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The story follows Central West End Farm extending a helping hand to an impoverished community by growing a healthy abundance of crops. Their work helps eliminate hunger for the less fortunate of St. Louis, aids community bonding and provides education for children in a lovely outdoor environment. The camera work is very well done, with a variety of shots and camera angles. I don't feel this is quite memorable enough to be enjoyed at a film festival although the topic is certainly relevant. While the subject is centered on kindness and community and its importance, it is not unique in its approach.
As a documentary, I give it props for the variety of speakers and locations. There is a variety of active dialogue representing young and old alike. It's great to hear real people talking about their personal experiences; it just lacks pizzazz. It is definitely accurate and educational, and gives insight into real issues and how problems are solved. The background sound is very lack luster and repetitive. Also, there are some scenes when the audio has an odd echo. At other times, the music swells inappropriately, making the dialogue difficult to hear. However, the visuals are very good and the camera work is crisp, focused and professional.
The crowing jewel of this film are the lessons is teaches about poverty, hunger, community and service. Many young children don't know about the benefits of community gardens, if they even know about them at all. It certainly encourages the viewer to truly understand where hunger stems from, and how to help combat it in their own communities. I love seeing the lush gardens and the process of planting seeds, tending and harvesting nutritious food for the community of St. Louis, where hunger and poverty can be rampant. The Farm does its part to feed people in need and educating young children about what they can do to make their city a better place. This is a feel good film.
I give Growing for Good 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Cassidy S., KIDS FIRST! Juror
The story follows Central West End Farm extending a helping hand to an impoverished community by growing a healthy abundance of crops. Their work helps eliminate hunger for the less fortunate of St. Louis, aids community bonding and provides education for children in a lovely outdoor environment. The camera work is very well done, with a variety of shots and camera angles. I don't feel this is quite memorable enough to be enjoyed at a film festival although the topic is certainly relevant. While the subject is centered on kindness and community and its importance, it is not unique in its approach.
As a documentary, I give it props for the variety of speakers and locations. There is a variety of active dialogue representing young and old alike. It's great to hear real people talking about their personal experiences; it just lacks pizzazz. It is definitely accurate and educational, and gives insight into real issues and how problems are solved. The background sound is very lack luster and repetitive. Also, there are some scenes when the audio has an odd echo. At other times, the music swells inappropriately, making the dialogue difficult to hear. However, the visuals are very good and the camera work is crisp, focused and professional.
The crowing jewel of this film are the lessons is teaches about poverty, hunger, community and service. Many young children don't know about the benefits of community gardens, if they even know about them at all. It certainly encourages the viewer to truly understand where hunger stems from, and how to help combat it in their own communities. I love seeing the lush gardens and the process of planting seeds, tending and harvesting nutritious food for the community of St. Louis, where hunger and poverty can be rampant. The Farm does its part to feed people in need and educating young children about what they can do to make their city a better place. This is a feel good film.
I give Growing for Good 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Cassidy S., KIDS FIRST! Juror
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