Kids’ choice

Children will focus their exacting eyes on reviewing movies

Nine-year-old Mia Cremer has received her first credentials as a film critic.

Working with Ann Brandman, organizer of the "Kids First! Film Festival" that begins Sunday, Mia helped choose films, applying a kids' perspective to the selection process.

Her criteria, she said: "not too scary or not too boring."

"She watched a whole bunch of films with me, giving her thumbs up and thumbs down," Brandman said.

The festival, sponsored by the University of Hawaii's Outreach College, takes place on Sundays through July 22 at the UH-Manoa Yukiyoshi Room, offering free films each day.

Mia's favorite was "Eye of the Dolphin," showing June 24, with its story focused on a tough 14-year-old girl who moves to the Bahamas with her father, a dolphin researcher.

"It was a really good story," Mia said. "I liked how she learned about dolphin training. She went from hating the dolphins to really liking them."

She also appreciated the "Going to School in India" series -- which is part of the festival's opening day this weekend -- for its perspective on the school experience in another part of the world.

Mia's duties will continue as she announces some of the films at the festival.

Last summer, the Outreach College offered a well-attended free series of animated shorts from different cultures. This year's screenings were expanded in conjunction with the yearlong UH centennial celebration, to "bring diverse members of the broader community on campus," Brandman said.

"I wanted to find something special for young audiences ... programs that would be fun and entertaining, but also films that might broaden their horizons, delight and inspire and bring balance to mainstream media messages."

While searching for films, she found the Web site for KIDS FIRST! -- a nonprofit organization with the mission "to teach children to become critical media users and to increase the visibility and availability of quality children's media."

The national film festival, in its eighth year, offers more than 10,000 screenings of individual titles. Brandman reviewed the extensive film list, concentrating on films that did not promote gratuitous violence, racial or cultural bias, inappropriate sexual behavior, replicable unsafe behavior or condescension toward children.

"I found that independent media took on subjects with heart and intelligence," she said, "and that audiences might become better informed, critical viewers if they had more choices than just the commercial successes."

Kids First! Film Festival

The "Kids First! Film Festival" offers free summer movie viewing, with selections made specifically for the young ones.

The festival runs on Sundays beginning this weekend at the University of Hawaii-Manoa Yukiyoshi Room, Krauss Hall 012. Showings begin at 4 p.m.

Call 956-8246.

Cool Schools

Sunday For ages 5 to 10 (72 minutes)

"Eloise Goes to School": When Eloise's tutor quits, she's sent to the prestigious Hawthorne Academy. Eloise finds there is more to school than she expected, including mean girls, strict teachers and an abundance of rules.

"Going to School in India, Part 1": Told through the eyes of children, the film explores India's extreme landscape and the invincible spirit of the children. The three episodes are "In a Mud Desert," "In the Lake" and "On a Mountaintop."

Tweens Feature Film

June 24 For ages 10 and up; Rated PG-13 (96 minutes)

"Eye of the Dolphin": After a tough year, 14-year-old Alyssa moves to the Bahamas to live with her father, a dolphin researcher. She discovers a means of communicating with the dolphins, and when her father's research lab is threatened, she calls on them for help.

Tails and Adventures

July 1 For ages 5 to 12 (85 minutes)

"Big Top Winkle": Mr. Winkle, a real dog, arrives in the mythical town of Waggsville and upstages a gypsy circus. Members of the circus attempt to capture and exploit Mr. Winkle, but he manages to elude them in comical ways.

"Prehistoric Park": Nigel Marven, zoologist and wildlife expert, is sent to rescue dinosaurs for the Prehistoric Park. He must return to present day with the creatures before a meteor collides with Earth.

Small But Mighty

July 8 For ages 5 to 12 (74 minutes)

"Onami" (The Great Wave): Claymation story of a young wrestler who learns the art of meditation to help him gain confidence.

"The Man Who Walked Between the Towers": An animated adaptation of the book inspired by the true story of Philippe Petit, an aerialist who performed a 1974 high wire walk between the twin towers of the World Trade Center.

"Roberto the Insect Architect": Roberto, a termite, likes to build with wood, not eat it. He sets off for the big city to pursue his dream of becoming an architect.

"Little Blue: Live the Dream": Animated film about a young penguin who breaks away from tradition and pursues a dream of surfing.

"Going to School in India, Part 2": Features four "Going to School" episodes: "On Wheels, "In a Tribe," "In the Dark" and "On a Boat."

Foreign Film Fest

July 15 For ages 8 and older (103 minutes)

"Mare Capoeira": The Brazilian film tells the history of Capoeira through the eyes of a 10-year-old. In Portuguese with English subtitles.

"Peur Hoi Nang Rom" (For the Oysters): The story of Wenai, a boy left in the care of his grandmother by his impoverished mother. His outlook changes when he falls for his classmate Ann. He manages to save enough money to impress her with a big fish for her birthday party, but fate intervenes. In Thai, with English subtitles.

"Binta y la Gran Idea" (Binta and the Great Idea): Binta lives in a charming village in Senegal, where she goes to school. Binta admires her father, a humble fisherman, who has an idea to make the world a better place. In Dioula/French with English subtitles.

"My Backyard was a Mountain": A young Puerto Rican boy has one day to find a home for his goat before his family moves to New York City. In Spanish with English subtitles.

Little Keiki Crowd

July 22 For ages 2 to 6 (56 minutes)

"Mama Mirabelle": Celebrates the comedy, drama and gentle wisdom of the animal kingdom, with footage from National Geographic and BBC archives.

"Knuffle Bunny": Trixie, Daddy and Knuffle Bunny visit the neighborhood Laundromat, but their adventure takes an unexpected turn.

"Paz: Three New Episodes": Live-action puppetry and whimsical animation revolve around the everyday adventures of 5-year-old penguin Paz, his mom, his grandfather and his friends Rabbit, Dog and Pig.