Panelists include a group of directors, writers, and film subjects from films in this group.

This catchy tune by Hopster Studios encourages inclusivity amongst kids and teaches them to stand up against discrimination based on the color of one's skin. Juror;s comments: I loved this two and a half minute short because of its upbeat and inspirational song, the colorful animation and the message of love. The dancing kids of many colors follow the lyrics, sharing grief and sadness when they are treated unfairly and joyful and empowerment when they are treated with respect and love. The animation is a montage of hands, arms, faces of many colors and scenarios showing appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. The message to everyone is: use your voice to let people know that you will stand up for all people of this world regardless of the color of their skin. Black Lives Matter! And bystanders need to remember to stick up for other people that are being bullied because of their color. I give Black Lives Matters 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to18, plus adults. Reviewed by Nancy K.

BLACK LIVES MATTER (SONG)

This catchy tune encourages inclusivity amongst kids and teaches them to stand up against discrimination based on the color of one's skin.

One young man’s journey to find inner peace days after George Floyd’s televised murder. Be witness to this spoken word visual testimony about the power of the human spirit, and the unapologetic resilience of our youth. Kobi, a black sweet- shy seventeen year old skips school to meet his friends for a George Floyd vigil. On his adventure; love, loss, fear and friendship become his greatest allies, or his worst nightmare. Juror comments: Breathe is a thoughtful, yet almost suspenseful tribute to all black and brown lives lost before and after the Black Lives Matter movement. How the unnecessary loss of life effects the psyche of a young man as he strolls by the tributes laid to those lost – flowers, candles and names woven into a chain-link fence – hits home to this viewer. This film is deeply touching because it is simple, non-violent and personally connects to the key person in the film. Powerfully underscored by Ty Taylor’s a-cappella song “Gut-Wrencher,” which is spot-on haunting and prayerful, and director-producer Cheray O’Neal’s poetry of loss is the question,” Why?” Breathe speaks to my heart with every step that Kobi (Chase Tillman) takes in this short film. The poem “Breather” by Cheray O’Neal says it all. It is not a reckoning, but it is a beautiful call for our hearts and eyes to open. I must give credit to all of the crew, especially cinematographer Lee Cherry and editor Bryant Robinson. There is not one second of this film that I didn’t find “breathtaking.” The message is that racism is perhaps propagated by parents and a system that ensures discrimination, but that it can also be unlearned by empathy and a system that encourages love and understanding. I rate Breathe 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

BREATHE

One young man’s journey to find inner peace days after George Floyd’s televised murder. Be witness to this spoken word visual testimony about the power of the human spirit, and the unapologetic resilience of our youth.

On his way to school on a snowy day, Billy is rehearsing his speech on rampage shootings. Last Words is an inspiring social commentary. Narrated by a young boy, John Hammon, whose soft voice goes from cheerful to wise, to dismayed, to angry, to instructive, to silent. The gentle role out of its message is beautifully designed to soothe the viewer rather than enrage them. Billy, who is shot in a rampage school shooting after he co-wrote and rehearsed this speech, is the impetus for this short film on the subjects of responsible gun ownership, the second amendment and the silence about private ownership of military grade weapons. And, “Help me” were his last words. Far from a gloom and doom film, the director Alan Chriest uses the guise of innocence as he makes a call to action from the mouth of a babe. The cinematography is gorgeous, although stark, as the northern walk we take with Billy reflects the chill of winter. The music and sound effects wrap the cheer of youth, and the dread of indifference around the story, tugging at our hearts to care, be reasonable and to get involved. The images at the end remind us of the lost lives from school shootings and are heart stopping. My heart hurt as I read the numbers, once again reminding me of these senseless deaths. The message of this film is to recognize what is happening with the culture of violence and do something about it. I give Last Words 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

LAST WORDS

On his way to school on a snowy day, Billy is rehearsing his speech on rampage shootings. "Help me” were his Last Words.

