How do people overcome a pandemic? They pivot. This film uncovers the journeys of businesses and communities paying it forward during a crisis. A small glimmer of hope during unprecedented times, created by people coming together.

Juror comments: PIVOT Paying it Forward will be very appealing for many people. While watching, I found myself overwhelmed with hope. The documentary shows people coming together and serving others in a way that pushes me to volunteer more myself. The film radiates a sense of community, making the film hard to look away from. It's hopeful in a time without hope; happy in a time without happiness.

This documentary follows businesses and communities paying it forward during the 2019-20 pandemic, showing many instances of people serving others in their community.

I love this storyline. I like how the film shows so many examples of people helping others. I like that it shows the effects of one person's acts of kindness and how that spread from person to person, and improve the world by doing so. I also like that the film discusses the pandemic, admitting it's a struggle, but also choosing to look on the bright side.

The camerawork is very good; one shot that impressed me is at a dog rehabilitation place. The film focuses on the dogs rather than the people, showing several close-ups of some very cute dogs. This focuses the film on the impact, not the performer of a good deed, and draws the audience deeper into the story. The film takes place in several locations - a horse farm, church, several food banks, rehabilitation centers and an un-kept lawn. The film features multiple people and the work they are doing including David Burke, world class chef and Brian Schwartz, who mows lawn for the elderly. All of the people in the film are fascinating and richly defined.

The message of this film is that hope must always be held and that helping others is always a good thing.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It has an important message and is a beautifully made, hopeful documentary that uplifts you as the viewer. This qualifies as a pandemic special interest topic. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST!