaware - that should give you a clue about how ill-informed it is. I had mixed feelings about this from the get go with the very shaky hand-held video, but then realized that all the poor video was intentional, even the two hosts wearing hats that put their faces in shadow 50% of the time. If you're tired of being serious, then this will give you some comic relief from the kids standing in front of a sign saying chemically treated water and saying that it's fresh water to joking about this being where pizza was invented or claiming that in New Jersey they don't have grass. The film's message is about not taking things too seriously. I give Untitled Delaware Project 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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LIGHT HOUSE STUDIO Series: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 12-18 Topic - Family Description - A teenage girl resists therapy while dealing with some big life changes. A high school student production. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Captivating! Patch Work's authentic portrayal of a teenage girl's emotional journey amid her parents' divorce is relatable and moving. The film's narrative depth and profound message about healing make it a must-see for its powerful storytelling. The story follows a resistant teenage girl, Sadie, grappling with her parents' divorce and her mother's infidelity, ultimately finding healing and acceptance through therapy's transformative journey. I recommend Patch Work for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. Its relatable themes, authentic portrayal of adolescent struggles, and positive message about therapy and self-discovery make it a suitable and impactful choice for tween and teen audiences and families. The storyline immerses us in someone's real-life experiences, creating the feeling that we are witnessing genuine emotions, not just watching a film. The tone and point of view enhance this sense of authenticity and connection. The story development and character growth further are completely engaging. The cinematography impresses with its creative angles, especially when showing Katie engaging in therapeutic activities. For instance, unique shots provide an intimate view of her journaling and doing patchwork, bringing the audience closer to her emotional journey. One standout moment is when Sadie finally lowers her guard and connects with her therapist. The camera work brilliantly captures this breakthrough, allowing the audience to feel the emotional impact of that moment. Additionally, the film excels in presenting the intricate details of patchwork up close. However, there are a couple of scenes that are poorly lit; one in Katie's bedroom when she and her mom fight. And again, in the living room when Katie brings her patchwork to her mom. The light on the patchwork is fine, but the light on both Katie and her mom is very poor and hence, the closing scene is way too dark. The costumes seamlessly suit the storyline, with everyday attire that aligns perfectly with the characters and the modern-day setting. Sadie's attire matches her personality. The sets and locations excellently complement the story. The scenes in the therapist's office provide an authentic atmosphere for these crucial moments. Katie's bedroom is fitting for a teenager and the dining room, where the mother-daughter relationship unfolds, convincingly resembles a natural home environment. The background music is used sparingly and when it is used, it is subtle and quiet. Sophia Saunier delivers a compelling performance as Sadie, the film's central character. Throughout the narrative, Sadie undergoes significant character development. Initially, she's seen as a resistant and angry teenager, struggling to accept her parents' divorce and her mother's infidelity, which has left her emotionally wounded. Her character gradually opens up and begins to engage with the therapist, Dr. Adam (Trisha Haun). This growth is reflected in Saunier's acting and interactions with Dr. Adam, demonstrating a journey toward self-acceptance and healing. The character development is a testament to the actors' ability to convey their respective roles' emotional depth and growth, making it a poignant and relatable exploration of personal transformation. Patch Work owes its success to the remarkable contributions of its behind-the-scenes team. High school student directors, Ginger Craghead-Way, Cate Slaughter, Sophia Saunier and Henry Abney exhibit a clear vision and storytelling prowess beyond their years. Their collaboration results in a narrative that authentically captures the story's emotional depth. The production design team is another standout, creating an immersive environment that enhances the film's realism. Locations such as the therapist's office and Sadie's bedroom meticulously match the characters' personalities and the story's overall tone. Lastly, the costume choices, though subtle, are apt, with characters wearing attire that fits their roles and the modern-day setting. Together, the collaborative efforts of these behind-the-scenes contributors elevate the film into an emotionally resonant and authentic cinematic experience. My favorite part is when Sadie begins the patchwork activity. It is a pivotal breakthrough. Witnessing the patchwork gradually come together is visually captivating and emotionally satisfying, highlighting the power of therapy and self-discovery in the film. The film's message revolves around the capacity for personal growth and healing through therapy and self-exploration, highlighting the potential for positive change even in challenging circumstances. I give Patch Work 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! The story follows a resistant teenage girl, Sadie, grappling with her parents' divorce and her mother's infidelity, ultimately finding healing and acceptance through therapy's transformative journey. I recommend Patch Work for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. Its relatable themes, authentic portrayal of adolescent struggles, and positive message about therapy and self-discovery make it a suitable and impactful choice for tween and teen audiences and families. The storyline immerses us in someone's real-life experiences, creating the feeling that we are witnessing genuine emotions, not just watching a film. The tone and point of view enhance this sense of authenticity and connection. The story development and character growth further are completely engaging. The cinematography impresses with its creative angles, especially when showing Katie engaging in therapeutic activities. For instance, unique shots provide an intimate view of her journaling and doing patchwork, bringing the audience closer to her emotional journey. One standout moment is when Sadie finally lowers her guard and connects with her therapist. The camera work brilliantly captures this breakthrough, allowing the audience to feel the emotional impact of that moment. Additionally, the film excels in presenting the intricate details of patchwork up close. However, there are a couple of scenes that are poorly lit; one in Katie's bedroom when she and her mom fight. And again, in the living room when Katie brings her patchwork to her mom. The light on the patchwork is fine, but the light on both Katie and her mom is very poor and hence, the closing scene is way too dark. The costumes seamlessly suit the storyline, with everyday attire that aligns perfectly with the characters and the modern-day setting. Sadie's attire matches her personality. The sets and locations excellently complement the story. The scenes in the therapist's office provide an authentic atmosphere for these crucial moments. Katie's bedroom is fitting for a teenager and the dining room, where the mother-daughter relationship unfolds, convincingly resembles a natural home environment. The background music is used sparingly and when it is used, it is subtle and quiet. Sophia Saunier delivers a compelling performance as Sadie, the film's central character. Throughout the narrative, Sadie undergoes significant character development. Initially, she's seen as a resistant and angry teenager, struggling to accept her parents' divorce and her mother's infidelity, which has left her emotionally wounded. Her character gradually opens up and begins to engage with the therapist, Dr. Adam (Trisha Haun). This growth is reflected in Saunier's acting and interactions with Dr. Adam, demonstrating a journey toward self-acceptance and healing. The character development is a testament to the actors' ability to convey their respective roles' emotional depth and growth, making it a poignant and relatable exploration of personal transformation. Patch Work owes its success to the remarkable contributions of its behind-the-scenes team. High school student directors, Ginger Craghead-Way, Cate Slaughter, Sophia Saunier and Henry Abney exhibit a clear vision and storytelling prowess beyond their years. Their collaboration results in a narrative that authentically captures the story's emotional depth. The production design team is another standout, creating an immersive environment that enhances the film's realism. Locations such as the therapist's office and Sadie's bedroom meticulously match the characters' personalities and the story's overall tone. Lastly, the costume choices, though subtle, are apt, with characters wearing attire that fits their roles and the modern-day setting. Together, the collaborative efforts of these behind-the-scenes contributors elevate the film into an emotionally resonant and authentic cinematic experience. My favorite part is when Sadie begins the patchwork activity. It is a pivotal breakthrough. Witnessing the patchwork gradually come together is visually captivating and emotionally satisfying, highlighting the power of therapy and self-discovery in the film. The film's message revolves around the capacity for personal growth and healing through therapy and self-exploration, highlighting the potential for positive change even in challenging circumstances. I give Patch Work 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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GUANCHEN WANG Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - A thief gets caught robbing a house by blind boy Joseph, who mistakes him for Santa Claus. The thief is moved by Joseph's innocence and kindness but hesitates to continue stealing to make money and give his daughter a better life. Finally, the thief and Joseph mutually influence each other, the thief decides to give up stealing, and Joseph also gets over his guilt for stealing his classmate's pencil. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I, Santa Claus is not your usual Christmas story, but it delivers a message of kindness and how an innocent boy changed the life of a would-be thief. The storyline follow a thief who is caught in the midst of stealing by a blind boy, who mistakes him for Santa Claus. They get into a conversation and the thief puts back the money he was going to take. He is moved by Joseph's innocence and kindness. This short is well produced with clear video and audio. The video capture was a challenge as it takes place at night inside a home - but we can see the characters clearly. The acting is what makes this film terrific - from both the thief and the boy, Joseph. They both deliver believable roles and make you feel they are the characters they portray. The set is a Christmas decorated living room. The background music is light and non-intrusive. I like everything about this, but the message is really