KIDS FIRST! Video Titles

KIDS FIRST! has endorsed 2137 total Video titles

Below are up to 26 of them

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CREEK DWELLER IN THE BAYOU, THE (2024) - MELISSA CAUDLE
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-8
Description - Seven children discover a magical creature.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I enjoyed The Creek Dweller In The Bayou because it is full of fantasies. This short animated film captures heartwarming childlike moments. The creek dweller is like a wizard who does magic to fulfill the children's desires.

The storyline follows seven siblings on a hot, humid summer day who go down to play in the creek to cool off and encounter a charming little animal known as The Creek Dweller. This magical creature has the remarkable ability to transform into anything it desires. With its whimsical antics, The Creek Dweller brings joy and excitement to the children.

This story is perfect for young children. The 2D animation is rich and colorful. The characters are simply drawn, without a lot of definition and their lips don't move in sync with their dialogue, but that doesn't detract from the story. The voiceovers of the seven siblings and The Creek Dweller are done by three people and, to their credit, it works quite well with the exception of the voice of The Creek Dweller, who sounds way too much like the children. The film uses first-person point-of-view shots to give the viewer the feeling of experiencing adventures alongside the characters and feeling every bit of the magic that fills their dreams. The background zydeco music reinforces the location of this story which takes place in a bayou in Louisiana. Throughout the film, attention to contextual detail enhances the storytelling experience. The Creek Dweller's transformations are carefully crafted, immersing the viewer into his world and his fantastical adventures. The Creek Dweller is the most interesting character as a magical creature who can turn into a unicorn or an insect, and his appearance brings the children a wonderful afternoon that they hadn't expected. I love The Creek Dweller's transformations; they brought back memories of childhood cartoons. Every time the wizard casts a spell, I feel excitement and anticipation, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the transformation.

The film's message is about enjoying a fantasy when it appears in your life. Note that there might be concern that the children go down to the creek without their grandmother's permission, but the older brother seems old enough to take charge.

I give The Creek Dweller In The Bayou 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Zuoqing R., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I enjoyed The Creek Dweller In The Bayou because it is full of fantasies. This short animated film captures heartwarming childlike moments. The creek dweller is like a wizard who does magic to fulfill the children's desires.

I give The Creek Dweller In The Bayou 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Zuoqing R., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 15 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

ELIZABETHAN THEATER - CHRYSOULA NIKOLOPOULOU
Series: ELEMENTARY STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-18
Description - This student creation entitled "Elizabethan Theatre" narrates the basic historical and social elements of the Elizabethan era, regarding the development of the theater of the same name in England. The time period it focuses on starts from 1562 until 1642, when the English Parliament banned all plays and sealed all theatrical stages for the following 18 years.

This Documentary Short Film was created with the Stop Motion Animation technique by the students of E1 of the 6th Intercultural Primary School of Eleftherio - Kordelio in Thessaloniki.

Students of the 6th grade also aided filming, while students of the 3rd, 5th and 6th grades contributed to the construction - collection of the sets used.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The student film, Elizabethan Theatre offers a unique blend of creativity and authenticity. I really enjoyed the stop-motion animation technique -- the animated images in the film are very vivid and realistic as they explain the historical and social elements of the Elizabethan era. I also like how the film is presented; it is very organized.

The documentary tells about the basic historical and social elements of the Elizabethan era and about the development of the English theater from the theatrical entertainment initiated by Queen Elizabeth to the emergence of the first permanent theatre roof in London. It covers the time period of 1562 to 1642, when Parliament banned all plays and sealed all theaters for the next 18 years due to the traditional conservative ideas of London officials, who believed that theater actors were vagabonds, and the theater attracted only criminals. One of the reasons was the spread of the bubonic plague, which led to the rule that large gatherings were forbidden.

My favorite part is the section that introduces the theater, detailing its construction and interior. The theater was circular and wooden as well as open, and the interior had no lights, so all the performances were scheduled during the day when there was natural lighting available. The stop motion animation gives a vivid explanation of each structure during the show, for example: "pit and gallery" each served different purposes. The interesting angle this film is that it is made using stop-motion animation, which is a very time-consuming way of filming which requires filming it frame by frame. The sets and locations are suitable for the story and the time it takes place in. They are pretty complicated, including the interior of the theater, the background which shows the structure of each part of the theater, such as the gallery and the entire gallery of the Grand Theatre - it explains that the Gallery is set on the second floor of the theatre, suitable for those who were wealthy and could often spend as little as two pence to see a play in the gallery on the second floor. The narration is provided by multiple speakers, all children, and their presentation is pretty consistent. The film is directed by Chrysoula Nikolopoulou. Twenty students who were in grade 5 (age 10) worked on the film.

One of my favorite parts of the film is the introduction to the inner workings of the theater. It shows how the theater was made up of several different parts; the "pit" was a large standing pit where people stood to watch the plays. The "gallery" was where the rich could see the plays on the second floor. On the top floor of the theater, there was a small attic where different colored flags were placed to represent the audience's desire to see a play. These plot setups helped me get a good idea of the inner workings of the theater.

The film's message is to inform the audience about the Elizabethan era and the development of English plays; to examine the structure of the theater's interior and the impact it had on the audiences. The film ends with the closure of the Elizabethan Theater for eighteen years due to the blight of the bubonic plague, which marked the end of the Elizabethan era.

I give Elizabethan Theater 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Changyang L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The student film, Elizabethan Theatre offers a unique blend of creativity and authenticity. I really enjoyed the stop-motion animation technique -- the animated images in the film are very vivid and realistic as they explain the historical and social elements of the Elizabethan era. I also like how the film is presented; it is very organized.

I give Elizabethan Theater 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Changyang L., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

FORGOTTEN GENERATION, THE - DRAHOMIR STREIT
Series: ELEMENTARY STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - The documentary film "The Forgotten Generation" was created last school year and captures through the eyes of nine-year-old children three school years that were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The main creators of the successful documentary were a group of nineteen children under the guidance of lecturer Drahom�r Streita. Editing, subtitles and music were provided by Luk�� Vaida, Ondrej Mik and Michal Matula. Samuel Duda and Krist�na �inov� operated the camera, Laura Gun�rov� Gorolov�, Lucie Kavanov�, Teodor Adamec, Timothy Paul Hermsen, Sofie Anna Moslerov�, Nikol Nol v�, Eli�ka Adamcov�, Pavel Kavan, Robert Gil�k, Eli�ka Babicov�, Zuzana Monczmmannov�, Julie Ratajov�, Stela Ratajov� and Radana Hor�kov�.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The documentary, The Forgotten Generation, is very emotional and full of memories.

This student produced film tells the story of the three school years that nine-year-olds suffered from the effects of the Covid-19, when the children spent most of their time at home in online classes, without friends or teachers to talk to, and how their studies were affected. It is clear that the pandemic deprived the children of their time. It is from Czech Republic with dialogue in Czech, and English subtitles.

This movie is about what Covid has done to their lives from a child's point of view. The story is told from the perspective of nine-year-olds, who were just getting acquainted with school life and preparing to start a whole new school life when Covid-19 swept across the globe, causing all children to have to attend online classes, losing contact with their peers as well as their teachers, and how Covid was followed by another large outbreak in a short period of time which left kids having to revert back to online classes again. The plot development is good - it brings back memories of that time during the pandemic, so I could empathize with these kids. For example, one of them talks about how all of their classmates were quarantined so he had no friends to be in contact with, which was very lonely. This movie doesn't have very attractive camera work; it's very plain, without any fancy shooting techniques, but it reflects what the children really think. When the story is about the children's school life, it is accompanied by a piano in the background which is very happy, matching the carefree life of the children in the school. However, when the children are affected by Covid-19 and are unable to enter the school, the background music features a low fiddle that matches the depressing atmosphere. My favorite scene is one where the children return to school after Covid lifts. It reminds me of when I was in school and under the control of the pandemic, and I often felt very lonely without the company of my peers. That's why it's so heartwarming to see the children's happy faces when they return to school.

