Charlie is 10 years old and diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. He is proud of his diagnosis, but sometimes he wishes he could be more like the other boys in his class. Feeling different makes him feel left out at times. Because of his Asperger's Charlie struggles with team sports, but he has found two things he loves to do - surfing and dancing. We follow Charlie through ups and downs at surf camp.

Juror comments: I really liked the documentary Charlie Surfer because it shows that you can accomplish anything, no matter the conditions, when you put your mind to it. Charlie was diagnosed with autism, but leads a very normal life. He has a goal to be able to floss while surfing before his summer camp ends. He tries over and over again and never gives up, despite his many failures.

Charlie is a ten-year-old boy with Aspergers syndrome. He attends a summer camp for surfing and has an objective to floss while on the surf board. Charlie practices many times and fails many times, but he pushes through. Charlie looks on the bright side of things and tries to forget about the bad.

I like seeing the encouragement his family provides to Charlie and how his little sisters are right by his side. The scenes when Charlie is surfing are very impressive. I also loves how the camera sinks into the ocean when Charlie falls because it is like the viewer sinks with him. I love the beach location; it is super beautiful and the whole short film wraps around Charlie learning to surf in the ocean. The background music in this short film helps put a smile on your face as you watch Charlie grow at surfing. The director, Pia Strømme, really captures Charlie and his family well. She not only targets Charlie at surf camp, but also reveals some of his life at home with his family. My favorite part of this film is when one of Charlie's surfer instructors tells him to focus on the fun of surfing and not the pain of when you get hurt.

The message of the film is to never give up, no matter how many times you fall.

I give Charlie Surfer 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 15, plus adults. This short film gives a really important message and is inspiring. Reviewed by Winter F., KIDS FIRST!