A cricket wants to achieve the dream in an abandoned quarry. Filmmaker is a student at California Institute of The Arts

Juror comments: The short student animated film, Hopper’s Day, is just charming as can be. I love the style of the animation and its sweet story. I only wish it was longer.

The storyline follows a cricket that wants to achieve in an abandoned quarry.

Once upon a time there was a dried up and abandoned quarry that only one little green cricket, Hopper, sees potential in. He discovers an abandoned water bottle and his imagination kicks into gear until some of the other critters thwart his plans and the bottle, dripping its precious water ends up stick in a deep crack. The poor cricket’s face is shattered as his ambitions have been smashed until by some miracle, his buddies fill another container with water and that changes everything. Few people are as determined as this busy little cricket. Hopper works so hard. Towards what end, we do not know. What is he trying to do with the water? Drop by precious drop, he delivers it to seeds, then seedlings and the next thing we know - the quarry turns into a beautifully alive paradise of flowering plants.

The message is about pursuing your dreams, no matter how fantastical they may be. If a small cricket can turn an abandoned quarry into Eden, you certainly can follow your dreams.

I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST!