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?

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

I give Noise 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!