The First Light Young Jury Prizes go to the Best Features for 7-11s and 12-15s, as voted for by our two Festival Juries for the two age ranges. The two dedicated and enthusiastic panels of film-loving children and young people have come from participatory video organisations working across London. The films will be chosen from the Festival’s Official Selection. The lucky winners will be announced at the Closing Gala.

 

The LCFF First Light Young Juries, relax briefly for a few moments during a long hard day watching loads of films...

7-11s Jury: Nathan, Georgia, Nelly, Chung Chung, Oskar, Molly, Samuel, Mwaka, Michael, Kit
12-15s Jury: Zack, Jason, Anna, Miles, Travis, Jessie

 

During the half-term holiday, the First Light Young Juries came, watched and commented on several films from the LCFF's Official Selections of films for 7-11s and 12-15s.

So far, they've watched films from the UK, USA, Japan, Iran, Norway, Finland, Mexico and Mongolia. Some films they loved and laughed at, some made them think, some they weren't sure about, and some they know that watching it once was enough. But the one thing they all agree on is - that they can't agree on which films they prefer so far - While one juror like a film, another would have completely opposite views! With still more than half the films to watch during the festival itself, there's still plenty of watching and discussing time ahead.

In the run up to the announcement of their decision and the result of the Audience Choice Award at the Closing Gala on Sunday 20 November, look out for views and reviews from the Young Jurors throughout the website, and in the press and media, over the next weeks. Here are some of their notes as they watched the films this week:

 

HAYAT
The story was allright because it was a little bit funny. Molly, 7

 

GREYFRIARS BOBBY
The accents helped to tell which country it was from. Some of the characters were mean and spiteful, some were caring and thoughtful. The main character was a clever dog.
Mwaka, 10

 

THE COLOUR OF MILK
It hasn't got a straightforward story, 'cause lots of stuff is happening. Very moving and interesting. Anna, 13

 

SHINING BOY AND LITTLE RANDY
Beautiful settings in Japan and jungle in Thailand. The camera angles were good giving you many perspectives. I think no-one would not like this film. Miles, 12

 

MCLIBEL
A more complicated version of Supersize Me. Children would like the facts about MacDonalds, older ones would understand the politics of it.
Zack, 13