School Program, Grades 4-6: Our People, Our Passions

Location: Online

This block of films celebrates self-expression and the many interests that shape who we are. These films show how the things we love can vary across backgrounds and generations, highlighting how these interests can sometimes challenge traditional ideas of what we’re “supposed” to like. We invite students to reflect on their own interests – what draws them in and what makes them unique – and how these connections can help build relationships with the people around them.

Amma

Year: 2024
Genre: Youth
Country: Canada
Language: English, Bengali
Length: 2m
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“Wash your hands. Turn off the lights. And don’t forget your prayers to Ganesh.” Having fun with comicbook motifs and plasticine, Akash Jones honours the no-nonsense second-generation immigrant mother who raised him, instilling habits that guide him to this day. Stop-motion animation that says, “Love ya Mom.”

Directed by

Akash Jones

Akash Jones is a director and stop motion animator who likes to tell authentic stories that he is passionate about while also assisting others in doing so through animation. His short film, A TALE OF TWO REGENTS, was presented at RPFF’s 20th Anniversary.

Director will be in attendance

Dear Henri

Year: 2017
Genre: Youth
Country: USA
Language: English
Length: 12m
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Nine-year-old Henri recently lost her beloved namesake and pen pal, Grandpa Henry. She misses him deeply – but could their correspondence continue? One summer day, Henri “sends” a series of letters and imagines the magically circuitous route her messages take. Will she ever receive a response?

Directed by

Matthew Sandager

Matthew Sandager is an award winning filmmaker, animator and artist based in New York City. His work has been commissioned by Sesame Street and his critically acclaimed short films, videos, and photography have been shown in film festivals and galleries around the world.

América

Year: 2025
Genre: Youth
Country: Peru
Language: Spanish & Quechua
Length: 15m
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América, a 10-year-old girl from a remote village in the Peruvian Andes, dreams of buying a bicycle so she’ll never be late to class again.

Directed by

Javier Arias-Stella

Javier Arias-Stella is a pathologist by training. Originally from Peru and based in Los Angeles, Javier is currently undertaking an exploratory journey to re-discover his creative potential after reaching burnout within the healthcare industry. He hopes to focus on developing character driven stories in order to both re-discover his identity and inspire others.

Boy Cut

Year: 2024
Genre: Youth
Country: USA
Language: English
Length: 3m
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Something as simple as a haircut can mean so much to one person. This animated documentary tells the story of a child’s desire to control their own appearance.

Directed by

Cullen Burt, Abby Corbett, Indira Escobar and Shon Xiao

The directors, who worked collaboratively to produce Boy Cut are a group of current and former USC students studying media studies, animation, and more.

The Man Who Loved Flowers

Year: 2023
Genre: Youth
Country: UK
Language: English
Length: 3m
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Under the care of his kind mother, a shy young boy called Pinto learns to appreciate the beauty of flowers. Sadly, societal expectations and the disapproval of his father wear him down and teach him to keep his love hidden. He grows up, gets married, and even moves to the UK, but ultimately, he takes his secret to the grave. It is only after his death that his widow realises the true extent of his passion.

Directed by

Sonu Thomas

Sonu Thomas is a character designer and visual development artist who enjoys exploring versatility in art styles for her work. Her main focus when creating artwork is to connect with her audience through storytelling, multicultural food, and everyday life. She strives to increase diversity in the Western animation media.

Pow!

Year: 2025
Genre: Youth
Country: USA
Language: English
Length: 8m
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A Native American kid scrambles to charge his dying video game console at a bustling intertribal powwow.

Directed by

Joey Clift

Joey Clift is a Los Angeles-based comedian, Emmy and Peabody Award-nominated writer, and an enrolled member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Writing credits include Spirit Rangers (Netflix), Molly of Denali (PBS), New Looney Tunes (Cartoon Network), and Paw Patrol (Nickelodeon).

Thank you to our School Program Community Partner!

Partners