The film's message is about how these young children lost their school life due to Covid-19, and how the long hours of isolation made the children feel lonely because not only do they have to worry about getting Covid, but they also had to wear thick masks and couldn't gather with their friends.

I give The Forgotten Generation 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. This movie may resonate with kids who lost their own school life because of Covid. By ChangYang L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The documentary, The Forgotten Generation, is very emotional and full of memories.

I give The Forgotten Generation 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. This movie may resonate with kids who lost their own school life because of Covid. By ChangYang L., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 12 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

STRINGS (2024) - KVARTERET FILMPRODUKTION
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - A game with explosives backfires and we are thrown back in time into a crucial year in a group of young people's lives. Strings is a tender yet humorous everyday poetic depiction of young people on a collision course with an alienated adult world.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Strings is appealing as it 'lets you into the world' of teenagers who are trying to find their way from childhood into adulthood. It shows the challenges they face and the activities that they engage in the absence of adult supervision. This is mostly in their conversations while eating as they have a sexual conversation amongst themselves freely - one of them says that he had a girlfriend which sparks the curiosity of his other friends as they want to know what happened as this is new territory to them. There's also a scene where one of the boys who's left by himself in his house and watches a video from an adult site. Another girl's mother asks her to take photos of her for Tinder, which is something that happens in this era.

The story follows a group of teenagers from all walks of life and families who bond because of their board skating hobby. These teenagers are all dealing with different things in their personal lives ranging from absentee parents, always arguing parents, and trying to keep up with their parents' love lives. They are adventurous and sometimes put them in dangerous positions. It ends in suspense as one can't really tell what happens at the end, which leaves the viewer wanting more and wishing for a better outcome.

A teenager would enjoy this film as they can relate to most of the activities happening throughout. Everything in this film has been experienced by teenagers in many corners of the world. They may resonate with the actors. There is a scene where one of the kids' guardians is walking using crutches and, if an audience member has a loved one using these, they won't feel as if they are the only one with such a person in their life. The scene where one kid is left alone in his house and a neighbor is sent to check up on him could resonate with a kid who is in the same situation and maybe they will find solace in that. The girl whose mother asks her to take photos of her for Tinder is something that happens in this era.

The film is above average - it is realistic in how it depicts everyday life of teenagers. These teens are dealing with different things in their personal lives and they always have their headsets on to block some of the unpleasantness. The most outstanding thing about the film is its unpredictable nature. The ending and the beginning are so in sync yet not so subtle. It has an original storyline and nothing is clich� throughout the entire film. All the actors play their roles fairly well. The camera work is serviceable and keeps up with the characters' pace; for example, there is a part where we can't see the characters skating and you assume it's the camera person trying to keep up with the speed of the skaters. Other than that it's clear and meets film quality standards. The audio is perfect throughout the film. The costumes and music are good. The music and sound effects put you in the mood of the occurring scene and makes you feel a part of the film. The locations used for different scenes are fairly good. Some parts of the film contain mature language, serving as a warning for parents regarding its suitability for younger audiences. It is most suitable for audiences for teens.

It uses vocabulary suitable for its target audience. For example there's a scene where one of the boys hints on having intimate relations with a girl and his friends want him to tell them more about the experience. There's also one instance when another boy is home alone and he is watching some adult film before receiving a call from his father telling him he won't make it home that night. That basically is a pretty predictable depiction of any teenage boy. There is also the scene where there are two of them that seem to be dating as they are always together, even cuddling, and in one scene the boy gets jealous as he watches his girlfriend holding another boy's hand while being taught how to jump on the skateboard and he goes off to sit and watch from a distance. You can tell his mood changes from that. Most teenagers that age are dating in the outside world.

I give Strings 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Some parts contain mature language. By Gloria J., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Strings is appealing as it 'lets you into the world' of teenagers who are trying to find their way from childhood into adulthood. It shows the challenges they face and the activities that they engage in the absence of adult supervision. This is mostly in their conversations while eating as they have a sexual conversation amongst themselves freely - one of them says that he had a girlfriend which sparks the curiosity of his other friends as they want to know what happened as this is new territory to them. There's also a scene where one of the boys who's left by himself in his house and watches a video from an adult site. Another girl's mother asks her to take photos of her for Tinder, which is something that happens in this era.

I give Strings 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Some parts contain mature language. By Gloria J., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 22 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

MR. MOORE'S GIFT - ADAM SENIOR
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - It's almost Christmas in modern day New York and Maggie wants to hear her favourite poem, Twas a Night Before Christmas. But how did this poem come to be written? And who was Clement Clark Moore? As Maggie settles down to sleep there's magic in the air to night...
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoyed the Christmas film Mr. Moore's Gift. It brought back a piece of childhood magic that comes from imagination. The performance, lighting and musical score made me feel like I had been granted VIP access to Santa's factory -- Elf's Honor!

This film is based on the backstory of Clement Clark Moore, author of the poem The Night Before Christmas and part of the story is delivered in iambic pentameter verse, like original poem itself. This is a short film set during Christmastime that tells the story of Mr. Clement Clarke Moore (Scott Bolger) and how he came to write a poem about Santa for his children. A young girl named Maggie (Skye Sconiers) is transported to the past through her dream, where she watches Mr. Moore write his poem and donate a turkey to the man later revealed to be Santa (Thomas Moynahan).

The poem is told beautifully with engaging storytelling and magical effects. The cinematography is beautiful and adds to the holiday warmth of the film. The camera blurs the background at times to show falling snow and moves in a way that makes the viewer feel as if they are on the sleigh. The setting, in Maggie's room, immediately establishes her bubbly, childlike personality. There are lots of smiling animals and the color scheme is very bright with lots of warm colors, such as pink and orange. Her room is very cozy, adding to the festive holiday effect. The sound effects are what really bring the film together. After all, you can't have a Christmas movie without jingle bells. The music is festive and never gets too dramatic, adding to the film's lightheartedness.

Scott Bolger puts on a captivating performance as Mr. Moore. He has a big responsibility as the title character of the film and definitely delivers. Watching the film, I felt as if I was really watching the writing process unfold - I could see his face light up when he came up with an idea, or put on an intense expression when he was in deep thought. Skye Sconiers' performance as Maggie is also worth mentioning - she is anything but shy with her expressions. The amazement on her face is clear, and she obviously is enjoying herself when she meets Santa. My favorite part is the character of Maggie's mother (Afua Busia). Her acting style sets a warm and welcoming tone for the entire film, and she tells the poem in a way that draws the viewer in, almost as if you are hearing a bedtime story. Adults will enjoy the prose and the youngest children will enjoy the Christmas music and hearing about Santa and his reindeer.

The film's message is that you can get so much more out of a story if you truly experience it, rather than just read the words. Imagine yourself in the character's place and you will find yourself temporarily transported into their world. Let yourself fall into a book where everyone has something valuable to teach you.

I give Mr. Moore's gift 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Ella S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really enjoyed the Christmas film Mr. Moore's Gift. It brought back a piece of childhood magic that comes from imagination. The performance, lighting and musical score made me feel like I had been granted VIP access to Santa's factory -- Elf's Honor!

