The KIDS FIRST! / Daddying Film Festival

Indie Short and Feature Films

Expired June 21, 2022 3:45 AM
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19 films in package
Four-time Grammy Award-nominated musician Justin Roberts joined by Honorary First Family of the KIDS FIRST! Daddying Film Festival, Alysia Reiner and David Alan Basche.
Independent Filmmakers Clip Reel
Red Balloon
A devoted father overcome with despair over his young son’s illness learns that true freedom comes from love and letting go.
My Other Son (Mi Otro Hijo)
(Ages 6-18) This is Gusti's story. A father who goes through bewilderment and denial, to the most unconditional love for his new son upon discovering that he has Down Syndrome.
Baggage
The journey of Reut with her father, in which she forms her own independent identity.
Dad for Hire
A dad attends a job interview, but doesn't quite know what he's getting himself into.
Jack and the Treehouse
A ten-year-old tries to stop his Dad from selling the family land.
How the Titanic became my Lifeboat
The documentary "How the Titanic became my lifeboat" is based on a true story about an Icelandic boy called Brynjar Karl and how his fascination with the Titanic became his lifeline to independence.
Rainbow Stories - Peter, Mark, James and Einstein
Meet James and his new family in a heart-warming short animation featuring a family with two dads.
Make it Count
A ten-year-old boy finds solace in a hobby and history.
Christmas Summer
A multi-ethnic family, marked by the sudden death of the mother, celebrates Christmas in Argentina in keeping with her family tradition.
18 Years
A teenage basketball star looks to follow in his father’s footsteps until he discovers a secret he thinks may tear his family apart.
Heavens Hard Pitches
A young girl searches for answers to her father’s identity and the reason she was sent to foster care.
Hide!
Two little girls fight off and evade a monster who clearly underestimates their abilities
H-Squad
A father attempts to teach his five children the value of using their superhuman abilities more responsibly. One of his children, however, needs to learn that lesson the hard way.
New Beginnings
After experiencing a difficult loss, an orphaned girl and her uncle try to mend their strained relationship.
The Double Life of Hugh
Hugh (Nate Ruth) and his father Hugo (Colin Allen) have very different ideas about what it means to be a mime.
The Sea Never Forgets
An old man tells his grandson an unbelievable story from his life as a much younger man.
First Chair
This virtual screening is eligible for audience awards! The voting period has closed. Stay tuned for the results!
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This is a collection of feature and short films made by Independent filmmakers worldwide. These are all films accepted by the festival - 2 features and 7 shorts. You, as an audience member will vote to determine the winners in each category. When you vote, you'll award 1 to 5 points to a film, with 5 points as high.


The finalists you may vote for include:


Features:

1. Jack and the Treehouse by Jim Schneider, USA (feature)

2. How the Titanic Became My Lifeboat by Bjarney Ludviksdottir, Iceland (feature)


Shorts: 

1. Red Balloon by Avi Federgreen, Canada

2. My Other Son (Mi Otro Hijo) by Gustavo Alonso, Argentina

3. Dad for Hire by Aaron Scully, Australia

4. Rainbow Stories – Peter, Mark, James and Einstein by Adam Bailey, United Kingdom

5. Make It Count by Romeo Jennison, USA

6. Christmas Summer by Ignacio Borderes, Argentina

7. Baggage by Einat Kieshet, Israel

Sometimes with the sons, it happens as with the drawing, they do not come out as you imagined. This is Gusti's story. A father who goes through bewilderment and denial, to the most unconditional love for his new son, upon discovering that he has Down Syndrome.


Juror comments: My Other Son is so beautiful and emotional because is a personal story. It is a story about a father and his reaction when facing something unexpected. The film truly captures the emotions of its characters and shows each aspect Gusti goes through during his new journey. Many parents can relate to this story and feel connected with each scene, and that is truly unique. Also, the parts when the story shows bonding moments between the father and his son are so good and they really portray the key lesson of the film.


Gusti becomes the father of a beautiful, but different boy. He goes through different emotional reactions as he faces the reality of his son and what it will mean for Gusti and his family, but he finds beauty in the unexpected.


This is truly one of the most creative, touching, and unique films I have ever seen! It is a beautiful story from a parent's perspective about the unexpected having a positive outcome. This short film uses so many artistic techniques, is filled with color and creativity; each scene has a unique personal touch. Many parents will relate to the story, as it is about Down Syndrome and the realities that many go through during those first moments when their child is diagnosed. But the main point is the great relationship between the father and his son.


The film has so many different uses of camera work and techniques. All the shots are full of animation, color, techniques and an artistic perspective. One refreshing touch is the set-up of the film, as it is animated through canvas over a table, giving the idea that the father is narrating his story. This makes it feel more personal and appealing to the viewer.

The film made me want to read more about parents with Down Syndrome children and how they have overcome any doubts or fears they had at the beginning. It is beautiful to see and learn how love can overcome anything, and in situations just as unexpected as this one, it is even stronger.


I loved this film from the beginning to the end. The credits have a beautiful surprise that brought tears to my eyes because I was able to watch true joy, happiness, and love. But my favorite part is definitely a quote from the dad, "Love doesn't count chromosomes." This quote captures the message of the film and is such a powerful statement. Love should be unconditional, and love should guide those who are starting this new stage of their lives.


I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 6 to 18, plus Adults. Gustavo Alonso is the director and the writer; Noemí Fuhrer and Graciela Mazza are the producers. This team has created a beautiful story with a relevant message. The message is very relevant and the fact that is a narrated personal story makes it more honest and unique. Many families will relate to having those fears and doubts in cases like the one presented, but the film can help as emotional support and as inspiration when the challenges seem overwhelming.

  • Year
    2019
  • Runtime
    10:50
  • Language
    Spanish
  • Country
    Argentina
  • Note
    Subtitles
  • Director
    Gustavo Alonso
  • Screenwriter
    Gustavo Alonso
  • Producer
    Noemí Fuhrer, Graciela Mazza
  • Cast
    Laura BIERBRAUER
  • Animator
    Pei Yi Tong
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