KIDS FIRST! Ukraine Film Festival: Promoting Love and Compassion
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine underscores the urgent need for platforms that amplify voices, foster resilience, and promote love and compassion. The KIDS FIRST! Film Festival, in collaboration with Ukraine Matters, proposes a second virtual edition in 2025, continuing our commitment to supporting Ukrainian children and families during this challenging time.
Leveraging the proven power of media as a catalyst for social change, this festival, organized by the Coalition for Quality Children's Media (a 34-year-old national nonprofit), will showcase independent films that address themes of love, compassion, community, and resilience. By prioritizing films from filmmakers worldwide, including Ukrainian filmmakers, we aim to:
- Provide a safe and accessible space for Ukrainian children and families to experience powerful and uplifting stories.
- Facilitate meaningful dialogue about love and societal resilience.
- Showcase the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine and promote cross-cultural understanding.
- Offer hope for the future.
The virtual format ensures accessibility for audiences across Ukraine and beyond, enabling us to reach those most affected by the conflict. The KIDS FIRST! Film Festival Ukraine 2025 is more than an event; it's a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to inspire hope and build a better future.
Our goal is to raise $40,000 to support this festival; your donation in any amount is welcome.
We believe in the impact of media and in positively supporting youth and families in Ukraine. At a time when children and adults are all suffering the emotional effects of war in their country, media can provide a conduit to thoughtful discussion, can explore positive ways to deal with grief and sadness, and can bring joy, love and laughter at a much needed time.
Support KIDS FIRST! Ukraine Film Festival 2025 Today
Your donation of any amount will make a difference. Here are a few examples:
- $40: Sponsor a filmmaker's submission to our festival.
- $400: Sponsor a live streaming Q&A session between educators, filmmakers and youth audiences.
- $4000: Sponsor year round screenings of films at 3 schools in Ukraine.
- $14,000: Become a Named Sponsor of KIDS FIRST! Ukraine Film Festival .
Every donation, no matter the size, helps make a difference in the lives of kids and families in Ukraine.
We will provide every donor with free access to the film festival as a thank you for their contribution.
Thank you in advance for your support.
The KIDS FIRST! Team
KIDS FIRST! is a project of the national 501(c)(3) Coalition for Quality Children's Media. Your donation is tax-deductible to the degree allowed by law. EIN: 85-0398632
Highlights
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Love Changes All
KIDS FIRST! and Ukraine Matters Partner for "Love Changes Everything" Film Festival, Bringing Global Stories to Ukraine
This September, KIDS FIRST! and Ukraine Matters are launching the "Love Changes Everything" Film Festival, featuring international short and feature films designed to uplift and inspire. The festival will reach audiences through virtual and live events in Ukraine and for Ukrainian refugees worldwide.
Leading up to the festival, beginning August 1, KIDS FIRST! will present a series of interviews with program creators to discuss the films featured in the “Love Changes Everything” collection. These young and independent filmmakers (ages 9-65), come from all over the world and represent some of the best new works by emerging filmmakers.
"This collection is a testament to the resilience and hope we see in our friends in Ukraine," says Nancy Kenney, VP of KIDS FIRST! Ranny Levy, President, emphasizes, "We began our film festival partnership with Ukraine Matters in 2022 and are excited to expand this year to bring these powerful and supportive stories to global audiences."
"Continuing our partnership with KIDS FIRST! for a second year is incredibly meaningful," states Volodymyr Goshyly, President of Ukraine Matters. "After three years of war, Ukrainians are experiencing profound PTSD. These films, brimming with love and compassion, will offer vital inspiration and healing."
Expanding the Reach of Meaningful Cinema:
Beyond these collaborations, KIDS FIRST! Film Festival invites non-profit organizations worldwide to co-host local festivals or individual film screenings. Whether at established film festivals, children's museums, schools, or libraries, KIDS FIRST! provides curated, youth and adult-juried films for impactful screenings.
Since 2020, KIDS FIRST! Film Festival has drawn thousands of cinephiles globally, showcasing the powerful work of independent and student filmmakers.
KIDS FIRST! Film Festival is a project of the Coalition for Quality Children's Media, a national non-profit (501-c-3) organization dedicated to promoting quality media for children since 1991.
Festival Curators
Curators for "Love Changes Everything" include:
- Ranny Levy, co-founder and director of the Coalition for Quality Children's Media since 1991. A former educator and dancer, Levy was awarded the Golden Globe Honor Foundation’s Philanthropic Award in 2023.
- Nancy Kenney, Vice President of the Coalition for Quality Children's Media and a Hispanic Native New Mexican. Ms. Kenney is a former teacher, specializing in international education and an award-winning filmmaker.
- Sylvia Binsfeld, Founder, Conscious Media Movement after experiencing a series of profound spiritual events and out of a growing concern regarding what is transpiring for our planet. Sylvia is an award-winning filmmaker and author.
- Pamela R. Schuyler Cowens is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Yoga Therapist and photographer. Pamela believes that true healing is balancing the body, mind and spirit with integrative medicine.
- Catherine Fridey is a French-American award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker, a SAG-AFTRA actor, artist, and musician. Her script Enchanted Christmas was the first Christmas film on Hallmark to feature Hispanic characters and actors.
- Samsunshine Levy, Principal, Netman Inc. is an experienced IT professional, managing the Coalition for Quality Children's Media / KIDS FIRST! website and social media since 1995.
Meet the team
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