Wildcat follows the emotional and inspiring story of a young veteran (Harry Turner) on his journey into the Amazon. Once there, he meets a young woman (Samantha Zwicker) running a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center, and his life finds new meaning as he is entrusted with the life of an orphaned baby ocelot. What was meant to be an attempt to escape from life turns out to be an unexpected journey of love, discovery and healing.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Dominic D., comments, “Prepare to be inspired by a new documentary, Wildcat, directed and produced by Melissa Lesh and Trevor Beck Frost, leaves viewers in a whirlwind of emotions and can turn your heart from empty to full at the drop of a dime.” See his full review below.
Wildcat By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12
Prepare to be inspired by a new documentary, Wildcat, directed and produced by Melissa Lesh and Trevor Beck Frost, which leaves viewers in a whirlwind of emotions and can turn your heart from empty to full at the drop of a dime. This is a film that you are not going to want to miss.
Struggling with depression and PTSD as a result from his time spent as a British soldier in Afghanistan, young Harry Turner attempts to escape his world in order to restore peace to his troubled life. That escape lands him deep within the Peruvian Amazon where he teams up with American scientist Samantha Zwicker, and together they work diligently to save injured and orphaned wildlife at Hoja Nueva Rehabilitation Center. The film focuses mainly on the duo’s efforts to rehabilitate and “re-wild” orphaned ocelots, and their work seems to put purpose back into their lives. Harry continues with his mental struggles throughout the film and, although his efforts at Hoja Nueva are helping him overcome these challenges, the film highlights for us that these struggles may never truly be defeated.
There is so much to love and appreciate in Wildcat. The cinematography is terrific as it takes us to one of the most remote and biodiverse places on our globe, allowing viewers to get close up views of some incredible species of animals. The story demonstrates that beauty can indeed be woven into the lives of those who have dark days. And since I absolutely love cats and our family has been involved in cat rescue for many decades, I commend Harry and Samantha for their efforts in wildcat conservation and highlighting for us how difficult yet rewarding this line of work can be.
Wildcat is a true masterpiece. There are so many important thoughts to take with you after watching the film, and yet the film’s most important message is about hope and courage. Mental illness is a life threatening disease, but, with some hope and a whole lot of courage, someone suffering from this condition can learn to cope with their disorder. There is certainly also the message about the importance of conservation and the willingness to volunteer in order to protect and restore our fragile ecosystems. We need more wildlife warriors and this film just may be a call to action for those conservation minded people. Parents need to be aware of some adult language throughout the film and at times some of the scenes display some very dark moments for Harry.
I give Wildcat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Adults will also absolutely love this film. Wildcat releases on December 30, 2022, on Prime Video.
Follow the journey of grassroots innovators dedicated to fighting some of today’s most pressing sustainability issues. Through actions, big and small, everyday change-makers are tackling local problems and inspiring their communities with ingenuity, resilience and vision. Whether it’s a solar-powered car built from recycled materials by a self-taught engineer to combat air pollution or a line of cleaning products made from food waste by someone with no chemistry training, grassroots solutions are setting the planet on a more sustainable path. But for a real breakthrough, governments, global institutions and the private sector must recognize these innovators and actively seek out their ideas. From the streets of Baku to a farming community in the Andes and the mountains of Northern India, our documentary follows five innovators on their quest for real, actionable change. Their journey to innovation is never simple-how do you keep going when even your husband doesn’t believe in your idea?-but the power of their vision keeps them going. Is the world ready to finally listen to them and change the way it handles and solves global problems?
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “One of my favorite documentaries of the past year, For Tomorrow is an uplifting, inspiring and thought-provoking portrait of human resilience and innovation. With immaculate cinematography and compelling storytelling, young minds will be nourished by this wonderful film. Even the K-pop group BTS thinks so.” See his full review below.
For Tomorrow By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
One of my favorite documentaries of the past year, For Tomorrow is an uplifting, inspiring and thought-provoking portrait of human resilience and innovation. With immaculate cinematography and compelling storytelling, young minds will be nourished by this wonderful film. Even the K-pop group BTS thinks so.