I give Mr. Moore's gift 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Ella S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 15 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

HIDDEN THROUGH THE LAYERS - LEAHNA THOMAS
Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - This film is about why mental health is something that is important to look for in others, and how people can seem perfectly fine on the outside and be struggling on the inside.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This middle school student made film addresses an important issue in a meaningful way. It encourages kids to be more sensitive to others because we never know what they might be going through.

Mental health is something that is invisible from the outside and this film seeks to show how people can behave fine on the outside while they are dealing with their own internal struggles.

The film is well produced although I had some difficulties with the audio recording at times. It shows a variety of kids in different situations and indicates that they might be struggling emotionally. Then it shows how other kids react to them, and makes suggestions about how they might react in a different and more helpful way.

The film's message is to be more empathetic with those around you because you never know what they are dealing with.

I give Hidden Through the Layers 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This middle school student made film addresses an important issue in a meaningful way. It encourages kids to be more sensitive to others because we never know what they might be going through.

Mental health is something that is invisible from the outside and this film seeks to show how people can behave fine on the outside while they are dealing with their own internal struggles.

The film's message is to be more empathetic with those around you because you never know what they are dealing with.

I give Hidden Through the Layers 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

WELCOME SESAME (UKRAINE): INVISIBLE SHIELD - ESTEE BARDANASHVILI C/O SESAME WORKSHOP
Series: INDIE SHORT AGES 5-12
Description - Ten-year-old Denys from Kyiv loves to dance and attends group lessons several times a week, where he practices with his teacher and other children. In the winter of 2022, Denys started to learn the Ukrainian dance - Hopak, which has become a way of expressing his pride in Ukrainian heritage.

As Denys practices different elements of the dance, he also learns about its history and the story of the Cossacks. Hopak is a dance that shows their strength and courage, which Denys compares to having an invisible shield, some kind of a 'super defense'.

After classes, Denys likes to go to the park by the Dnipro River, where he collects his thoughts and rehearses his dance alone in nature, preparing for his performance on the big stage some day.

This film is part of the 5-film series produced by Sesame Workshop, as part of the Welcome Sesame initiative, designed for children and families affected by the war in Ukraine to develop coping skills, encourage emotional wellbeing, and provide opportunities for early education. Videos and print resources are being distributed on an ongoing basis to families and to Sesame Workshop's partners responding to the crisis.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoyed this film and the message it offers about the strength of this Ukrainian boy.

This short documentary follows a young boy, Denys, who is learning the Ukrainian dance, Hopak, and what talks about what it means to him.

The film projects the idea of how Denys resonates with this traditional dance in both a physical and ideological way as it projects the strength of the Ukrainian people. I love the scenes of him taking class and being guided by his teacher followed by him dancing on his own alongside the river. It shows a real commitment to him to not just learning the dance but becoming the dance, letting it fully integrate into his life.

The film's message is about how traditions influence our youth in so many ways and help preserve their country's culture.

I give Welcome Sesame (Ukraine): Invisible Shield 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really enjoyed this film and the message it offers about the strength of this Ukrainian boy.

This short documentary follows a young boy, Denys, who is learning the Ukrainian dance, Hopak, and what talks about what it means to him.

The film's message is about how traditions influence our youth in so many ways and help preserve their country's culture.

I give Welcome Sesame (Ukraine): Invisible Shield 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 2 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

DYSLEXIA & ME - DALE FORDER
Series: ELEMENTARY STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - Our film explores the topic and difficulties of Dyslexia in primary school through the character of Lily. She is often a misunderstood, isolated and frustrated character. Initially unaware she has Dyslexia, she questions why her friends find reading and writing so easy. She questions her own intelligence, self-worth and ability in all she does. However, with the help of her teachers and friends, she not only learns about her condition, but also the best ways to help her manage it and unleash her full potential. Devised and developed with a group of students, our film blends a fictional narrative with documentary sequences; ensuring that the children featured also learn about the subject matter they are creating. All students featured have had significant creative input into the film that we have created - including scripting scenes, choreographing sequences, character motivations, choosing characters and costumes, as well as directing scenes and key sequences.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I thoroughly enjoyed Dyslexia & Me due to its insightful and effective portrayal of dyslexia. The film aptly describes the condition, shedding light on the challenges that those with dyslexia experience in a clear manner. Its approach is particularly suitable for children, as is easily understandable and relatable for young people. By simplifying complex concepts and utilizing engaging storytelling, the film succeeds in creating an educational and empathetic experience for viewers. Most impressive is that this film is made by a group of elementary school students in the United Kingdom. Kudos to them!

This film provides a comprehensive exploration of dyslexia within the familiar setting of a classroom. By breaking down the complexities of dyslexia the film bridges the gap between the educational context and children's understanding of the condition. It delves into the struggles faced by individuals with dyslexia, highlighting the challenges they encounter in academic settings. Moreover, the film goes beyond portraying the difficulties associated with dyslexia by showcasing how the unique perspectives and strengths of people with dyslexia can be harnessed to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

This film is directly geared towards kids. All the young actors/actresses are kids with the exception of one male adult teacher. I commend the film for providing valuable insight on understanding dyslexia and how to support those who have dyslexia. The film conveys practical strategies and understanding that can empower people to offer meaningful assistance and encouragement to those who are dyslexic. Its enlightening portrayal not only raises awareness but offers tangible guidance on how to provide meaningful support, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic environment. The camerawork is serviceable, but certainly not particularly inspiring. Although it does capture many flashback moments and voice overs which play a big role in highlighting the young girl's emotions and the constant thought of dyslexia replaying in her mind. The classroom setting shows that dyslexia is something that affects kids in school as well as in their personal lives at home. The background music plays a crucial role in enhancing the impact of the peak moments. The careful selection and timing of the music effectively builds up tension, eliciting emotions and heightening the viewing experience. The speaker, Lily, undergoes significant character development, primarily driven by her initial insecurity and isolation due to her struggles with dyslexia. At the beginning of the film, Lily feels insecure and closed off, lacking support and understanding from her peers. As the film progresses, we witness a transformative journey for Lily. Through various experiences and interactions, she begins to find a sense of inclusion and acceptance among her peers. This newfound support allows Lily to gradually open up about her dyslexia and seek assistance without fear or shame. By the end of the film, Lily's character has evolved, demonstrating increased confidence, a stronger sense of self, and a feeling of being understood by her peers. Her character development serves as a powerful testament to the importance of support and inclusivity in overcoming the challenges associated with dyslexia. As a person who was unfamiliar with dyslexia and did not know anyone with dyslexia, I found this film fresh and informative in how it describes the struggles of living with dyslexia and learning how to support someone who may struggle with this. The production quality of the film does not appear to be HD, so I recommend screening on smaller screens rather than in a cinema.

The film's message is about how important and powerful it is to speak up about kids who struggle in their day to day lives with dyslexia. It is a topic not heavily discussed, especially with the younger generation. This film recognizes that it is a topic that should be understood.

I give Dyslexia & Me 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Nathalia J., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I thoroughly enjoyed Dyslexia & Me due to its insightful and effective portrayal of dyslexia. The film aptly describes the condition, shedding light on the challenges that those with dyslexia experience in a clear manner. Its approach is particularly suitable for children, as is easily understandable and relatable for young people. By simplifying complex concepts and utilizing engaging storytelling, the film succeeds in creating an educational and empathetic experience for viewers. Most impressive is that this film is made by a group of elementary school students in the United Kingdom. Kudos to them!

I give Dyslexia & Me 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Nathalia J., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 14 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

GLIMPSE OF HOPE, A - BRANDON KIM
Series: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT DOCUMENTARY, AGES 12-18
Description - A heartfelt documentary depicting the struggles of a Ukrainian couple victimized by the Russia-Ukraine war that highlights the importance of assisting those in need.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A Glimpse Of Hope is a wonderfully informative and true story that ties components of love and hardship together to create a truly beautiful and heartbreaking story.

This short five-minute documentary features an interview by a high school freshman named Brandon Kim who interviews a family that fled Ukraine when Russia attacked and they discuss their experiences with this traumatic event.

The camera work is pretty good quality although it is a bit grainy at times. The setting where the interview takes place is in a living room plus there stills and videos that show their escape on a train, and people standing on the platform waiting to board, people walking across snow-covered terrain, refugees sitting on the back platform of a fan filled to the brink with their belongings. We see people of all ages, young and old, as they The background music soft and unobtrusive. It ends with a beautifully moving quote from President John F. Kennedy and statistics about the war. The couple that is interviewed is very true and authentic. They speak in a way that allows the audience to connect with them and their experience, even if they've never been through this experience themselves. The whole film was filmed and directed by a high school freshman named Brandon Kim. My favorite part of this documentary is when Brandon talks to someone from a Ukraine refugee help program. The film is shot standard definition so it would not play well on the big screen. It would okay to watch on a smaller screen.

The message of this film is that sometimes when things seem dark, not all hope is lost. Some of the stories that are told would be too frightening for younger children.

I give A Glimpse of Hope 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Avalon N., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A Glimpse Of Hope is a wonderfully informative and true story that ties components of love and hardship together to create a truly beautiful and heartbreaking story.

The message of this film is that sometimes when things seem dark, not all hope is lost. Some of the stories that are told would be too frightening for younger children.

I give A Glimpse of Hope 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Avalon N., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

SWITCH UP, THE - FILLMORE HIGH SCHOOL
Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - A group of students in detention find a mysterious video game system that leads to supernatural consequences.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Switch Up is a good student made film but it was hard to follow the storyline and, at times, I didn't understand what was going on.

The story follows a boy named Joe and his friends who turn on a video game and get sucked into the action. In order to escape the game they must complete a series of tasks. Working together as a team, they are able to complete all the tasks and beat the game. This was made by a high school student, Joseph Castellon, from Fillmore High School.

I like that the story revolves around video games, because that is something most kids can relate to. It is also really cool to see them sucked into the game because that is something that would be a lot of fun to do with my friends. I don't particularly like how the story ends, as it does not give much of an explanation as to why certain things occur in the story. There are moments in this film when the cinematography really shines, such as when we see the friends running in the game and it looks and sounds real. Another great cinema graphic moment is when the screen switches to the Mario Kart game and the split screen looks exactly like it does when you play the actual game. This film is set in a high school and appears to have been filmed at an actual high school. When the film switches to the game it is clear that they are playing a well-known game. The background music isn't anything special but the sound effects are fantastic. When they are playing Mario Kart you can hear the actual sounds you would hear playing the game. When one character is being punched, you hear the actual sound of a punch. Switching from real worldview to Mario Kart view is done really well. The transition is seamless and gives the effect that the viewer is also playing the game. Through the use of a cartoon hand, the viewer sees one character being punched when they are not really being punched. Aside from knowing the names of each character, there is not much character development occurring in this film. Being that it is only five and a half minutes long, there isn't much time for any of that to happen. My favorite part is definitely the Mario Kart scene because it looks and sounds so real. It feels like the viewer is actually playing the game and this helps the viewer really get into the storyline.

This film's message is that when you work together as a team, anything is possible. We see a group of friends working together to escape a video game, and they are ultimately successful because they work together. Note that it does show kids doing risky things that kids might imitate. One of the characters is punched repeatedly.

I give The Switch Up 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18. I recommend this for youth and family film festivals because the story is interesting and there are no concerning or inappropriate behaviors or language used. By Audrey L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Switch Up is a good student made film but it was hard to follow the storyline and, at times, I didn't understand what was going on.

I give The Switch Up 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18. I recommend this for youth and family film festivals because the story is interesting and there are no concerning or inappropriate behaviors or language used. By Audrey L., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

CARRY ME AWAY - MELANIE ROSA
Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - A dead star wonders why their dandelion friend hides away; for the first time in a long time, Dandy leaves her home to help a rock do the same.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This student animated short has a distinct charm to it and one that is suitable for younger children.

The story follows a character, Dandy, and her friend Sol (the sun) who befriends a rock that has eyes and a mouth and takes the rock to places it always wanted to see.

The animation is well constructed. The story evokes thoughtfulness and caring for others, even a rock. The shortcoming for me is the narrator whose voice is a bit muffled at times. However, it doesn't detract from the overall impact of the film.

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. By Julie S, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This student animated short has a distinct charm to it and one that is suitable for younger children.

The story follows a character, Dandy, and her friend Sol (the sun) who befriends a rock that has eyes and a mouth and takes the rock to places it always wanted to see.

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. By Julie S, KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 2 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? - JUAN CRISTIANI
Series: FOREIGN ENVIRONMENTAL SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - "Where Are You From?" combines 3D animation and music creating an immersive cinematic journey, through realism and fantasy conveying the urgency of addressing environmental disasters and their consequences. In just two and a half minutes, it captivates the audience's attention and encourages them to rethink their relationship with the natural world while offering hope for future generations.

"Where Are You From?" premiered at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2023 and has participated in 50 festivals worldwide. Its most recent screenings took place in December at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, as part of the Art Speaks Out Festival, and at the Show Shorts (Shorts Mexico) Festival within the Ventana Sur Film Market. In February 2024, the film was featured at the Clermont Ferrand Short Film Market, followed by screenings in March at the Amnesty International festival in France and at WonderCon in the Anaheim Convention Center in San Diego. From Uruguay, no dialogue.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This short film really addresses some critical issues relevant to youth in particular, but to adults worldwide. How we treat animals and how we treat our planet are scrutinized and questioned.

This is a perfect film for KIDS FIRST! It has a great message that is timely and relevant to young people The production values are outstanding, a blend of animated images of animals, people and locations, all look very realistic. The background music is terrific and really enhances the film's impact without being intrusive. I love the ending shot with the girl surrounded by animals. Kudos to Juan Cristiani for creating a beautiful film.

The film's message is plain and simple - how are you treating your planet (our planet).

I give Where Are You From 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This short film really addresses some critical issues relevant to youth in particular, but to adults worldwide. How we treat animals and how we treat our planet are scrutinized and questioned.

The film's message is plain and simple - how are you treating your planet (our planet).

I give Where Are You From 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

SPICY SPIES ALWAYS READY (2024) - SACHA PELL� KOZUBOVSKI
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - Two inseparable spies come face to face with the mysterious and powerful Lady M, and the search for superpowers begins. Will they be able to find the source of her superpowers?
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I have to say that, as a middle school student film, this definitely has its merits. One can see the work behind young Sacha's creation and applaud his ability to work with his mother and sister to create this film. That in itself is credible.

As to the storyline, this is an odd piece. I'm not keen on the use of guns and knives, and later on a needed with young children, but they are fairly tame here. It's quirky and nonverbal; I like the driving background music. The camerawork is okay; the lighting is not great -- there are lots of shadows and poorly lit scenes. But, it doesn't detract from the storyline. The "chapters" in this help pull it together, but it is a bit pretty disjointed in terms of story development. The costumes work. Like particularly liked the face mask when it first appears, but it's used again later which diminishes its impact and makes it less unique.

The ending sort of makes a statement about the power of the water, which is the sign on the bathroom door. The boy walks into the bathroom, sits on the side of a filled tub, falls into tub and appears to down, but he doesn't. He has a vision of Bruce Lee talking about the power of water and water being a symbol of purity and the source of life. The boy emerges from the water and it cut to credits.

The message I take away from this film is - make a film with your family, it'll bring you closer together.

