The 2022 virtual UH KIDS FIRST! Film Festival – now in its 14th year in Hawaiʻi – presents creative and insightful animated and live-action shorts, features, and documentaries by student, indie, and seasoned filmmakers worldwide. Films focus on climate change and the environment, space and technology, social justice and tolerance, arts and culture…and just plain silliness and fun!Reserve your free virtual tickets and save the dates! You’ll be asked to set up an account with Eventive (Eventive does not share information with third parties without your explicit consent). Click on the films you wish to view in the Film Guide or Virtual Catalog. A convenient All Access Pass is available. For additional help, check out “Virtual Audience FAQs” in the Menu.
KIDS FIST! BEST OF THE FEST features on Planet Classroom Network will focus on topics including Climate Change, Inclusivity, Mental Health and Wellness, and Girl Power.
Planet Classroom is proud to showcase KIDS FIRST! Film Festival best films created by youth filmmakers worldwide beginning on November 1st to celebrate KIDS FIRST! 30th Anniversary.
“There are so many different elements that go into making a film,” said KIDS FIRST! Founder, Ranny Levy. “When kids participate in either the creation or the marketing process of a film, they learn valuable life skills including problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and pitching. They gain the self-confidence to express an opinion that they can debate with their peers.”
“We at Planet Classroom believe that quality storytelling is the most powerful way that young people can share ideas that inspire positive change,” said Cathy Rubin, Co-founder of the Planet Classroom Network. “Now more than ever is the time for youth media makers to help us rethink a world in which all peoples can flourish. We are delighted to join forces with KIDS FIRST! to celebrate incredible stories that focus on some of the most important global issues of the moment.”
Beginning on November 1, 2021, the Planet Classroom Network’s YouTube Channel will stream a stunning collection of shorts and features from some of the most talented and up-and-coming indie and youth filmmakers worldwide. The stories are grouped under Planet Classroom’s themes of LGBTQ+, Race and Tolerance, Environmental Action, Wellness and Self-Esteem, Teen Musical, Teaching Empathy, and Girl Power. Features include Quaranteened (Director Cori Anne Laemmel), Clothed Minds (Director Carletta Hurt), Black Lives Matter: Song for Kids (Directors Omar Vigueras and Javier Rendon), Dance! (Director Andrea Mangano), One at a Time (Director Jacob Reinhart), Perfectly Imperfect (Directors Millie Williams, Mallory Henderson and Tiana Hicks), Love is Love (Director Mina Song), Human Race ISM (Director Elina Villemure), Delivering Sunshine (Director London Mitchell), Hide! (Director Matt Streeter), Koga and Friends: Shelter (Director Philip Kholos), and Kids Who Save the World: Clean Air (Director Adam Tyler).
ABOUT KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST! Film Festival is an initiative of the non-profit Coalition for Quality Children’s Media founded in 1991 whose mission is to teach children critical viewing skills and to increase the visibility and availability of quality children’s media. KIDS FIRST! Film Festival is a showcase for new and classic children’s films from independent and student filmmakers worldwide in addition to select studio films. Visit the website
ABOUT PLANET CLASSROOM
The Planet Classroom Network, organized by CMRubinWorld, brings together musicians, dancers, video game creators, filmmakers, learning innovators and emerging technologists from around the world to entertain, educate and engage youth, and to provide a rich cultural experience for all. Content showcased for youth and by youth on the Planet Classroom Network is provided by 29 cultural organizations from around the world. Young people globally played a significant role in conceptualizing, creating, and producing the network’s vision and programming. Visit the website
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Join KIDS FIRST! Film Festival online during UNESCO Global Media Literacy Week
October 24 – 31
KIDS FIRST! shares an important goal with UNESCO’s Global Media Literacy Week in bringing student made films that integrate critical thinking and social activism for global issues such as
Climate Change
Racism
Food Insecurity
Intercultural Awareness
Beyond the realm of “Fake News” lies real news about real people making positive change. This collection of 35 films created by and with students ages 9 to 22 offer innovative solutions to global problems and compassion in a complex world.
Films like GROWING PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST created by a seventh grader from New York who was inspired by a visit to Sindyanna of Galilee in Israel – a unique non-profit organization led by a team of Arab and Jewish women working together to create social change from the ground up. He spent the year during the pandemic documenting the new hydroponics project at Sindyanna, which strives to enhance Arab-Jewish cooperation, while creating economic opportunities for Arab women. 17:16 minutes; Recommended for ages 10 to 18, plus adults
Kids Who Save the World: Clean Air
Films like KIDS WHO SAVE THE WORLD: CLEAN AIR which follows 7-year-old Arya to Epping Forest and finds out why trees are so important and what you can do to help reduce pollution and look after the natural world. Arya is a young girl and yet, her message is ageless. Arya hosts a beautiful live action short film showing how much she loves the outdoors and trees in particular. Her smart and articulate message comes from the heart and is a lesson that children and adults can both benefit from. 3:14 minutes; Recommended for ages 5 to 12, plus adults.
