Description - Adam is a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl, Elizabeth, and her best friend Adam, the dog. Elizabeth has never met her father, and her single parent mother is usually away on business trips. Elizabeth is the only child, and craves a genuine connection with someone. Due to her many bad experiences trying to make friends in the past, Elizabeth turns to the one and only friend she can always count on, Adam. Dogs may be a man's best friend, but this film proves it can also be a girl's best friend too.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Adam is astonishing! Not only does the film craft a down-to-earth tale that appeals to viewers of all ages, but it delves deep into themes of denial, acceptance, and everlasting friendships.The storyline follows Elizabeth Martin (Ruth Smith) who, without any friends or family members to readily turn to, has valued the bond with her pet dog, Adam, above all else. This seemingly inseparable bond is tested as Adam's life draws closer to the end, with his deteriorating health serving as an indicator. Although it is not a reality Elizabeth wishes to accept, seeking out every veterinarian she can to improve Adam's condition, she ultimately learns that all good things must come to an end.
This short film moves at a rapid pace, but the story develops rather well, choosing key story beats and meandering very little. There is some build-up to the primary conflict of the film that we see in the opening montages, so the plot efficiently allows us to empathize with Elizabeth when the emotional story beats roll around. The cinematography is pretty fundamental, but in a positive sense, as it allows the film to capture the essence of day-to-day life and properly bases it in the real world. This can be felt particularly when watching the montages, in which a phone recording of Adam is included along with traditional horizontal shots. Ruth Smith's portrayal of Elizabeth feels so lively and refreshing, and the viewer really gets the sense that she's an actual person. While she comes across as overly eccentric, this characterization masterfully plays into her underdeveloped social skills due to the isolation she has experienced throughout the years, and helps to emphasize how Adam brings out the best in her. My favorite part is the opening montage with shots of Elizabeth and Adam together. You really see what a strong connection the two of them have with each other, which adds emotional weight when the main conflict of the film crops up.
The film's message is that memories can keep friendships alive.
I give Adam 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Christian C., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Adam is astonishing! Not only does the film craft a down-to-earth tale that appeals to viewers of all ages, but it delves deep into themes of denial, acceptance, and everlasting friendships.
The storyline follows Elizabeth Martin (Ruth Smith) who, without any friends or family members to readily turn to, has valued the bond with her pet dog, Adam, above all else. This seemingly inseparable bond is tested as Adam's life draws closer to the end, with his deteriorating health serving as an indicator. Although it is not a reality Elizabeth wishes to accept, seeking out every veterinarian she can to improve Adam's condition, she ultimately learns that all good things must come to an end.
This short film moves at a rapid pace, but the story develops rather well, choosing key story beats and meandering very little. There is some build-up to the primary conflict of the film that we see in the opening montages, so the plot efficiently allows us to empathize with Elizabeth when the emotional story beats roll around. The cinematography is pretty fundamental, but in a positive sense, as it allows the film to capture the essence of day-to-day life and properly bases it in the real world. This can be felt particularly when watching the montages, in which a phone recording of Adam is included along with traditional horizontal shots. Ruth Smith's portrayal of Elizabeth feels so lively and refreshing, and the viewer really gets the sense that she's an actual person. While she comes across as overly eccentric, this characterization masterfully plays into her underdeveloped social skills due to the isolation she has experienced throughout the years, and helps to emphasize how Adam brings out the best in her. My favorite part is the opening montage with shots of Elizabeth and Adam together. You really see what a strong connection the two of them have with each other, which adds emotional weight when the main conflict of the film crops up.
The film's message is that memories can keep friendships alive.
I give Adam 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Christian C., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 15 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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ADVENTURE OF MUSIC, THE: THE SOUND OF FEELING - ALI STIEFEL
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - Two children, Lindy and Clay, find a closet of musical instruments that play themselves taken them back in time to meet icons of music history.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Adventure of Music: EP1 The Sound of Feeling is a thoughtfully made short film that music aficionados will particularly enjoy, and it will also appeal to children that are curious about the history of music.The story follows two children, Lindy and Clay, who escape the eyes of their school principal by hiding in a closet only to discover a flute that plays itself and mysteriously takes them back in time to meet none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his colleague, the renowned flutist Johann Baptist Wendling. This short film is the beginning of a series of films built around historical musical figures.
As much as I found this film enjoyable, some things bothered me, such as the time travel aspect. The kids go back in time to the late 1700s and are hardly ruffled by the experience. They land in the middle of a practice session with Mozart and Wendling who are hardly affected by their arrival. That just doesn't quite make sense because this would be a very big deal for all the parties in the room. Putting that aside, they begin to engage in a discussion of music, which is the best part of this film.