“Minds on the margin are not marginal minds.” This line perfectly sums up For Tomorrow, which, yes, was promoted by the Korean pop band BTS.
Following five grassroots innovators from across the world, this documentary, narrated by Daisy Ridley, strives to go beyond labs, think tanks, and name brands to show the real people making change happen. One, a disability rights activist in Baku, Azerbaijan, fights for the construction of elevators in metro stations to make public transport more accessible for the 620,000 disabled Azerbaijanis. Another change-maker is an inventor in Sierra Leone, working to bring electricity to rural areas and get more solar cars on the roads.
An Tran’s direction elevates this already incredible film, as she creates mini-portraits of each of the innovators featured in the film, showing what their daily lives look like and how they tackle the challenges they face every day, whether that’s mountains of trash outside or water scarcity.
The cinematography is just WOW; it’s clear that production was clearly highly valued. For Tomorrow was produced in association with the acclaimed platform fortomorrow.org and the UN Development Programme; the UN could not have made a better filmed or edited documentary to promote their site. I love how For Tomorrow both intertwines, but also separates, the stories of each change-maker. This makes the film easy to follow and constantly engaging.
For Tomorrow promotes finding unique solutions in, at-times, dire situations and empowers others. The world’s biggest problems won’t be solved with just one person’s effort — collaboration is the key.
I give For Tomorrow 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. ForTomorrow is available Amazon Prime Video September 16, 2022.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a 2021 biographical coming-of-age musical comedy-drama film directed by Jonathan Butterell (in his feature directorial debut) from a screenplay by Tom MacRae based on the stage musical of the same name, in turn adapted from the BBC Three documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16. Despite obstacles, 16-year-old Jamie has the courage to fabulously follow his unconventional dream in this inspiring true story turned musical sensation.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katie F. comments, “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the new musical film of the year! With music to get you on your feet and comedy that will make your stomach hurt, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is one to watch.” Eshaan M. adds, “A glittery, glamor-filled, unique and entertaining film, everyone is bound to be talking about Everybody’s Talking About Jamie! The musical numbers, the classic plotline of a teen finding their place in the world, and lovely messages of having confidence in yourself and following your passion all make this production an especially fun watch. However, some directorial choices might cause you to divert your attention from what’s happening on screen.” Heather S. wraps it with, “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the empowering spectacle everyone needs! With its amazing songs, incredible dresses and an iconic protagonist, the film will have you wanting to dance along at your nearest cabaret.” See their full reviews and talent interviews below.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Katie F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Aged 12
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the new musical film of the year! With music to get you on your feet and comedy that will make your stomach hurt, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is one to watch.
Based on true events, the story follows Jamie New (Max Hardwood) , a sixteen-year-old boy with the passion to become a drag queen, and he gets help from a former drag queen. With his best friend, Pritti Pasha (Lauren Petal), he attempts to prove wrong the people who doubt him, including school bully Dean Paxton and his own father. Although his father has chosen to cut him out his life, his loving mother is always there to help.
Jamie New is a huge character. He has an answer for everything and always has some glitter to spare. As he attempts to become a drag queen he is more confident than ever. Hugo/Miss Loco Channel (Richard E. Grant) is a former drag queen who attempts to help Jamie as he sees him as the next generation and the future of drag. Pritti Pasha is definitely the brains of the duo. She is a high achiever and would never break the rules. The rest of the cast are incredible and every single character stands out.
The music in this film is from the original stage musical. My favourite song is the opening song, “And you don’t even know it.” It serves as an introduction to some of the characters and is an upbeat dance number that will have you dancing and singing along just like the rest of the soundtrack. My favourite part of the film is when Jamie realizes that all he wants is to be a drag queen and becomes Hugo’s trainee. As a result he starts saving for his very first drag queen dress – his mum already bought him the shoes.
The message of the film is to be who you want to be. Don’t let others pull you down from what you want to do, especially if it makes you happy. You should be aware that this film does contain very strong language.
I give Everybody’s Talking About Jamie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie steps out of the darkness and into the spotlight on September 17, 2021 on Amazon Prime.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
A glittery, glamor-filled, unique and entertaining film, everyone is bound to be talking about Everybody’s Talking About Jamie! The musical numbers, the classic plotline of a teen finding their place in the world, and lovely messages of having confidence in yourself and following your passion all make this production an especially fun watch. However, some directorial choices might cause you to divert your attention from what’s happening on screen.
The film follows Jamie New (Max Harwood), a gay 16-year-old boy from Sheffield, England, whose secret dream is to become a drag queen. His mom, Margaret (Sarah Lancashire), as well as his best friend and fellow outcast Pritti Pasha (Lauren Patel) support him, but his absentee father (Ralph Ineson), homophobic bully Dean Paxton (Samuel Bottomley) and future-focused career’s teacher Ms. Hedge (Sharon Horgan) all seem to be against Jamie. Mentored by former drag queen and current shopkeeper Hugo Battersby (Richard E. Grant), a.k.a. Loco Chanelle, Jamie embarks on a journey to discover his true identity, tearing down boundaries and burying toxic relationships along the way.
Max Harwood brings viewers along on his emotion-packed hero’s journey; he certainly steals the show. Besides Harwood, though, Lancashire’s portrayal of Margaret captures all of the motherly emotion that a sentimental coming-of-age story needs. The care between the two is palpable. Jonathan Buttrell makes his silver-screen directorial debut with this film, and his technique of capturing emotion is superb. Unfortunately, lighting, camera angles and focal choices leads to some distraction in some compelling moments. The score of the film, as with the musical version, is superb, but the sheer number of songs and usage of varied background tracks causes the film to drag as it nears the end. Nevertheless, the music is undoubtedly the highest point of the film.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie promotes acceptance, following your dreams and never being afraid to take a risk. There is some mild profanity in the film.
I give Everybody’s Talking About Jamie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is available on Amazon Prime Video beginning September 17, 2021. Go check it out!
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the empowering spectacle everyone needs! With its amazing songs, incredible dresses and an iconic protagonist, the film will have you wanting to dance along at your nearest cabaret.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is based on the true story of Jamie New (Max Harwood) and adapted from the West End musical of the same name. Jamie was always taught to be conventional, to choose a “realistic” career and be basic like everyone else. On his sixteenth birthday, he realizes that’s not who he is, and decides to become a drag queen. The film has mind-blowing choreography with top-tier songs that pay homage to the musical.
This movie is a real Broadway show in your living room. The elaborate dance numbers with large groups of people, neon lights, phenomenal singing and fabulous drag dresses leave little to be desired. Jamie finds his way into the world with glamour and by making a statement. He encourages audiences globally to be yourself. Being a drag queen in the small town of Sheffield, England was very different. Jamie grows into the stunning personality of Fifi la True with the support of his amazing mother and friends. The film itself really proves how much effort the filmmakers put into their work. The movie shows the real truth of what it was like to be a drag queen in the past. Richard E. Grant is the best mentor Jamie could ever have. He explains his life in the 1980s reminding Jamie about the epic beginning of drag culture. He is so amazing; his fluid movements and the way he speaks just make you want to be his friend. Richard really worked hard on not making his character a parody of a drag queen, but reflect the beauty of a queen. He shows he has what it takes to be called Loco Chanelle, on and off the stage. The movie also has amazing cameos like the iconic queen Bianca Del Rio and Layton Williams, the star of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie on West End.
The moral of this film is to always be yourself. Jamie never gave up on his dream of being a drag queen and most of all, he never gives up on being himself. He put in the effort of becoming an amazing queen, and working on himself. He always shines and never cares what others think.
I give Everybody’s Talking About Jamie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18 plus adults. It is available in theaters September 17, 2021.
Express Yourself Teens With the on-air Be the Star You Are!® youth reporters about Time ManagementÂ
Young or old, male or female, student or professional, if youâve ever faced a deadline in your life, you know the allure of procrastination. Due dates always seem to defy clock, bombarding us relentlessly. The quest to use our time most effectively is a universal struggle. Hosts Henna Hundal and Katelyn Darrow with reporter, Asya Gonzalez lead a discussion on the necessity of time management. Some of their tips include: -Use an organizer -Know your deadlines -Learn to say âNoâ to some opportunities -Target to be punctual and early for your engagements -Find what distracts you and weed it out of your life -Donât fuss about unimportant details -Prioritize and delegate – âWork smarter, not harderâ Henna and Katelyn also interview college student creative author, Pema Donyo who inspires us with her ability to balance school and publishing. Youâll also meet the adorable star of the new Amazon series, âJust Add Magicâ, Olivia Sanabia. Olivia enchants us with her bubbly, positive outlook and very grown up ways in which she manages her time for acting, studying, and play. Make sure to vote before February 15th for Olivia and Just Add Magic at Amazon.com. Use your time wisely.
Guests
Pema DonyoÂ
Pema Donyo is a coffee-fueled college student by day and a creative writer by night. She currently lives in sunny Southern California, where any temperature less than 70 degrees is freezing and flip-flops never go out of season. As a current sophomore at Claremont McKenna, sheâs still working on mastering that delicate balance between finishing homework, meeting publisher deadlines, and college.
Olivia SanabiaÂ
Olivia Sanabia is a breakout star on the brand new Amazon series âJust Add Magic.â Based on the childhood book âJust Add Magicâ by Cindy Callaghan, the 12 year old young star portrays the lead role of a loving, heart of gold, and sweet baker named âKellyâ who, with her two friends, discovers her grandmotherâs cookbook. To their surprise, recipes like the Keep âEm Quiet Cobbler silences her little brother and the Hexberry Tart puts a curse on a mean girl. The series follows the adventures of âKellyâ and her friends as they navigate the cookbook and learn the ins and outs of the magical recipes, friendship, and boys. Twitter:Â https://twitter.com/Â
Express Yourself!⢠Teen Radio is produced by Cynthia Brian of Starstyle® Productions, llc as an outreach program of Be the Star You Are!® charity. For information on being a guest email caiekelley@gmail.com. To make a tax-deductible donation to keep this positive youth programming broadcasting weekly to international audiences, visit. Thanks for supporting teens!
Our most formative years are between birth and the time we leave home around age 18. Young people are impressionable, soft clay ready to be molded. We heed the signposts, mentally taking note about how to navigate our world. Itâs during this time that we can learn to acquire the tools, tips, and tricks needed to live a virtuous and successful life. Hosts Henna Hundal and Asya Gonzalez share the skills theyâve learned and how they want to embrace life as adults and interview two amazing guests. Author of Bird Face, Mississippiâs Cynthia Toney talks about her admiration for teenagers and the importance of being supportive while gleaning as much proficiency in what matters as possible. Her passion is rescuing animals. Ricky Roberts III is the author of four books, including YOU, What Really Matters. He is a youth advocate, speaker, and visionary who believes that everyone matters and deserves to know it. He is the creator of You Are Valued, a nonprofit organization that inspires youth to see the value in who they are, and appreciate the same in others. As we say at Be the Star You Are!®, âEveryone counts, especially YOU!â Learn something new every day. Having a skill set in whatever is important to you makes a difference in your quality of living. Listen at Voice America Kids Radio and Photos, descriptions, links, and listen here.
SPECIAL BOOK SALE FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Buy Be the Star You Are!®, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens, or The Business of Show Business for the ULTRA DISCOUNT (55% off) PRICE of $9.99 plus shipping through December 31. Buy ONLY at our STORE and ask for personalized inscriptions.
Congrats to everyone who volunteers and supports Be the Star You Are!®. BTSYA has been named a 2014 TOP NON PROFIT for the 6th straight year and is one of the first to be awarded this honor by Guidestar and Great Non Profits. Read more at Press Pass.
Express Yourself!⢠Teen Radio is produced by Cynthia Brian of Starstyle® Productions, llc as an outreach program of Be the Star You Are!® charity. For information on being a guest email caiekelley@gmail.com. To make a tax-deductible donation to keep this positive youth programming broadcasting weekly to international audiences. Thanks for supporting teens!
Be the Star You Are!® charity. It’s the Season of Giving Make a donation today. Buy books and shirts here.
Watch our newest video of host Hennal talking about Express Yourself! Radio
How do young people launch a business or a non-profit? Entrepreneurial hosts Henna Hundal and Asya Gonzalez discuss their personal journeys into the business world and give credit to their guides and mentors behind the scenes. Asyaâs mom and dad, Tamie and Julian Gonzalez join the ladies, providing a parents perspective on how to support and enrich a child who wants to launch a business in childhood. Margaux Froley, author of Hero Complex and Escape Theory, works in Hollywood with TV networks including TLC, MTV, HGTV, and CW, CMT, and the Travel Channel. Margaux encourages young people to not fear going after their dreams. Become the CEO of your own life. Itâs never too early! Listen at Voice America Kids Radio and for photos, descriptions and links listen here. Listen to all broadcasts at ITUNES
SPECIAL BOOK SALE FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Buy Be the Star You Are!®, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens, or The Business of Show Business for the ULTRA DISCOUNT (55% off) PRICE of $9.99 plus shipping through December 31. Buy ONLY at our STORE and ask for personalized inscriptions.Â
Congrats to everyone who volunteers and supports Be the Star You Are!®. BTSYA has been named a 2014 TOP NON PROFIT for the 6th straight year and is one of the first to be awarded this honor by Guidestar and Great Non Profits.  Read more at Press Pass.
Express Yourself!⢠Teen Radio is produced by Cynthia Brian of Starstyle® Productions, llc as an outreach program of Be the Star You Are!® charity. For information on being a guest email caiekelley@gmail.com. To make a tax-deductible donation to keep this positive youth programming broadcasting weekly to international audiences. Thanks for supporting teens!Â
Be the Star You Are!® charity. It’s the Season of Giving Make a donation today.  Buy books and shirts here.Â
Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity presents: Express Yourself Teens With the on-air Be the Star You Are!® youth reporters.
On behalf of the entire Express Yourself!⢠radio team, we are grateful to be celebrating our third-year anniversary of weekly broadcasts! Itâs been a humbling, awe-inspiring, transformational journey filled with teen reporters from across the United States, guests from around the world, and a production team dedicated to making a difference in the world.
It is also the season of Thanksgiving as Hosts Henna Hundal and Caiseen Kelly talk with Social Responsibility Reporter, Asya Gonzalez about gratitude. The first Express Yourself!⢠teen host and show administrator, Steven Zhou, returns to reminisce about the impact being part of this positive radio program has had on his college life, and our hosts interview the star of Amazonâs new series, âGortimer Gibbonâs life on Normal Streetâ, Sloane Morgan Siegel. He is best known for his recurring role in CBSâ âPartnersâ and his appearance on Nickelodeonâs âWendell and Vinnie.âHis film credits include âHate Crimeâ and the short âBetween the Forest and the Field.âÂ
Tune in for an uplifting hour of Thanksgiving, entertainment, and Anniversary Celebration. For what are you grateful?
SPECIAL BOOK SALE FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Buy Be the Star You Are!®, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens, or The Business of Show Business for the ULTRA DISCOUNT (55% off) PRICE of $9.99 plus shipping through December 31. Buy ONLY at ourSTORE and ask for personalized inscriptions.
Congrats to everyone who volunteers and supports Be the Star You Are!®. BTSYA has been named a 2014 TOP NON PROFIT for the 6th straight year and is one of the first to be awarded this honor by Guidestar and Great Non Profits.
Express Yourself!⢠Teen Radio is produced by Cynthia Brian of Starstyle® Productions, llc as an outreach program of Be the Star You Are!® charity. For information on being a guest email caiekelley@gmail.com. To make a tax-deductible donation to keep this positive youth programming broadcasting weekly to international audiences.  Thanks for supporting teens!
Be the Star You Are!® charity. It’s the Season of Giving Make a donation today. Buy books and shirts.
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