Life Happens - unpredictable and unsettling, but sometimes simply amazing as well. This collection of shorts from indie and student filmmakers world-wide will generate conversations about perseverance, dealing with difficult situations, and finding help where you least expect it.
Rainshadow, a high school for at-risk students, 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.
Juror comments: Films like this really make you aware of the different conflicts and issues in the world. Rainshadow tells the story of a charter high school for at-risk students and its struggles to stay open. The students from the school talk about why they can't deal with public school, which is very sad. Some have attention issues, while others were bullied almost to the point of no return.
The story itself is wonderful. It will definitely pull at your heartstrings, due to the large numbers of people who cry in the film. It is also a true story.
Some of the scenes are not well lit, but they certainly come across as realistically representing the classroom and kids in them. The editing is well done. It is filmed in Nevada, so outside we see snowy scenes. The background music is well executed. I enjoyed the piano music in particular. It’s a documentary so everyone onscreen plays themselves. It made me wish that I was rich, so I could donate a lot of money to Rainshadow and other similar schools and organizations. My favorite part is when it shows the students painting. It's so relaxing to watch someone paint.
The message of the film is that sometimes, you have to fight for what's right. You should be aware that there are a few mentions of suicide. The authenticity of this film is truly heart-warming and inspiring. You see how this school changes the lives of these students and you want to see the school continue operating and see the kids become successful in their own right.
I give this documentary 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, as well as adults. Younger children may have a hard time understanding it, but it's family friendly for the most part. This would fit well into any film festival that is playing documentaries and art films. Reviewed by Kayenta C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
- Year2020
- Runtime36:37
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- DirectorKari L Barber
- ScreenwriterKari L Barber
- ProducerKari L Barber, Nico Colombant
Life Happens - unpredictable and unsettling, but sometimes simply amazing as well. This collection of shorts from indie and student filmmakers world-wide will generate conversations about perseverance, dealing with difficult situations, and finding help where you least expect it.
Rainshadow, a high school for at-risk students, 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.
Juror comments: Films like this really make you aware of the different conflicts and issues in the world. Rainshadow tells the story of a charter high school for at-risk students and its struggles to stay open. The students from the school talk about why they can't deal with public school, which is very sad. Some have attention issues, while others were bullied almost to the point of no return.
The story itself is wonderful. It will definitely pull at your heartstrings, due to the large numbers of people who cry in the film. It is also a true story.
Some of the scenes are not well lit, but they certainly come across as realistically representing the classroom and kids in them. The editing is well done. It is filmed in Nevada, so outside we see snowy scenes. The background music is well executed. I enjoyed the piano music in particular. It’s a documentary so everyone onscreen plays themselves. It made me wish that I was rich, so I could donate a lot of money to Rainshadow and other similar schools and organizations. My favorite part is when it shows the students painting. It's so relaxing to watch someone paint.
The message of the film is that sometimes, you have to fight for what's right. You should be aware that there are a few mentions of suicide. The authenticity of this film is truly heart-warming and inspiring. You see how this school changes the lives of these students and you want to see the school continue operating and see the kids become successful in their own right.
I give this documentary 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, as well as adults. Younger children may have a hard time understanding it, but it's family friendly for the most part. This would fit well into any film festival that is playing documentaries and art films. Reviewed by Kayenta C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
- Year2020
- Runtime36:37
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- DirectorKari L Barber
- ScreenwriterKari L Barber
- ProducerKari L Barber, Nico Colombant