This short film is well made; you can see that the director and writer did their homework as everything appears to be pretty authentic. The camera work, audio recording and editing are spot on - nothing spectacular but very serviceable. I did find the audio level a bit low and had to turn the volume up as high as it could go in order to hear the dialogue. At times the background music overpowers it. I particularly enjoyed the set design which gives a good vibe of the time period, and the costumes for Mozart and Wendling are definitely a highlight. The background music is outstanding - I especially like how it continues at the end, even after the credits. The acting is all pretty good. The kids are terrific and the two musicians are well cast - their portrayals of the four characters definitely engage you in the story. There is some humor, such as when Clay talks about dead people and Mozart replies, "I'm not dead yet."
The film's message is about the origins of music and the influence of musicians historically.
I give The Adventure of Music: EP1 The Sound of Feeling 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Adventure of Music: EP1 The Sound of Feeling is a thoughtfully made short film that music aficionados will particularly enjoy, and it will also appeal to children that are curious about the history of music.
The story follows two children, Lindy and Clay, who escape the eyes of their school principal by hiding in a closet only to discover a flute that plays itself and mysteriously takes them back in time to meet none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his colleague, the renowned flutist Johann Baptist Wendling. This short film is the beginning of a series of films built around historical musical figures.
As much as I found this film enjoyable, some things bothered me, such as the time travel aspect. The kids go back in time to the late 1700s and are hardly ruffled by the experience. They land in the middle of a practice session with Mozart and Wendling who are hardly affected by their arrival. That just doesn't quite make sense because this would be a very big deal for all the parties in the room. Putting that aside, they begin to engage in a discussion of music, which is the best part of this film.
This short film is well made; you can see that the director and writer did their homework as everything appears to be pretty authentic. The camera work, audio recording and editing are spot on - nothing spectacular but very serviceable. I did find the audio level a bit low and had to turn the volume up as high as it could go in order to hear the dialogue. At times the background music overpowers it. I particularly enjoyed the set design which gives a good vibe of the time period, and the costumes for Mozart and Wendling are definitely a highlight. The background music is outstanding - I especially like how it continues at the end, even after the credits. The acting is all pretty good. The kids are terrific and the two musicians are well cast - their portrayals of the four characters definitely engage you in the story. There is some humor, such as when Clay talks about dead people and Mozart replies, "I'm not dead yet."
The film's message is about the origins of music and the influence of musicians historically.
I give The Adventure of Music: EP1 The Sound of Feeling 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 17 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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HAUNTED BELLDOWN SCHOOL, THE - WILLA KATE MCCARTER
Series: ELEMENTARY STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - A thrilling horror with three homeschooled children who discover the haunted Belldown School, where they encounter ghostly children and malevolent teachers, leading them to confront supernatural forces and unravel dark secrets.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a fun, not too terrifying thriller featuring three young children who disobey their mom's warning and venture off to explore an abandoned haunted school.This is a perfect thriller for young kids that won't give them nightmares. Kudos to the writer/ producer and key cast member, 9-year-old Willa Kate McCarter. Very impressive work she had created.
The production is very well done - good camera work, audio recording, editing, acting, and special effects. The three main characters, all siblings, are well portrayed. Trevor Juenger, the film's director, delivers terrific ghost-like critters through creative camera work and special effects.
I give The Haunted Belldown School 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for age 8 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is a fun, not too terrifying thriller featuring three young children who disobey their mom's warning and venture off to explore an abandoned haunted school.
This is a perfect thriller for young kids that won't give them nightmares. Kudos to the writer/ producer and key cast member, 9-year-old Willa Kate McCarter. Very impressive work she had created.
The production is very well done - good camera work, audio recording, editing, acting, and special effects. The three main characters, all siblings, are well portrayed. Trevor Juenger, the film's director, delivers terrific ghost-like critters through creative camera work and special effects.
I give The Haunted Belldown School 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for age 8 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 12 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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PLAYING HOUSE - JOHANNES VANG
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - Astrid's only friend, Kristin lives in the neighboring building. She has learned that Kristin is moving to another city, to a big house. Astrid feels a fear of being left alone. She tries to have one last fantastic playdate together in Kristin's apartment, but it's difficult when everything in the room reminds her that her friend will soon be moving. It doesn't help that Kristin wants to play that Ken and Barbie are buying a new and bigger house. From Norway; dialogue in Norwegian with English subtitles.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A touching film about a delicate subject - losing a friend when she moves away.The story follow two young girls, Astrid and Kristin, who are best friends. Kristin is moving away and the day before she leaves, Astrid is visiting her for a play date. Astrid fears that she will be left alone and that Kristin is her only friend. Kristin wants to play with Ken and Barbie, but her story is all about them buying a new house and moving away and Astrid wants none of that. An argument and disagreement finally bring about a resolution that works for them both.
This is so beautifully produced, from the camera work to the audio recording, the plot line and story development, and the acting by the two young girls. It really addresses a universal theme of losing your best friend and feeling left behind in such a way that it opens up the possibility of a discussion on the topic.
The film's message is about handling loss - which could be of a best friend who is moving away, or many other types of loss.
I give Playing House 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A touching film about a delicate subject - losing a friend when she moves away.
The story follow two young girls, Astrid and Kristin, who are best friends. Kristin is moving away and the day before she leaves, Astrid is visiting her for a play date. Astrid fears that she will be left alone and that Kristin is her only friend. Kristin wants to play with Ken and Barbie, but her story is all about them buying a new house and moving away and Astrid wants none of that. An argument and disagreement finally bring about a resolution that works for them both.
This is so beautifully produced, from the camera work to the audio recording, the plot line and story development, and the acting by the two young girls. It really addresses a universal theme of losing your best friend and feeling left behind in such a way that it opens up the possibility of a discussion on the topic.
The film's message is about handling loss - which could be of a best friend who is moving away, or many other types of loss.
I give Playing House 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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FISH - LAI YINGDAN
Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - A girl and her pet fish share a love-hate relationship. After a conflict caused by a misunderstanding, the girl impulsively throws the fish into a river. Filled with regret and longing, she eventually returns to the river.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - An interesting animated short. I found it a bit confusing, but compelling at the same time.The story follows a little girl and her pet fish and their somewhat complicated relationship. After a misunderstanding, she throws the fish into the river. Later, at dance class, she is remorseful and goes back to the river to find the fish again.
Well executed animation made of simple line drawings and minimal use of color. The storyline is a bit confusing and, had I not read the synopsis, it may have been lost to me. At the same time, it's compelling and thought provoking. Younger audiences would be confused by this, but older teens would enjoy it I believe.
The film's message is about the emotional bonds we form with the animals in our life.
I give Fish 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - An interesting animated short. I found it a bit confusing, but compelling at the same time.
The story follows a little girl and her pet fish and their somewhat complicated relationship. After a misunderstanding, she throws the fish into the river. Later, at dance class, she is remorseful and goes back to the river to find the fish again.
Well executed animation made of simple line drawings and minimal use of color. The storyline is a bit confusing and, had I not read the synopsis, it may have been lost to me. At the same time, it's compelling and thought provoking. Younger audiences would be confused by this, but older teens would enjoy it I believe.
The film's message is about the emotional bonds we form with the animals in our life.
I give Fish 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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OMELET - FIONA TINWEI LAM
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - A short animated poetry film about a parent and child cooking together while reflecting upon the current state of the world.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What an enjoyable short animated film. I love the simplicity of the images and the words of the narrator.The story is narrated by a female voice as she makes an omelet.
The animation of this film is quite simple and direct. The story is told through a female narrator who prepares an omelet and discusses the state of the world. Well delivered.
The message is about the similarities between making an omelet and dealing with the world we live in.
I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What an enjoyable short animated film. I love the simplicity of the images and the words of the narrator.
The story is narrated by a female voice as she makes an omelet.
The animation of this film is quite simple and direct. The story is told through a female narrator who prepares an omelet and discusses the state of the world. Well delivered.
The message is about the similarities between making an omelet and dealing with the world we live in.
I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 2 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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UN/WRITE - FIONA TINWEI LAM
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - An erasure poem that teeters on obliteration, but ultimately veers back from the brink to reclaim creativity, inspiration, wonder and delight.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Interesting use of erasure to create poetry that changes with each word deletion.This short animated film captured me from the get go, even as I was figuring out where it was going and what it was saying. It begins with a screen covered with words - too many words to read all at once because immediately it begins taking words away and as it does that your eyes and brain begin to see different word combinations and form new thoughts about them - distill, compress, breath, swallow, thing, ballad, riddle, void, start to... Then, words pop up onto the screen, forcing you to focus on them, and finally there is sound that accompanies the words - dreams, star stutter. I think about how all these words have meaning and the meaning changes from time to time.
The film's message is about the impact of words on us.
I give Un/Write 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Interesting use of erasure to create poetry that changes with each word deletion.