I give Spicy Spies Always Ready 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 14, plus adults. By Julie S, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I have to say that, as a middle school student film, this definitely has its merits. One can see the work behind young Sacha's creation and applaud his ability to work with his mother and sister to create this film. That in itself is credible.

The message I take away from this film is - make a film with your family, it'll bring you closer together.

I give Spicy Spies Always Ready 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 14, plus adults. By Julie S, KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 9 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

DROUGHT - ZOE BROWN
Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - One raindrop embarks on a journey to save the drought on earth.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love, love, love the creativity behind this fun and informative rainmaker! What a fun animated short and a cute story. Hope we continue to see more from this director and animator who is currently in middle school!

The story follows one raindrop, Dew (Finnegan Collins), that strives to save the drought on earth. Through his creative scheme he motivates the other raindrops to assist him and save the day.

Short, fun and funny. I love the creativity behind this story and the different characters. The animation is simple but effective. I especially enjoyed the stereotyped personalities for each character. The backgrounds suit the story, especially for the cloud scenes and at the Commander's office. I The music, especially at the beginning, is a little too quiet. The character's voices are clear and the sound level is good throughout and easy to understand. There are no visual effects other than the animation for the lightning character. The characters are all well scripted and each plays an important part and stereotype. I really enjoyed the voiceover of each character, even those not mentioned in the key cast. Finnegan Collins is believable in his role as Dew and I enjoyed his interaction with both the Commander (Paul Petersen) and Violet (Anne Nichols Brown). I have to commend director/writer/animator Zoe Marie Brown for very clever writing and concept. My favorite part is the rainmaking dance party.

The film's message is to work hard toward your goals, create a plan and engage your team to get much further than you can alone.

I give Drought 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love, love, love the creativity behind this fun and informative rainmaker! What a fun animated short and a cute story. Hope we continue to see more from this director and animator who is currently in middle school!

The story follows one raindrop, Dew (Finnegan Collins), that strives to save the drought on earth. Through his creative scheme he motivates the other raindrops to assist him and save the day.

The film's message is to work hard toward your goals, create a plan and engage your team to get much further than you can alone.

I give Drought 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

HALLELUJAH FOREVER - ODVEIG KLYVE
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - This is a story about what it's like to sing together with others. A young boy, busy with gaming and climbing, makes a new and surprising experience when he starts singing in a choir. He discovers the power of an almost 300-year-old classical oratorio. From Norway, dialogue in Norwegian
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Hallelujah Forever is an inspirational and uplifting short with George F. Handel's music at the core of its story. A 10-year-old Norwegian boy, who joins a city choir, learns the theoretic and aesthetic values that musicians carry inside of themselves in order to be a part of a community of listeners and performers.

Tears came to my eyes several times as the beautiful children of this film learn how to sing Hallelujah. The film show these little boys running, playing and hiking outdoors and then, pivoting into the hallowed halls of the local church to practice their section of vocals. The detail and beauty of this film is so special.

The content of Hallelujah Forever is so endearing, showing a group of young boys as they learn the melody lines that have for 350 years inspired the respect and adoration of millions of listeners. The cinematography is chock full of close ups and establishing shots in churches, play grounds and nature. The primary focus of the film is a boy named Viljar Austvoll Hjelmeland who has a face like a playful angel. The camera catches him singing so high and running so very fast -- all while presenting him as an innocent with adorable demeanor. The camera catches all of it! The costumes are documentary clothes. When outside everyone wears active wear. In the choir, robes reflect the uniform of noble grace and hollowed beauty! The sets are simply standard classroom or pristine nature locations. The music underscore is from the film source music, i.e. the final choir performance of Handel's Hallelujah. I especially love it when the boys are singing because their voices are so high and angelic! The choir plays with instruments such as violin, viola, cell, double bass and piano. There are no visual of sound effects in Hallelujah Forever except for a trick played by the editor who elevates the boy singers up into the sky, using a green screen I suppose. It is almost an unnecessary distraction, but a fun idea. Viljar Austvoll Hjelmeland, a blond, blue-eyed choir boy is the key subject who is very comfortable in front of the camera singing, playing with his friends and demonstrating suggestions the choir director (Odgeir Kjetilstad's) makes. The other children and adults in the film add context and curiosity to the magic of the film. The writer director, Odveig Klyve is a genius with a heart. She has produced a film that should be seen by everyone. Period. I loved it all. Odveig Klyve has created a masterpiece!

The message is that music in one of life's most important experiences, available to all with the ears and soul to enjoy it. From this one must see the value of having music in the school, on the streets and in the rituals of human life.

I give Hallelujah Forever 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5-18. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Hallelujah Forever is an inspirational and uplifting short with George F. Handel's music at the core of its story. A 10-year-old Norwegian boy, who joins a city choir, learns the theoretic and aesthetic values that musicians carry inside of themselves in order to be a part of a community of listeners and performers.

I give Hallelujah Forever 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5-18. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 16 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

I LOVED TO SEE YOU - RICARDO GARCIA
Series: FOREIGN STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-18
Description - A deaf boy falls in love with a blind girl. Now he must find a way to communicate as he discovers the world that surrounds her.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The film, I Loved To See You, is absolutely incredible! The storyline is unique.

In a world full of different people, this storyline takes an incredible turn and showcases a different perspective from what we tend to know. It addresses the lives of a deaf boy and a blind girl, showing how disabilities don't necessarily have to bring us down, but rather, strengthen our determination. In the end, everything always works out.

This film stands out compared to other short films that I've watched - it takes a different approach and still manages to be completely engaging. I like how the young boy, Bruno, is determined to get the attention of the girl, Ana. The cinematography is fabulous - very clear, well lit, with various angles to help attract the viewer's attention. The use of sign language with the boy is well executed and so descriptive. The background music tends to be low-tuned and calm, making it effective in the storyline as it fills in any silence. I love all the characters. The relationship between Bruno and his mom is particularly warm and heartfelt. I also was deeply touched by Bruno overcoming the bullies and taking the initiative to be with Ana. Ana, on the other hand, is there for Bruno when he needs a friend the most. My favorite part is when Bruno goes to the salon and meets Laura, who has a customer that is oversharing. However, the customer isn't aware that Laura is, in fact, deaf. She makes a joke about it, adding humor to the film. The ending is so touching and truly brought tears to my eyes as these two young people find a friend in each other.

The film's message is that, regardless of who you are, you are likely to face challenges on the path you choose. However, it's your resilience that allows you to overcome them, together with the support of those that surround you on your journey, whether you've known them for a long time or have just met. Be aware that it does contain some profanity. When Bruno is being bullied at the beginning the word "Mute dick" is used to emphasize the extent of bullying.

I give I Loved To See You 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. It builds an awareness about those with multi-sensory impairment. By Eunnet C. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really enjoyed the film I Loved to See You because it is a wholesome and honest story that watches two determined children conquer their disabilities to build a friendship. I was inspired by the characters' cheer and confidence throughout the film.

The story follows Bruno, optimistic young boys who is often bullied or in trouble due to the fact that he is deaf. He finds a friend in his sign language coach but longs for a companion his own age. Ana is a girl who is blind and whose mother is protective of her, though very loving. Bruno and Ana form a strong bond, defying the communicational restrictions placed on them by their conditions. The film is from Brazil with dialogue in Portuguese and American Sign Language; it is subtitled in English.