This short three minute film has a great message to the Human Race. Shot using a green screen, astronaut actors, black and white, give a younger black actor a serious warning to avoid being with others who are different than him. But the handsome teen of color maintains his joy, dancing on Mars on his way to meet his favorite Martian, I presume. Friendship, appreciation and humor rule the day in this adorable short. The only small problem with it is that one of the seams with the green screen is noisy - an editing issue that takes a little bit away from production value, But otherwise it is a funny, warm feeling film. The message is that the human tendency to reject beings that are different from us can be unlearned through appreciation, inclusiveness and love. I give Human Race Ism 4 stars out of 5 and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

HUMAN RACE ISM

A teenager stationed on Mars with his family gets a lesson in racism

Love is Love is a music video designed for preschoolers celebrating love and the diversity of families. Encouraging inclusion and acceptance, this catchy song shows children how colorful and different families can be. It explains to them that they might have one mum one dad, same-sex parents or might be looked after by their grandparents, it is love that counts and binds them all together. Set on Pride day, the video applauds diversity and portrays a vibrant march where families of all shapes and sizes march together and sing. It carries a strong message that all families are different but they love each other just the same. Juror's comments: This 2D animated short music video is set to an upbeat, and gently rolling song about families and love. It encourages love to be the glue for inclusiveness in order to normalize stigma which may be aimed at children with same sex parents, or children raised by a grandmother, aunt or uncle. The best part of the animation is that all of the characters are different colors - pink, blue, green, yellow, an entire rainbow of colors. It is super sweet! The last verse of the song rallies people to march through life supporting different colors, creeds and genders! The message of Love is Love is just that “love is love” and kindness and good parenting is what counts in a child's life. I give Love is Love 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 18. By Nancy K.KIDS FIRST!

LOVE IS LOVE

Encouraging inclusion and acceptance, this catchy song shows children how colorful and different families can be.

This is a film about the diverse nature of beauty and learning to accept yourself. From middle school students, in English, this short film is well produced, with excellent narration and a series of middle school images. This would make a wonderful addition to a student film festival or one focused on truthful messages. Well done, excellent message. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror

THE TRUTH OF BEAUTY

This is a film about the diverse nature of beauty and learning to accept yourself.

This documentary addresses how dress code policies negatively impacts black girls in DC public and charter schools. With the help of the National Women's Law Center, twenty one girls co-authored a report, Dress Coded: Black girls, bodies, and bias in DC Schools, which lead to the making of the film.&nbsp; Juror comments: This short film gives us a window on what school dress code policies do to self-esteem and cultural perceptions in Washington DC schools where black girls are more than 20 times more likely to be suspended for inappropriate dress than white girls. &nbsp; The film follows a diverse group of black girls speaking telling stories about how discriminatory forced uniform wearing is that neither fits their cultural style or their body types. Each girl explains why the uniforms are a tough call for them – from being overweight to sexy and curvy. The girls speak about how they feel judged and the frustrations they have trying to buy new shirts and tone down their “eye catching” figures to fit into the mainstream. I love the powerful women shown here and hats off to the director for giving a voice to this issue; it’s one that crosses state lines to the gender issue at large. The production values of this film are good; lots of steady camera close-ups of girls in various spaces around the school. The audio varies a little, but it’s entirely watchable. The music softly weaves in and out of the interviews and fits perfectly, never competing. The message is that dress code policy needs to serve the function of making all students feel comfortable at school and not compete with studies or social discourse. There are solutions such as the administration talking with the students about why they are uncomfortable and work out a solution. I give Clothed Minds 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!&nbsp;

CLOTHED MINDS

This documentary addresses how dress code policies negatively impacts black girls in DC public and charter schools.

Demarco is hearing voices. He’s stalled at the crossroad of a major decision in his life. He’s forced to look himself in the face and be his own encouragement. Will he listen to the noise or turn down the volume and follow his own wise counsel?&nbsp;Juror Comments: The short film Noise is something I could listen to every morning and evening to remind me of who I am and how to take care of myself. It is uplifting and a full on coaching call to believe in oneself, regardless of the “noise.”&nbsp;After a noisy intro of put downs, disapprovals and downright awful self talk, the alter ego of the key character helps him to stop thinking about what others say. It proceeds to say this, “vision is the ability to see potential in what others overlook.”&nbsp;The animation in the intro – a white noise, shake-up of color – sets up a chaotic visual to compliment the upset of the main character. The staging of this film is very creative, with cast members freezing on a staircase supporting the idea that one has to stop and get ahold of one’s thoughts to get a better vision of one self. It almost feels like the world stops so that the guardian angel can speak to his alter self, to uplift him and guide him on his way. This is a wonderful punch to the doubt and insecurity that many of us feel after we’ve let ourselves and others down. &nbsp;The message is that sometimes the people around you don’t believe in themselves, so they put others down. Stop the noise and create your own vision for your own life, and let others’ noise go.&nbsp;I give Noise 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!&nbsp;

NOISE

Demarco is hearing voices. He’s stalled at the crossroad of a major decision in his life. He’s forced to look himself in the face and be his own encouragement.

