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GINA

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What makes this film appealing is the realistic story line about conquering one's fears and thriving. The 2D animation style is appealing and flows well with the script. The overall theme is not new, but story is told in an original way.

I like the overall theme and the animation style. I particularly enjoyed the Latin soundtrack. I also enjoyed the nightmarish dream sequence and the point-of-view shot of dancers morphing into goblins when Gina first enters dance class as a child. The dancers' costumes dance represent Latin culture quite well. The sets and locations in the dance class, at home and in the psychiatrist office are all relevant to the overall storyline. For me, the music definitely drives the story line and is very relevant, especially for the climax dance sequence near the end.

The message of the story is that one has to conquer her fears in order to make her dreams come true. I like that Gina's mother gets help for her child through finding her a psychiatrist. Sadly, since a mental health stigma still exists today, it might invite people who watch the film to seek services, if needed, for themselves or their child.

My favorite part is Gina, when metaphorically she sheds her chicken suit and becomes the free-spirited dancer. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18, plus adults. I recommend it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. You should know that the dialogue is in Spanish with English Sub-titles. Reviewed by Kimberly M., KIDS FIRST! Juror

This is an animated short film about the protagonist Gina, who from a young age utilizes a chicken suit as a means to deal with her fears. Her mother recognizes this in Gina early on and seeks out therapy so she can learn to cope. Gina's mom suddenly dies when her daughter is a teenager and Gina has to overcome her fears all on her own. She successfully breaks through, and is free to become the dancer she always dreamed of being.