The story is very fast-paced. Ana and Bruno's relationship progresses quickly, despite not being able to introduce themselves. I was constantly engaged, as the storyline moves along fast and does not drag. I was impressed by the cinematography. The camera blurs whenever the viewer can imagine the character feeling faint or overcome with emotion and the lights and darks remain fairly neutral throughout the film but are heavily contrasted during intense scenes, such as when Bruno is caught by the guard and when he wakes up in the hospital. The costumes complement the characters' personalities. For example, we often see Ana in dresses and flower headbands in bright colors. This is exactly the outfit I would picture for her with her upbeat personality. The sets are mostly neutral-colored to contrast with the fast-paced plot line. My favorite location is for the scene where Bruno decides to remove his second hearing aid after the first is ripped from his ear by the guard. Bruno is sitting at the top of a hill under a tree, all by himself. The lighting during this scene is beautiful, and the hill symbolizes how Bruno's deafness can make him feel isolated, even when he is completely surrounded by people. The sound effects are an essential part of this film, since one of the main characters is deaf. I found them satisfactory - for example, scenes from Bruno's point-of-view alternate between being muffled and clear. There is also occasionally a high-pitched ringing sound. These effects made me feel like I was in Bruno's place and it gave me a very real sense of his deafness. The special effects are not as effective as I hoped for. Occasionally, we are shown a glimpse of what Ana "sees." This is a black background with very defined, illuminated neon teal lines outlining random shapes in her sight. The lines are very sharp, rather than blurred, but very few objects in her vision are shown, which does not seem very believable. My favorite character is Bruno. Though he often finds himself alone, he enjoys his own company. He is resilient and keeps his head up, refusing to let bullies impact his life. Ana is also worth mentioning; though she is blind, she is a fierce friend who takes care of those close to her, and she has a special sense of the world. She demonstrates this when Bruno is in the middle of the road playing the flute and cannot hear the car coming up behind him. She cannot see, but she is very aware of what is happening and immediately tries to run into the road and save Bruno without taking a moment to think about herself. My favorite part of the film is the scene when Bruno makes money by playing the flute. He is an inspiration because he does not let anything get him down; he is determined and he keeps going with a smile on his face. I recommend this film because it is a wholesome and inspirational depiction of the challenges that disabled people face.

The film's message is about learning to cope with obstacles while you are waiting to overcome them - when there is a will, there is a way - if you believe in your abilities and work hard, you will find that way. Please note that there is mild violence when Bruno's hearing aid is accidentally torn off of his ear by a guard. Also, a child and a woman are hit by a car towards the end of the film. The shot is cut short before the car actually makes contact with the people, but mild graphic violence is shown in the form of bruises and smudged blood on the child's arm in a later scene.

I give I Loved To See You 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Elle S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 19 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

CELESTE - FERNANDO MACEDO
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-8
Description - In this captivating tale, we journey with CELESTE, a girl endowed with the unique gift of viewing life through a lens of joy and optimism. Initially confined within a tower, CELESTE ingeniously shifts the perspective of the DRAGON, its keeper, revealing their shared bondage. This revelation prompts the DRAGON to accompany CELESTE on a thrilling adventure across the realm, inspiring various creatures along their path as they endeavor to return to CELESTE's abode in time for her mother's birthday celebration, honoring her mother's belief that "No one should be alone on their birthday."
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I like the film Celeste because of its message, characters, vivid colors and the plot of the story. The characters have emotions and the bright colors of the setting make the movie more fun and exciting.

Celeste (Pamella Rodrigues), the main character, wants to get home in time for her Mama's birthday, but she is stuck in a tower with a dragon (Alfredo Rollo) guarding her. Celeste convinces the dragon to go on an adventure out in the real world, but little does she know, the dragon has a sickness and to cure this sickness, there are two very important ingredients she needs. Will she find the ingredients and get home in time for her Mama's birthday? The film is from Brazil with dialogue in Portuguese with English subtitles.

I like how Celeste always tries to make things right when something is going wrong with someone else and how she cares about everyone. There is also never a moment where I took my eyes off the screen. This isn't the best animation, but I did like the bold and bright colors and the backgrounds. The scenes almost always show a wide shot of all the characters interacting with each other. For example, in one scene, when Celeste is trying to convince the Dragon to go on the adventure it is just the both of them not one or the other. There aren't any shots that really impressed me except when Celeste shows up at her first stop where she is going to help one of the other characters. The animated characters always wear the same thing in the whole film but the costumes suit the storyline well. The backgrounds in this movie are very pretty - on the Dragon and Celeste's adventure there are many types of weather and each of the backgrounds has different colors and settings. The only music of note is when Celeste is helping her first friend and is having a hard time fitting in, so Celeste helps her by letting her find her voice and telling her that everyone is different and has different types of appearances. There are only a few visual effects but they aren't very believable. For example, when one of the characters blows a candle out there is smoke coming from it, but the smoke doesn't look very realistic. I really enjoyed Pamella Rodrigues' voice acting of Celeste; she has the perfect voice for Celeste. Alfredo Rollo's voice of the Dragon is also exceptional. The characters grow throughout the story showing the great synergy between each other. The director, Fernando Macedo is to be commended for his work in telling the story of Celeste. My favorite character is Celeste; she is a little girl with a huge heart, a love of family and wants to help anyone she sees.

The film's message is to always look at life from another perspective and look at the beautiful side of things, other than just complaining and feeling upset about something. It promotes a great message and doesn't have one dull moment.

I give Celeste 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Keila V., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like the film Celeste because of its message, characters, vivid colors and the plot of the story. The characters have emotions and the bright colors of the setting make the movie more fun and exciting.

I give Celeste 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Keila V., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 29 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

SHAKESPEARE FOR ALL AGES - HANNES RALL
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-18
Description - Shakespeare's works are timeless - this film proves it... without any dialogue.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This short animated film offers a cleverly assembled collection of images that depict a variety of Shakespearean plays and morph one into the other in almost a comedic fashion. The graphic designs are crisp in black and white primarily with other secondary colors added at times. The background music, scored by Patrick Kuhn Botelho, pushes the action along with a quick pace. Kudos to animators Siew May Khoo and Jay Septimo who deliver Hannes Rall's concept with meticulous execution. My only complaint is that I wanted it to go on for a longer period of time. I was just getting into it when it ended. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This short animated film offers a cleverly assembled collection of images that depict a variety of Shakespearean plays and morph one into the other in almost a comedic fashion. The graphic designs are crisp in black and white primarily with other secondary colors added at times. The background music, scored by Patrick Kuhn Botelho, pushes the action along with a quick pace. Kudos to animators Siew May Khoo and Jay Septimo who deliver Hannes Rall's concept with meticulous execution. My only complaint is that I wanted it to go on for a longer period of time. I was just getting into it when it ended. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

STORYTELLER, THE - ALLISON VOLK
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - An Iraq war veteran suffering from PTSD, Chase (43), works nights as a janitor at a car museum -- perfect for him, because he prefers to be alone. He thoughtfully dusts, vacuums, and polishes with striking attention to detail, occasionally taking breaks to longingly stare at the historic photos of Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles after they won Le Mans in 1966. His reverie is broken when the phone rings; it's a little boy, who thinks he's called The Storyteller's Hotline. Touched by the boy's innocence, Chase tells him a story that launches them into the world of 1960's car racing. Chase realizes that the boy has fallen asleep, and goes back to work... until the phone rings again.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Storyteller offers a simple storyline that's surprisingly different. It only involves three characters and the primary conversation happens between two of the characters.

The storyline is centered on a formerly successful army veteran named Chase (Colin Martin) who, due to circumstances, has transitioned into a different career, though he doesn't seem fully satisfied with it. However, a random phone call from a young boy (Jake Belliston) disrupts his routine and gives him a sense of excitement and possibly offers him an opportunity for change.

