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CHILDREN OF THE NOON, THE

This documentary is very educational. It takes place somewhere in Africa in what we would call a group home here in the USA. The children range from age 8 to 16 and they explain why they live in the group home. Their stories are very heartbreaking. It made me aware of issues young people don't really think about such as poverty, disease, child abuse and death. These are dark topics but good to be brought to the attention of kids. It is very upsetting, but it makes you want to help out. I felt helpless at times and I wished I could assist the kids in the film. At times, the cinematography is very beautiful. There are some scenes that show really pretty landscape shots. At times, the camera shakes a lot which is very distracting. The editing could have been more judicious. Some scenes could have been cut. But for the most part, this is a very moving, informative film. I definitely recommend it for ages 13 to 18 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.

Accepted. This beautiful constructed documentary shows children of other cultures whose lives are intertwined with pain and joy, friendship and hope. I believe a child would enjoy this film if they're interested in learning about what's going on in the world and learning about situations and events that affect children. The film is well produced with clear visuals and sound. The language is English and Swahili which, when used is sub-titled. The camera words is quite commendable and follows children playing, washing clothing and learning in a classroom. What I love about this film is that it focuses on universal issues such as child abuse, abandonment, neglect and poverty. Children could learn a lot from this film. It could enlighten them and show them that they have a lot to be grateful for. This film brings an awareness to children who may have no idea of what other children's lives are like outside of the United States. Some of the children in the film were born with HIV. Some of them have been abandoned by loved ones, while others have become orphans because their parents have passed away from illness or disease. It is interesting to take a walk in these children's shoes and see the world through their eyes. Some of them laugh to keep from crying. It is their way of coping with the pain. Some of the children are very poor. In the film, a boy goes to visit his mother who asked him repeatedly if she can have his belongings. This film shows how some of the children who experienced poverty and abuse at home are probably happier in the orphanage than they ever were at home. We see how the children in the film cope with the loss of a friend and discuss topics such as death, life and AIDS. I recommend this film for ages 12 to 18 because there is some rather mature content. For example, in the first scene a woman gives birth and, even though there's no nudity, the content is too mature for kids under age 12. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Geanice G., KIDS FIRST! juror.

Deals with the universal subject of life. Time passes for a group of children in an orphanage in Nchiru, a small Kenyan village. We observe the orphans' condition and poverty they share. A sudden death of one of them changes all points of view intertwining a dense web of pains and joys, friendships and hopes.