Rainshadow
RAINSHADOW, about a high school for at-risk students that is threatened with being taken over by the state due to low test scores, but the school’s art teacher and principal have one last shot to save the school that has saved so many kids. Films like this really make you aware of the different conflicts and issues in the world. This film features the students from the school talking about why they can’t deal with public school. The story will definitely pull at your heartstrings. 36:37 minutes; Recommended for ages 10 to 18, plus adults.
This is a virtual festival, that can be viewed by anyone from anywhere on the planet (with some exceptions). Admission is “Pay What You Can.” Tickets available at: https://kidsfirst-unesco.eventive.org/welcome
See the Best Films from young filmmakers worldwide. KIDS FIRST! 30th Anniversary Virtual Film Festival runs October 24 through 31 during UNESCO’s Global Media Literacy Week.
Note, KIDS FIRST! Film Festival is a project of the Coalition for Quality Children’s Media, a national non-profit (501-c-3) organization. Your ticket or donation helps support the work of the organization in bringing more kids inspirational programming.
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Our 30th Anniversary Celebration wraps up this afternoon, September 26 with a fantastic group of films from the creatives of tomorrow. Celebrating Student Filmmakers features: THE DOG WHO BROUGHT HOME THE SUN, DEEP FEARS, DELIVERING SUNSHINE, INTERFACE, RABBITS UNDER THE SHED, RED JUNIOR AND THE WOLF, LILLY GOES TO THE DOGS, THINGS TO REMEMBER, THE IMPOSSIBLE WAY, LONELY WOODS, DEREK AND HIS BRICK and GROWING PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST. Following the screening is a panel discussion with the filmmakers moderated by KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan Mani. You can watch the films beginning at 5:00PM Eastern time online at https://watch.eventive.org/intheloopkfff/play/612ff49053d63e005b9ee85b and you can access the panel beginning at 6:15 PM Eastern time at https://watch.eventive.org/intheloopkfff/play/612ff49053d63e005b9ee85b/613b9c415568e700bc677e43
The cool thing is that since today is our last day, you can watch all of the films from the festival until 11:55 PM Eastern time tonight. So, grab a bowl of popcorn and log on to see some terrific indie and student films for youth and families.
As a reminder, here are some of the films we have played throughout the festival: QUARANTEENED: THE MUSICAL – the story we can all relate to about life during the age of COVID-19 – from the experience of a talented group of teens. The film is documented through photos, chats, Zoom calls and lots of great music! Quaranteened was written by all teen writers and recorded entirely from home and produced remotely. The show features the intertwined stories of a group of teenagers trying to stay connected in a world asking them to isolate themselves. This is followed by a Q&A with the film’s creator, Cori Anne Laemmel. Watch it here: https://watch.eventive.org/intheloopkfff/play/61241c47bf831b009c178de3
Life as it Happens! A collection of films telling stories about relationships and dealing with set-backs, food insecurity, and fitting in. Films include GAMING & LIFE, ROOMMATES, COPYCATS, ROCKLAND RELAY, MILK, TURTLE, MY OTHER SON and A BOY’S JOURNEY: CROSSING THE ALENUIHAHA.
75 DEGREES WEST – a student feature film exploring the fall of civilization after a prolonged pandemic as two brothers wander through a post-pandemic world, trying to survive as they travel across the US countryside. They journey toward 75° West, surviving as best they can on what they can find as they try to avoid human dangers along the way.
Foreign Exchange. A collection of films from filmmakers worldwide indlucing RED, YUANYUAN, CORONA DEV, JAADOO (THEMAGIC), WALK WALK WALK: THE STORY OF STAND PROUD AND DRONYA’S ARTIFICES.
Race Relations in a Diversifying World. Films include BLACK LIVES MATTER, BREATHE, HUMAN RACE ISM, LAST WORDS, LOVE IS LOVE, THE TRUTH OF BEAUTY and JOE BUFFALO. This is followed by a moderated panel discussion with the film creators.
The Outsiders – kids trying to fit in in some way, shape or form. Films include CHARLIE SURFER, HOPE, GIVE CHANGE, THE MISSFITS, RAINSHADOW and INSIDE OUT.