I appreciated how the storyline provides the veteran with the chance to share his own story, highlighting his depth of experience and the consistency he experienced. Additionally, his character during the phone changes dramatically and he is remarkably gentle and kindhearted, which is in direct contrast to the behavior he showed at the beginning of the film. The film's cinematography is well executed, using techniques such as background blurring to draw focus to the protagonist and close-up shots that capture the Veteran's facial expressions. Additionally, it uses various angles to provide a wider perspective of the environment where the story takes place, enhancing the viewer's understanding of the story. The quality of the camera work is certainly suitable for exhibition.

During the storytelling section, the film transits to show images that enhance his story, which adds to the audience's viewing experience. The background music helps to enhance the dramatic impact of the story. Some special effects can be seen in the section of storytelling, which help deliver this veteran's reality. Chase, the protagonist, has a major character arc throughout the film. Initially he is seen as somewhat cold-hearted and detached from the world, but he transforms and by the end, he seems to be more content with his circumstances and finds satisfaction in helping the boy on the phone. My favorite part is when the boy asks Chase to read a story to him and Chase grabs the nearest book, flips it open, and begins reading straight away. It gives a slight humor to the film, especially when Chase realizes that he needs to be a bit more gentle with the boy and then begins to tell his own story. The other part I love is when the phone rings a second time and Chase answers it saying, "hello, storytellers." That brought a smile to my face.

The film's message is pretty well summed up in the line Chase says to the boy, "In life some things are way important than winning."

I give The Storyteller 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Eunnet C. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Storyteller offers a simple storyline that's surprisingly different. It only involves three characters and the primary conversation happens between two of the characters.

The film's message is pretty well summed up in the line Chase says to the boy, "In life some things are way important than winning."

I give The Storyteller 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Eunnet C. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

MR. MOORE'S GIFT - ADAM SENIOR
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - It's almost Christmas in modern day New York and Maggie wants to hear her favourite poem, Twas a Night Before Christmas. But how did this poem come to be written? And who was Clement Clark Moore? As Maggie settles down to sleep there's magic in the air tonight.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoyed the Christmas film Mr. Moore's Gift. It brought back a piece of childhood magic that comes from imagination. The performance, lighting and musical score made me feel like I had been granted VIP access to Santa's factory -- Elf's Honor!

MOST WONDERFUL CHOICE OF THE YEAR, THE - ANDREW LURIA
Series: ELEMENTARY STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - The MagTV team explores a Christmas gone awry, when one wrong choice leads to endlessly bad consequences. But luckily for well-intentioned dad, Carl, there are two parallel experiences. Though his gas-guzzler gift was not well received, thanks to his magical Rewind Button, it was a Christmas morning they won't soon forget.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a cute storyline, cleverly written script and adorable performances by these elementary school kids.

Perfect for a festival addressing climate change and the environment, this plot twist, thanks to the rewind button, moves from Dad gifting the family with a gas guzzling car that they diss him about to an electric that they give him props about.

Well produced, aside from some wind noise in the shots outside. The kids play all the roles so don't be surprised to see very young looking parents here. But the kids are confident performers and deliver their lines like pros. Well shot and edited. Commendable. I would put this into any film festival with student made films. It's adorable and meaningful. My favorite shot is the Dad's wink when he presses the rewind button.

The film's message is pretty overt - climate change calls for environmentally friendly vehicles.

I give The Most Wonderful Choice Of The Year 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a cute storyline, cleverly written script and adorable performances by these elementary school kids.

The film's message is pretty overt - climate change calls for environmentally friendly vehicles.

I give The Most Wonderful Choice Of The Year 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

CHRISTMAS TALE, A - NATALIE A. EVANS
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - A young child wishes for all the toys in the world, but soon realizes what's truly important in life. From United Kingdom.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A Christmas Tale is absolutely incredible! It shows the true meaning of Christmas in a cute way. It also shows how nice it is to spend Christmas with others.

In this stop motion film, a young boy (Rosie Francis) wishes he could have all the toys in the world for Christmas. His wish is soon granted but he realizes that what is most important and all he needs - is family.

I like that the story is very easy to follow and is very simple. This film is perfect for younger kids because they can easily understand the plot. The camera angles are great. One of my favorite shots is when the young boy is looking in all of the windows and the camera is inside, which makes the viewer curious about what the is actually seeing. The costumes are suitable; since this film takes place during the cold winter season, the characters are all bundled up. For example, when the young boy goes out for oil, he wears a jacket, a scarf, and a hat. The backgrounds are perfect for the story, showing both indoor and outdoor scenes. The background music and sound effects are definitely well executed. For the sound effects, one example are the chimes when the young boy is staring at the toy store, which makes it obvious that there is some sort of magic happening in the toy store. The visual effects are believable -- when the young boy's dream comes true, the flash of light makes it seem that something has changed in the boy's reality. The young boy has some character development. At the beginning, the boy only wants toys for Christmas and doesn't realize that he needs his mom as well. Throughout the film, the boy realizes that he doesn't need a whole bunch of toys, he only needs his mom. I commend the director, Natalie A. Evans, for her excellent work creating this stop motion film; it reminded me how detailed and involved it is to make stop motion animation. My favorite part is the ending when the boy opens the door to the elderly man in, revealing to the audience that the boy has invited him for Christmas so that he is not alone. This shows how the boy understands that Christmas is not a time where you should be alone. The film had some pixilation at the beginning, but for the rest of the time it was fine.

The film's message is that Christmas isn't about the gifts you receive, the best gift of all is family.

I give A Christmas Tale 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Ari P. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A Christmas Tale is absolutely incredible! It shows the true meaning of Christmas in a cute way. It also shows how nice it is to spend Christmas with others.

The film's message is that Christmas isn't about the gifts you receive, the best gift of all is family.

I give A Christmas Tale 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Ari P. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

LUCKY DOG - DONNA GUTHRIE
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - A dog lives a lucky life in a retirement home with friends who know and remember him in different ways.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What an adorable short film. I love the way that this pup adapts to all of the residents at the home who call him by a different name, one that their favorite dog was called years ago.

The storyline of this short animated film follows a dog who lives at a senior care facility and works as an emotional support dog for the residents there.

This 2D animated film is simply made and has a poignant storyline. I'm to going to rave about the animation - it's serviceable and entirely watchable, but isn't going to win any awards. It doesn't matter because the storyline of this film is the true winner here. Anyone who has loved a dog will relate to this as our pup here spends his day visiting the various residents and providing comfort for them as if she was their long lost "best friend." The narrator is uncredited, but I would like to point out that his voice is definitely toned down and yet, at the same time, works for this sweet working dog. The writer/ director, Donna W. Guthrie, definitely has a handle on older people and their needs - especially as it comes to needing a furry friend.

The film's message is that "man's best friend doesn't abandon you, even in the sunset years of your life."

I give Lucky Dog 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What an adorable short film. I love the way that this pup adapts to all of the residents at the home who call him by a different name, one that their favorite dog was called years ago.

The storyline of this short animated film follows a dog who lives at a senior care facility and works as an emotional support dog for the residents there.

The film's message is that "man's best friend doesn't abandon you, even in the sunset years of your life."

I give Lucky Dog 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

Y.L.A. VIRUS, THE - PAMELA KAVAL
Series: FOREIGN STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - Two girls seeking revenge accidentally unleash a paralyzing virus on their victims, sparking a chain of unintended consequences. From New Zealand.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Y.L.A. Virus is very adorable and relatable for children. Most surprisingly, the whole team is made up of primary school and middle school students, which is very cool! They are very creative students.

After ten years, there is a new virus appear in the world. One day, several kids are playing outside and one girl touches the plant. However something wrong happens and she can't move. Other kids also can't move because they all touched the plant. At the end, they find teacher to help them.