The Catcher is a cinematic youth to youth mirror showing how young people view homelessness and their peers. Daphne learns a hard lesson about judging a book by its cover while Zoe and Sabrina realize they are both "catching." Juror comments: The Catcher is a terrific short film. I especially like the acting and twist at the end. The authenticity of this film hits the mark when it comes to setting up its message and spinning it on itself to give viewers an “aha” moment. In an attempt to draw attention to the dilemma of homelessness, the professor at this high school teaches students the importance of being a “catcher” - someone who takes a stand for others having a hard time and catching them as they fall through the cracks. People need to be caught for different reasons – homelessness, poverty, joblessness and similar. This film is a great example of how organizing people towards a common goal to assist those in need can, and will, make a difference in this world. The Catcher flows well as it immediately establishes the bonds between students that care about each other. This interracial friendship has a cinematographic component, with medium close-ups of its actors whispering to each other and facial reactions to each other’s comments. &nbsp;It’s also a reminder to not be surprised that the person who needs care the most does not fit the demographic you thought they might. The message of this film is that there is no one group of people that will experience homelessness in this world. We are all subject to tragedy and loss, and the way to prevent the devastating consequences of tragedy is to get the support from compassionate, caring people. I give The Catcher 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

THE CATCHER

The Catcher is a cinematic youth to youth mirror showing how young people view homelessness and their peers.

Civilization has fallen after a prolonged pandemic. 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. Juror comments: 75 Degrees West is a really good adventure movie. It’s incredible that it was made by an 11th grade student, Thomas Parrish V. The camera work is really good. The sets are pertinent to the idea of this story - survival. Lastly, I like that the supporting characters play roles that make it more real. An example is when the boys' bags are stolen by a lone traveler as he was really hungry, which makes sense from a survival point of view. Civilization has fallen after a prolonged pandemic and two boys, Zach and Jack embark on a dangerous adventure after their parents have passed away, hoping to get help. Along the way, they see many dangers and have to put their bond and survival skills on the line. I like that the film tries to show this is not a fake thing with the news reports going off from a multitude of countries. It stays true to the idea of survival as the actors grab only minimal resources that they need to survive, which also make it feel real. Lastly, the scenes of looting and car theft when the boys steal a pickup after a man hunts them down, also support the idea of survival, showing that everyone is on their own. I like the close-up shots throughout this film; they are really on point in conveying the emotions of the characters. When Tom, Zach's brother, knows that he is not going to make it, we see his tears streaming down his face. In another scene which is a flashback, the camera captures their house, showing where they came from before they go out on their own. The location in a forest depicts an abandoned civilization, which is makes the aftermath of the pandemic look real as we see abandoned places and rusted out equipment. There is a lot of walking in the forest, which shows the boys trying to survive and trying to stay low profile. The background music is well chosen to support the various scenes, particularly the song playing during the ending credits which makes direct reference to the boys' experience. The song is sung in a heavy hearted voice, which supports their difficult journey that killed one of the boys. The lyrics, "It gets harder to carry the weight of what I've done, I am speaking from experience," relate to Zach having to deal with the aftermath of his brother, Tom getting shot when he made a clumsy mistake and alerted the shooter to their presence. The actors give admirable performances. My favorite part is when the shooter's gun jams as he is trying to reload and the boys' steal the guy's truck. He gets what he deserves for trying to shoot the boys. The message of this film is: Do not give up; even though it may take time and effort, you will make it. You should be aware that it contains bloody, gory acts of violence, shooting and the guns. I give 75 Degrees West 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 16 to 18, plus adults. By Tom W., KIDS FIRST!

75° WEST

Civilization has fallen after a prolonged pandemic. 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.

Joe Buffalo is an Indigenous skateboard legend. He’s also a survivor of Canada’s notorious Indian Residential School system. Following a traumatic childhood and decades of addiction, Joe must face his inner demons to realize his dream of turning pro. Juror comments: I was saddened and yet enlightened by this coherent, narrative, documentary short film. The dream of skateboarding and a recapturing of foundational indigenous traditions are woven into a social justice narrative from the childhood to adult life of Joe Buffalo. Joe Buffalo, of the Maskwacis Cree Nation, is an indigenous skateboard legend and a survivor of Canada’s tragic Indian Residential School system.Despite the role of outsiders who hijacked and forced him and people of the Maskwacis Cree Nation onto bumpy, unpaved paths of destruction, Joe Buffalo discovers “roadmaps” for success scribed from past traditions of his indigenous roots. He used these roadmaps to reclaim the will and determination that would be needed to envision and reach a destination filled with healing, redemption, hope and a renewed life following a traumatic childhood The story of Joe Buffalo is a journey of tribulations and triumphs beautifully narrated with cinematic accompaniments, traditional drumming and indigenous melodies, yielding reflections about childhood and family memories; and a life filled with troublesome potholes, emotional detours into hopelessness and trauma, as well as an eventual victorious destination at this time of his life’s journey. Mild profanity is occasionally heard in the narrative but focused primarily on emphasizing the horrendous impacts of the shame, doubt, inner demons, and frustrations experienced during this journey. I strongly recommend Joe Buffalo and any related viewer’s guides designed to provide resource information, for teachers, parents and children. I give this 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to18, plus adults. Reviewed by Ed G.,Reviewed by Ed G., KIDS FIRST!