the best part. The film's message is about changing your ways when you realize that they don't represent the "best of who you are." I give I, Santa Claus 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follow a thief who is caught in the midst of stealing by a blind boy, who mistakes him for Santa Claus. They get into a conversation and the thief puts back the money he was going to take. He is moved by Joseph's innocence and kindness. This short is well produced with clear video and audio. The video capture was a challenge as it takes place at night inside a home - but we can see the characters clearly. The acting is what makes this film terrific - from both the thief and the boy, Joseph. They both deliver believable roles and make you feel they are the characters they portray. The set is a Christmas decorated living room. The background music is light and non-intrusive. I like everything about this, but the message is really the best part. The film's message is about changing your ways when you realize that they don't represent the "best of who you are." I give I, Santa Claus 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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TARA STRICKLAND Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5 -12 Topic - Family Description - As society races faster and louder towards modernity, Gorjuss is a nostalgic reminder of the human psyche; a gentle nod to our childhood courage, hidden insecurities and innermost thoughts. 'Little Luna' is the very first Gorjuss girl to be brought to life. She manifests an inspiring narrative for us all, encouraging girls everywhere to defy expectations. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a lovely short fantasy animation this is. Perfect for letting your imagination wander. The story follows a little girl, Little Luna, as she explores her imagination and travels to a host of magical places. This short is part of the Gorjuss Anthology, which is a series of bedtime stories for children using the image of a Gorjuss doll. The film's animation is stunningly beautiful. Luna is so cute you relish her every movement and the narration, in iambic pentameter suits her so darn well. The background music is quite lovely although it often overshadows the narration, making it difficult to understand what is being said. The images of Luna's fantasy are spectacular - outer space, dancing, dreaming, discovering worlds beyond our own and finding a star in her pocket, a string from a magical moonbeam. She dreams so big that she makes them come true. The film's message is to dream big and allow your fantasies to materialize in whatever way possible - be it real or make believe. I give Little Luna 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for age 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows a little girl, Little Luna, as she explores her imagination and travels to a host of magical places. This short is part of the Gorjuss Anthology, which is a series of bedtime stories for children using the image of a Gorjuss doll. The film's animation is stunningly beautiful. Luna is so cute you relish her every movement and the narration, in iambic pentameter suits her so darn well. The background music is quite lovely although it often overshadows the narration, making it difficult to understand what is being said. The images of Luna's fantasy are spectacular - outer space, dancing, dreaming, discovering worlds beyond our own and finding a star in her pocket, a string from a magical moonbeam. She dreams so big that she makes them come true. The film's message is to dream big and allow your fantasies to materialize in whatever way possible - be it real or make believe. I give Little Luna 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for age 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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DARREN PAUL FISHER Series: ELEMENTARY STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Eight-year-old Miles loves the idea of swearing, but wants to investigate people's attitudes to using 'bad' language. He has a big question to ask: should children be allowed to swear? KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This documentary is part fun and part serious. The young filmmaker (elementary school) take a serious look at whether or not children should be allowed to swear. The many interviews with adults and kids are insightful and well shot, for the most part. The outdoor scene lacks a windscreen so the audio is distorted. But, for the most part it is well made. I admire this young man for taking this on and giving it a thorough overview. There are no hard and fast conclusions. He ends with, "what do you think." The film's message is about whether or not kids should be allowed to swear. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Marissa S. The young filmmaker (elementary school) take a serious look at whether or not children should be allowed to swear. The many interviews with adults and kids are insightful and well shot, for the most part. The outdoor scene lacks a windscreen so the audio is distorted. But, for the most part it is well made. I admire this young man for taking this on and giving it a thorough overview. There are no hard and fast conclusions. He ends with, "what do you think." The film's message is about whether or not kids should be allowed to swear. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Marissa S. KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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SHIHYUN WANG Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - A Korean man vowed to be a Kungfu master before proposing to his dream girl. However, he had a second thought after going through meditation for love. From Korea, Dialogue in English KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Warrior Intern's Quest for Love tells a story of devotion and love. The storyline follows a Korean man who vowed to be a Kungfu master before proposing to the woman he loves and then has a second thought after meditating. This is pretty well produced, although the parts where the man is talking with the Kungfu master outdoors suffers from not having a windscreen on the microphone so there is a lot of audio distortion. The blend of animation with live action is well done. The film's message is to be true to yourself. I give Warrior Intern's Quest for Love 3,5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows a Korean man who vowed to be a Kungfu master before proposing to the woman he loves and then has a second thought after meditating. This is pretty well produced, although the parts where the man is talking with the Kungfu master outdoors suffers from not having a windscreen on the microphone so there is a lot of audio distortion. The blend of animation with live action is well done. The film's message is to be true to yourself. I give Warrior Intern's Quest for Love 3,5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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BLANCA PICTURES Series: FOREIGN ANIMATED SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - When it turns out that Vanilla is behind in the monthly courier ratings he takes a delivery to The Tundara, a dangerous icy desert populated by the "savagelings" in hopes of getting ahead in the ratings. But at the last minute gets scared and grabs a different package. Ginji sets out to help Vanilla and encounters all kinds of adventures on the way. From Cyprus, English dialogue KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Another wonderful and lively episode of The Savagelings: Ginji Series. This series, filmed in Armenia, Cyprus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, United States, and directed by Slava Ushakov delivers a beautifully produced animated show that just wows me! This episode takes our protagonist, Vanilla to the Tundara in hopes of improving her rating as a courier. Ginji accompanies her and the adventure escalates from there. I am totally enchanted by the animation in this show. It is everything that great animation should be - unique characters, great movement, great backgrounds... and a fun storyline. Vanilla's way of moving through the world is commendable as she always leads with kindness, even when those around her are less so. Her innocence is partly why we love her so much. And her backpack Ginji is equally awesome. I love how it turns into a flying machine. It's crazy and wacky and fun. Vanilla reminds us that kindness matters and helps you navigate the world better than anything else. I give The Savagelings: Ginji series, Episode 7 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This series, filmed in Armenia, Cyprus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, United States, and directed by Slava Ushakov delivers a beautifully produced animated show that just wows me! This episode takes our protagonist, Vanilla to the Tundara in hopes of improving her rating as a courier. Ginji accompanies her and the adventure escalates from there. I am totally enchanted by the animation in this show. It is everything that great animation should be - unique characters, great movement, great backgrounds... and a fun storyline. Vanilla's way of moving through the world is commendable as she always leads with kindness, even when those around her are less so. Her innocence is partly why we love her so much. And her backpack Ginji is equally awesome. I love how it turns into a flying machine. It's crazy and wacky and fun. Vanilla reminds us that kindness matters and helps you navigate the world better than anything else. I give The Savagelings: Ginji series, Episode 7 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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RON CLEMONS Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - A free-spirited young boy on his way home realizes not only is time his enemy but also a competitive light. For and about the Black Community KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Street Light is a brilliantly made film, but I'm a bit perplexed about what it means or what it is all about. The description tells me that it's about a boy who realizes that time is not his only enemy, but light also is. The animation is terrific. All the characters look very realistic, although their movements are decidedly jerky. They look very Ai created. I'm unsure about the film's message although it appears to be that the boy can outsmart the light. I give Street Light 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Marissa S. KIDS FIRST! The description tells me that it's about a boy who realizes that time is not his only enemy, but light also is. The animation is terrific. All the characters look very realistic, although their movements are decidedly jerky. They look very Ai created. I'm unsure about the film's message although it appears to be that the boy can outsmart the light. I give Street Light 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Marissa S. KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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AARON PHELPS Series: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - A disabled high school student wants to join the school's karate club and is bullied, but resolves his differences with the bully. High school student film. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Aaron Phelps, you have done it again! What a great film this is! I Want to Be In the Karate Club teaches such an important message about not underestimating someone's capabilities. Love it! This short film by a 15-year-old disabled filmmaker shows how, even when someone is unable to fully participate, they can participate. I love the storyline of this film and admire this young filmmaker so much. Plus his sense of humor is absolutely spot on. Great camera work here, good audio, good acting. Very good production as a whole. Most importantly is the film's message. This film reminds us that kids who are differently abled still deserve the opportunity to participate as much as possible. I give I Want to Be In the Karate Club 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! This short film by a 15-year-old disabled filmmaker shows how, even when someone is unable to fully participate, they can participate. I love the storyline of this film and admire this young filmmaker so much. Plus his sense of humor is absolutely spot on. Great camera work here, good audio, good acting. Very good production as a whole. Most importantly is the film's message. This film reminds us that kids who are differently abled still deserve the opportunity to participate as much as possible. I give I Want to Be In the Karate Club 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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SIMON WENDLER Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - The adventurous Marie - an 11-year-old girl - is traveling with her parents in the Hohe Tauern National Park and discovers a cave, which she enters after a moment of hesitation. This is where a real adventure begins - she finds a mysterious amulet, meets talking animals, about the wonderful nature and how the landscape has changed over the centuries. With her new friends Max and Grete - local animals - Marie sets out to find her parents again and uncover a secret along the way. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a charming little fantasy film this is. Perfect for young people. The story follows an 11-year-old girl, Marie, who is visiting a national park with her parents when she discovers a cave where she finds an amulet, talking animals and learns about how the landscape has changed over the many years. The animation is absolutely gorgeous - it reminds me of a moving watercolor. And the characters, from the little girl, to the talking animals, are very realistic, in an abstract sort of way. The storyline reminds us of the beauty around us and how important it is. I was a bit concerned about the girl wandering off from her parents and entering the cave by herself - which is certainly not something we recommend - but keep in mind that it is fantasy and, in the end, she is reunited with her parents. The film's message is about taking care of our planet. I give The Mysterious Amulet 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows an 11-year-old girl, Marie, who is visiting a national park with her parents when she discovers a cave where she finds an amulet, talking animals and learns about how the landscape has changed over the many years. The animation is absolutely gorgeous - it reminds me of a moving watercolor. And the characters, from the little girl, to the talking animals, are very realistic, in an abstract sort of way. The storyline reminds us of the beauty around us and how important it is. I was a bit concerned about the girl wandering off from her parents and entering the cave by herself - which is certainly not something we recommend - but keep in mind that it is fantasy and, in the end, she is reunited with her parents. The film's message is about taking care of our planet. I give The Mysterious Amulet 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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WEI HUNTER Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Chinese American kids grow up torn between two cultures and don't always understand the importance of their heritage, but learning Chinese helps them connect with the past, grow in the present, and set the stage for their future success. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - All You've Got gives us insight into a mixed cultural family dealing with teaching their child the father's native Chinese language. The story follows a young boy whose dad is Chinese and mother is American. The dad wants him to learn Chinese and thinks it will help connect him with his past and help him in the future. The boy resists until the Dad finds a way to motivate him. Bribery always works with kids and, in this case, definitely makes an impact. This is a well produced short film with a simple message and is relevant not only to Chinese Americans but any mixed cultural family. The camerawork is good, so is the audio and the acting is spot on. Nothing is too dramatically unique here, it's just a good short film with a simple message. The film's message is about the importance for bi-cultural children to be taught the native language and culture of both sides of their family. I give All You've Got 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows a young boy whose dad is Chinese and mother is American. The dad wants him to learn Chinese and thinks it will help connect him with his past and help him in the future. The boy resists until the Dad finds a way to motivate him. Bribery always works with kids and, in this case, definitely makes an impact. This is a well produced short film with a simple message and is relevant not only to Chinese Americans but any mixed cultural family. The camerawork is good, so is the audio and the acting is spot on. Nothing is too dramatically unique here, it's just a good short film with a simple message. The film's message is about the importance for bi-cultural children to be taught the native language and culture of both sides of their family. I give All You've Got 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 |