Creative Expression includes DANCE, HARRIET: THE BLACK SWAN: IN THE YEAR OF COVID-19, POPS IS TOPS, KENYA’S SYMPHONY and MUSIC IS LIFE.
Kids are Saving the World features films about kids and their take on global environmental issues – KIDS WHO SAVE THE WORLD: UPCYCLING, REAL WORLD, BLUE GOLD ANIJAM, MAGGIE MAE: AN ENVIRONMENTAL STORY, GREAT WHITE SHARKS, THE IMPOSSIBLE WAY and more!
Animation Celebration – delightful animation including A JOURNEY TO THE MOON, GOODNIGHT MR. TED, HOPPER’S DAY, KOBI’S TOAST, PEACH!, REGINALD THE FLYING LLAMA, LOUISA, AN AMAZING ADVENTURE and more…
Of course all of these films have been vetted by our youth and adult jurors so you are assured that they all meet or exceed our baseline criteria of no gratuitous violence, no bias in terms of race, gender or culture, no replicable unsafe behavior, no inappropriate sexual behavior – plus, they must have an uplifting message. And, we have identified the audience age for each film so you can select one appropriate for yourself or your child.
When a recently widowed mother becomes houseless, she convinces her 8-year-old daughter that they are only camping for fun while working to get them off of the streets. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Abigail L. comments, “I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) is a fantastic film that sheds a new light on the struggles of poverty and the virtues of being a single mother. Director, writer and star of the film, Kelley Kali, creates an excellent, heart-wrenching story that captures the turmoil and strife that people are currently facing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Joshita B. adds, “This movie represents the struggle of many single parents, especially when juggling their financial responsibilities while trying to parent as well. Right off the bat, I must mention that Kelley Kali’s emotionally driven character is so well acted that she honestly steals the show and my heart. By making the mother so likable, the audience can’t help but root for her!” See their full reviews below.
I’m Fine (Thanks For Asking) By Abigail L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) is a fantastic film that sheds a new light on the struggles of poverty and the virtues of being a single mother. Director, writer and star of the film, Kelley Kali, creates an excellent, heart-wrenching story that captures the turmoil and strife that people are currently facing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The film features Danny (Kelley Kali), a recently widowed mother who is struggling to make ends meet. She convinces her eight-year-old daughter, Wes (Wesley Moss), that they are camping while they live in a tent. After promising her daughter that they will have a home by the end of the day Danny skates around Los Angeles trying to find different ways to make enough money to secure an apartment.
My favorite part of this movie is the acting. Each character is distinguishable and genuine. The large variety of filming locations stands out as well. It showcases the marginalized communities in Los Angeles, a city that is often associated with glamor and success, which can also be tied back to Danny who tries to constantly make things look better than they truly are. Although Danny makes several poor decisions, it is difficult not to sympathize with her struggles. The direction of this film is especially admirable because of the emotion the directors, Kelley Kali and Angelique Molina, elicit from viewers as they watch Danny go around town pleading for help and toiling to keep her and her daughter’s head above water.
This movie addresses issues that are often neglected in overlooked communities. I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) successfully conveys the gravity of the difficult decisions people encounter when destitute. Although the subject matter is rather dark, the message is still inspiring and thought-provoking. Parents should know there is some mature content such as death, strong language, drug use, violence and blood.
I rate I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18, plus adults. This film is premiering at the SXSW 2021 Film Festival from March 17, 2021.
I’m Fine (Thanks For Asking) By Joshitha Balamurugan, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking), directed by Kelley Kali and Angelique Molina,is an incredibly enlightening film about hardship. Everything, from the cinematography to the heartfelt dialogue to the acting, is top tier. This film is well made and sheds light on an important topic.
I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) is about a widowed mother that convinces her daughter they’re camping to hide that they’re homeless. This movie represents the struggle of many single parents, especially when juggling their financial responsibilities while trying to parent as well.
Right off the bat, I must mention that Kelley Kali’s emotionally driven character is so well acted that she honestly steals the show and my heart. By making the mother so likable, the audience can’t help but root for her! Also, the cinematography for the ocean scene is just breathtaking; the build-up for it is masterfully scripted so that when we see Kali scream underwater it hits us that much harder. Another thing worth mentioning is that the plot is very realistic – there is no magical element that whisks them away when life gets too tough to deal with.
The message of this film is that, no matter what happens, you have to put one foot in front of the other, because there is light at the end of the tunnel and it’s not an option to give up. You should know that there is some profanity and sexual references in the film. So it is best suited for older teens and adults. In telling the story this way, the truthful message we take away sticks with us.
I rate I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 16 to 18, plus adults. This film premieres at the SXSW Film Festival on March 17, 2021, so catch it there.
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