This short animated film captured me from the get go, even as I was figuring out where it was going and what it was saying. It begins with a screen covered with words - too many words to read all at once because immediately it begins taking words away and as it does that your eyes and brain begin to see different word combinations and form new thoughts about them - distill, compress, breath, swallow, thing, ballad, riddle, void, start to... Then, words pop up onto the screen, forcing you to focus on them, and finally there is sound that accompanies the words - dreams, star stutter. I think about how all these words have meaning and the meaning changes from time to time.
The film's message is about the impact of words on us.
I give Un/Write 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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LOST STREAM - FIONA TINWEI LAM
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12
Description - A short animated poetry video based on a poem about a lost and hidden stream that was part of a former network of waterways. By Quinn Kelly and Fiona Tinwei Lam.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I found this short video very calming and provocative. This animated short is a visual collage of images accentuated by a poem about a waterway that used to be and background sounds of water playing in a stream.
The soft colors of the film capture the essence of water in a constantly changing way. Water is always changing, from moment to moment. This waterway apparently has become lost in time but was once part of a bigger network of waterways. It reminds us that life is change. The narrator's voice as she reveals the poem is soft and alert.
The film's message is about change, like a flowing river.
I give Lost Stream 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Sarah F., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I found this short video very calming and provocative.
This animated short is a visual collage of images accentuated by a poem about a waterway that used to be and background sounds of water playing in a stream.
The soft colors of the film capture the essence of water in a constantly changing way. Water is always changing, from moment to moment. This waterway apparently has become lost in time but was once part of a bigger network of waterways. It reminds us that life is change. The narrator's voice as she reveals the poem is soft and alert.
The film's message is about change, like a flowing river.
I give Lost Stream 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Sarah F., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 2 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
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DRAGON'S FLIGHT, A - MAURICIO NADER ZAVALA
Series: COLLEGE STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - Seven-year-old Nico plays with his dragon plush toy on a bus until it slips from his hands and falls at the feet of a terrifying 70-year-old man. To retrieve it from the floor, Nico will have to overcome his fear and approach the man without waking him.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I like the movie A Dragon's Flight because it is really relatable.A Dragon's Flight is one of those rare films that takes a small, everyday moment and turns it into something deeply resonant.
The story follows seven-year-old Nico, who loses his beloved stuffed dragon on a bus--right next to a sleeping old man with an imposing presence. What follows is a quiet but powerful exploration of childhood fear, courage, and the way even the smallest challenges can feel monumental when you're young. The film brilliantly captures Nico's internal struggle, building tension in a way that feels both subtle and immersive. The cinematography enhances this, using tight framing and careful sound design to make the bus feel almost like its own character. There's very little dialogue, but every glance, hesitation, and breath speaks volumes. What makes A Dragon's Flight so compelling is its universal relatability. We've all been in Nico's shoes at some point--hesitant, overthinking, caught between fear and the urge to act. The film doesn't rely on grand, dramatic moments to tell its story; instead, it finds beauty in the quiet, in the way a child's world can be both small and enormous at the same time. If there's one minor shortfall, it's that the music is a touch too suspenseful.
A Dragon's Flight is a beautifully understated film that reminds us how courage isn't always about grand gestures, it's about the quiet, personal victories that shape who we become.
I give A Dragon's Flight 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Definitely worth watching. By Ariel K., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like the movie A Dragon's Flight because it is really relatable.
A Dragon's Flight is one of those rare films that takes a small, everyday moment and turns it into something deeply resonant.
The story follows seven-year-old Nico, who loses his beloved stuffed dragon on a bus--right next to a sleeping old man with an imposing presence. What follows is a quiet but powerful exploration of childhood fear, courage, and the way even the smallest challenges can feel monumental when you're young. The film brilliantly captures Nico's internal struggle, building tension in a way that feels both subtle and immersive. The cinematography enhances this, using tight framing and careful sound design to make the bus feel almost like its own character. There's very little dialogue, but every glance, hesitation, and breath speaks volumes. What makes A Dragon's Flight so compelling is its universal relatability. We've all been in Nico's shoes at some point--hesitant, overthinking, caught between fear and the urge to act. The film doesn't rely on grand, dramatic moments to tell its story; instead, it finds beauty in the quiet, in the way a child's world can be both small and enormous at the same time. If there's one minor shortfall, it's that the music is a touch too suspenseful.
A Dragon's Flight is a beautifully understated film that reminds us how courage isn't always about grand gestures, it's about the quiet, personal victories that shape who we become.
I give A Dragon's Flight 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Definitely worth watching. By Ariel K., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