I really like this storyline; this story relates to the environment and is super interesting. The storyline is not super strong, but it is very nice. I also like that when the young children face difficulties they are willing to help each other. The cinematography is quite good; it has a lot of Dutch angle shots to show some kinds of tension. The background music changes throughout the film; changing from the soft, quiet background music to tense music, to steel band sounds when the problem is resolved. I love the acting by the kids and I like their teamwork.

The film's message is about the importance of teamwork, especially in protecting the environment.

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults.

By Xiangxi K. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Y.L.A. Virus is very adorable and relatable for children. Most surprisingly, the whole team is made up of primary school and middle school students, which is very cool! They are very creative students.

The film's message is about the importance of teamwork, especially in protecting the environment.

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults.

By Xiangxi K. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

TREMOLO - LAURA K�HLER
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - After a long time a deaf boy meets his father again, who's a musician and does not speak sign language. Over a long weekend father and son realize they speak a common language through music. From Germany with dialogue in German; English subtitles
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really like Tremolo. It's a very interesting film about a topic that needs to be talked about more. The plot is great and I especially love the acting by Thomas Jansen who portrays Georg, Aron's father.

A deaf boy named Aron (Ben Kermer) goes to stay with his father (Thomas Jansen)) for a week. His father doesn't know sign language so the two of them find it very difficult to communicate or come to some kind of understanding. Georg is a musician and has a music room in his house. When Aron explores the room, the two of them discover that they share a love of music.

Ella Fitzgerald once said, "Music is the universal language... it brings people closer together." While I won't assume that Tremolo was based on this quote, I think the quote correlates really well with this film. Georg and Aron can't communicate because of their language barrier. Aron can't hear any spoken language and Georg doesn't know any sign language. But, believing that music is the universal language, Georg and Aron share a common language and I really love the way the film portrays their journey in understanding that.

The cinematography and camera work are very good -- all quality work and smart use of angles and focus. There is a small glitch around 15:34 so, if the film is accepted to the festival, a copy without that glitch would need to be provided. The setting at the dad's house is a house that looks like a typical middle class person's house. The music room looks like a music room might and suits the story. I really like that the film constantly switches between what a hearing person would hear to what a deaf person would hear. When Aron's parents are talking, we can hear them but Aron can't. When Aron bangs on drums or on pianos in the middle of the night, he hears muffled sounds while Aron's dad wakes up from all the loud discordant noise. It's as if Aron can hear what he's supposed to be hearing but he can't actually hear the sounds like a person with normal hearing can. He can hear a sound but it's muffled; he can't discern the finer points of the sounds. I absolutely love the scene where Aron's father realizes why Aron loves music so much. His face softens in a way that I immediately thought, "Wow, that's good acting." Of course it's not just the acting, the cinematography is very important in this scene. But I really am very impressed by Thomas Jansen. His performance is stunning. The screenplay is also very good and delivers a wonderful story. Aron loves music so much because music is that it's not just something you hear, music is something that makes you feel. It's something you CAN feel. You don't have to know what a song is about. The beat tells you that it's a slow song, or it's rock n' roll or jazz, that it's a sad song or a happy song. Even though Aron's deaf, he can feel the beat - he can feel the music through its vibrations. He can hear rock songs blaring through the speakers not through his ears but through the vibrations going up his body when he puts his hand to the speaker. Aron's father is a man with a deaf kid; he doesn't know sign language and is a musician. When Aron's father realizes that Aron likes music just like he does, it's an incredibly heartwarming scene. Originally, Aron's father thought that he would never get to share his passion with his son. But he can. True! Aron can't hear the music, but he can feel it. That's more important with music anyway. We all know there's a difference between listening to something and hearing something. I absolutely love this scene because it's the first time that Aron and his father truly bond. They do so over their shared love of music. They love it in different ways but it's something they have in common. It's an understanding. And that's beautiful to me.

I learned a lot about the deaf community from watching this film. I had never thought of an alarm clock that flashes lights instead of sounds. I never knew that deaf people can hear music. I remember playing Would You Rather with my friends and when we do that and someone says that they would rather be deaf than be blind, there's always someone that goes "yeah, but you would never be able to hear music again." This film made me rethink that; that deaf people can still feel the music, still feel beats, feel rhythms. This film opened my mind to a world I didn't know.

The film's message is to give insight into a world that hearing viewers are unaware of. The film makes us more aware of people with deafness and what they go through, what they feel or don't feel. This film spreads awareness, understanding, and insight into the world of people with hearing disabilities.

I give Tremolo 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Alma K., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really like Tremolo. It's a very interesting film about a topic that needs to be talked about more. The plot is great and I especially love the acting by Thomas Jansen who portrays Georg, Aron's father.

I give Tremolo 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Alma K., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 21 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

COLOR OF AUTUMN - AIMIENDE NEGBENEBOR SELA
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - Inspired by a true story, in 1966 Chicago a sheltered Black eight-year-old is blindsided by cruel and casual racism while play grounding with white children. Narrative short film Color of Autumn depicts a precocious eight-year-old Black girl who lives with her hardworking parents and her adoring, wise grandmother in a quaint house on the Southside of Chicago. Nestled within the safety of her neighborhood and focused on the comforts and stresses of her family's hard-won middle class life, Dottie Grimsby has little awareness of racial tension or the isolation of segregation. But she is about to find out.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love the intention of this film with its racial and educational implications. One thing I like about this film is that it is narrated entirely from the actor's point of view, which is a unique and original way of telling the story.

Inspired by a true story, in 1966, a young Black girl, Dottie (Ramiyah DeGray), resides with her parents and grandmother in a comfortable neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Being part of a middle-class family and living in a harmonious community, the girl did not experience racial discrimination or the hardships of segregation. The warmth and love of her family provided her with a happy childhood. However, as she grows up and interacts with white people, she begins to witness the harsh realities of the world.

The grown-up protagonist, Adult Dottie (Zealyne Marchelle Williams), remembers bits and pieces of his childhood. The production is exquisitely made, using warm colors to contrast with the nostalgic images. The camera angles and video style create a captivating visual experience, while the high-quality video lends a calming effect to the overall viewing experience. The sets and locations perfectly fit the story and the era. The entire film is shot around the scenes of the main character's life and the locations were carefully chosen to match the overall effect of the movie. For instance, at the beginning, the house is surrounded by flowers and a brightly colored tree. As the film transitions back to the main character's childhood, the tone of the entire movie changes to a yellowish-gray color. This change in color tone is maintained throughout the rest of the movie. The background music is well chosen in this film, with a variety of selections that really enhance the mood from scene to scene. The ending music is particularly insightful. Kudos to director Aimiende Negbenebor Sela for tackling a difficult topic. The most impactful part for me is the moment when Dottie is subjected to malicious discrimination and her friend courageously stands up for her. Witnessing a friend standing up for what is right is truly heartwarming. It is a reminder that by supporting each other and speaking up against injustices, we can make a positive impact on the world. I feel this movie is an important one for children to watch because they may be subjected to stereotyping associated with their race, which can lead to discriminatory treatment by their peers, including behavior can be harmful. Educating children about discrimination is important, especially before they encounter it personally.

The film's message is about how there is brutal racism, not just in 1966, but even in our world today, but there are also people who are brave enough to stand up against it and speak up for their friends. Be aware that there is definitely an unsavory of nasty racism and use of the "n" word.

I give Color of Autumn 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Changyang L. and Julie S, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love the intention of this film with its racial and educational implications. One thing I like about this film is that it is narrated entirely from the actor's point of view, which is a unique and original way of telling the story.

I give Color of Autumn 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Changyang L. and Julie S, KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 15 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO

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