JOE BUFFALO

Joe Buffalo is an Indigenous skateboard legend. He’s also a survivor of Canada’s notorious Indian Residential School system.

Moderator: Charmion Kinder. Charmion N. Kinder is a master communicator, social impact advocate and corporate responsibility strategist with nearly 20 years of experience in executing influencer campaigns that promote transformational change for the next generation of American leadership. As the founder and chief impact officer of CNKinder, Inc., a social impact consultancy, she works tirelessly to help organizations find their voice, inspiring youth to pursue their grandest visions and dreams along the way. Recently, as the Head of Global Public Relations for Global Citizen,&nbsp;Charmion planned, advanced and directed media relations strategy for the organization's social impact, advocacy and policy-focused initiatives. This included the organization's two campaigns that coalesced the philanthropic, government and business communities to pledge $6.9 billion, in an effort to support global frontline healthcare workers and make COVID-19 treatments accessible in the fight against the global pandemic. A former White House press aide to First Lady Michelle Obama, Charmion previously served the Obama Administration as a public affairs appointee within the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Commerce, and believes that “service is the rent we pay for life.” Her work has also included executing strategic communications management for organizations including: The Walt Disney Company, Discovery Education, Edelman, the Ad Council, My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, the Hip Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), America Coming Together (ACT), Special Olympics and SEIU. Charmion’s work as a change agent began after graduating from the Howard University School of Communications.&nbsp;She hails from New Haven, CT, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and enjoys empowering communities of promise through mentorship in her spare time. Panelists include: Amar Chebib, director of JOE BUFFALO is a Syrian-Canadian filmmaker. Chebib began making videos while growing up skateboarding in the Middle East. He has since made award-winning short films, commercials, and a feature documentary about three Syrian refugee musicians. Amar resides with his wife on unceded Coast Salish Territory in Vancouver. JOE BUFFALO. A direct descendent of Pitikwahanpiwiyin (Poundmaker), Joe Buffalo is from Maskwacis, Alberta and a member of the Samson Cree Nation. Joe is a residential school survivor, having attended one of Canada’s last standing residential schools for five years. Residential schools were part of a government institution that is now recognized as a form of genocide. Skateboarding has helped Joe overcome trauma and adversity throughout his life by helping him focus on a positive activity, one that not only kept him busy, but also challenged him to grow. Now pro for Colonialism Skateboards, Joe is using his story and abilities to inspire a new generation of First Nations’ skateboarders. Omar Vigueras, director, BLACK LIVES MATTER is a designer, 3D artist and animator. He graduated at the University of Granada and completed his MA in Animation at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland. Omar has always been fascinated by videogames and their creation, and enjoys playing a variety of games. Omar has a personal interest in the entire filmmaking process and enjoys watching, analyzing and researching different films. Omar currently works as a game designer and animator at Hopster, the preschool learning and entertainment platform.&nbsp; Scott A. Galeski, Director, HUMAN RACE ISM, is a retired police detective from Detroit, MI who specialized in the investigation of crimes against children and received the Presidential Call to Service Award, presented by President Barack Obama. Galeski combined his law enforcement skills with filmmaking talent, is now an award-winning independent filmmaker and founded the Downriver Detroit Student Film Consortium, which works with students to produce student films.&nbsp; ﻿Jeff Rudkin (THE TRUTH OF BEAUTY) teaches at Lora L. Batchelor Middle School in Bloomington, IN and uses video production to develop students' lifelong research skills. Rudkin’s students have created documentaries, newscasts, PSA’s and filmed interpretations of classic literature including a documentary about WW II veterans and Holocaust survivors.&nbsp;His students have garnered over 600 state, national, and international awards. Rudkin was named a Lowell Milken Center Fellow in 2012.

Discussion of Race Relations in Today's World

RACE RELATIONS IN A DIVERSIFYING NATION

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