Original song about the misinformation bombarding us from all sides. The challenge is to thread through all the noise to uncover the truth. Only then can we make informed decisions about our lives and the issues that affect them. Original animated story about a young boy's journey to understand the impact of global warming, guided by a shapeshifting raven.

Juror comments: I’m a Child is absolutely perfect in so many ways and exactly what we look for at the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. It makes one want to do better for the earth. The song accompanying it is moving, soothing, and fits the film perfectly. This touching film could change many perspectives for the viewer.

The storyline follows a young person that is distracted by his cell phone, while his elder is busy taking care of the earth. His elder gives him a patch with a bird on it. While the boy sleeps, the patch shapeshifts to become a large bird that takes him to faraway places, transforming into a girl who shows him scarred places on the planet that morph into beautiful places.

This story serves as a reminder for us to take care of the earth. The animation is quite lovely, with beautiful subtleties. I especially like the color contrasts between the healthy and abused landscapes. The clothing has hints of Native American culture. As the bird takes the boy to various places and animal habitats, it is cool to see the damaged places change into something beautiful. The boy’s cell phone distraction at the beginning is contrasted to him planting in the garden at the end. The original song is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and soothing. It is perfect for the story. When the patch turns into a bird and the bird into a girl, the boy's dreamlike world becomes a reality. Creators Kaitlin McQueeney, Eliézer Ojeda, and Barbara McQueeney have created a simply beautiful film, from the characters to the storyline and the message.

The moral of this film is to understand the impact of global warming and to do good for the planet; don't take things for granted and help take care of the earth. I learned that the earth always finds a way to make beauty, but it needs help to do that. My favorite part of the film is when the bird takes the boy to a polar region. A weak polar bear gets stuck on a separated piece of ice. With the touch of the girl’s hand to his, the environment improves, with the walrus and polar bear families playing in the snow.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages I would say ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The film has a powerful message that could affect people of all ages. It would make a great opener to a film with a similar message. Reviewed by Makena P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic