Cregan

Cregan is a British short film released in 2007. Ciaran Flynn plays the title character, a teenage boy who visits his older brother after witnessing a rather unpleasant scene at home. At his brother’s place, however, he witnesses some violent scenes when his brother’s friend comes to visit. Will all these events change the personality of Cregan? Will he start behaving like the adults in his world?

The film is directed by Stephen North and was filmed in the UK and Ireland. Sometimes it was hard to understand the actors due to their accents. This resulted in me watching the film twice so I could try to make sense of the dialogue. The overall sound in the film is well done, even if there were a few short moments in which it sounded a bit out of sync. I liked the usage of light and focus of the camera as they effectively enhanced the importance some props and characters have in the story.

The film won the Jameson’s Short Film Award at the Belfast Film Festival, Belfast, 2009 and you can watch it on the BBC film network website. I would be interested to read your take on the story – so please free to use the comment form below this review.

Readers may recall the previous films in which Ciaran Flynn starred such as the poignant drama 48 Angels in 2006 (highly recommended as well due to its powerful story and intriguing cinematography) where his acting skills really shine.

Film title : Cregan

Director: Stephen North

Cast : Ciaran Flynn,Brendan Mackey,Branwell Donaghey,John MacCrossan,David Irvine

Run-time : 11 min

NimmerMeer (2006)

NimmerMeer (also known as Nevermore) is a German film released in 2006 by the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg and Frisbeefilms. While effectively being a coming of age movie (the lead character is “A tiny little boy named Jonas. Not a hero that’d slay dragons or fight against giants, a poor boy, who learnt how to become a man whilst staying a child”).

NimmerMeer is at the same time a fairytale with a moral and an intriguing storyline which enchants the viewer to such an extent that the definition of reality becomes an abstract term and he (the viewer) effectively follows along with the young lead as he learns more and more about himself and the environment that surrounds him.

The storyline can be seen as both simple and complicated depending on the familiarity of the audience with the European cinema. Jonas (Leonard Proxauf) is a young boy who lives with his elderly father, Helge (Rolf Becker), in a hut by the sea somewhere by the North Sea coast (The film’s location is actually in Denmark – which is one of the reasons why many people notice a similarity between NimmerMeer and Pelle Erobreren ). Although they don’t own a lot, they live a happy life – deeply caring about each other. Important to the old fisherman is his status as a respectable person in the society of the small village nearby.

One stormy night, Helge sets out to fulfill an old mysterious dream: To bring back “the silver of the heavens” – a large catch for his starving son – but he never returns. Jonas is desperate and saddened, and is taken by the church pastor into his house. The cold-hearted pastor demands complete submission. His principles are discipline, work and respect and his whole personality is the antithesis of that of his loving father. The boy’s grief grows stronger as each day passes …

It is only when he meets a dwarf from a traveling circus troupe that Jonas begins to regain the ability to smile.

The entire cast of NimmerMeer delivered an outstanding performance, especially the young lead, Leonard Proxauf. His acting skills contributed greatly to the overall impact of the film — his emotions and feelings effectively transferred from the screen to the viewer. The musical score, combined with the visuals, create a melancholic atmosphere so unique and captivating that the viewer can’t help but get caught up in the film and the events in it as they happen.

NimmerMeer is a beautifully shot film. Its cinematography – the panoramic scenes, the lighting and the frequent use of close ups — express the poetic sensibility of the filmmaker, Toke Constantin Hebbeln. Hebbeln paid special attention to detail, so that the reality in front of the camera is imposed in such a unique manner that the end result becomes a feast for the senses.

This is a wonderfully told coming of age fairy tale that can be equally enjoyed by adults and children and is a film that I highly recommend to the readers of theskykid.com. The film won a number of awards, in the year it was released and the following year. Among those awards are the Jury Award for Best Foreign Drama at the Hollywood International Student Film Festival and the Best New Director Promotional Award at the Hof International Film Festival.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuP_81UJep4

If you like this review and/or have seen the film – you may also like to read the exclusive interview that we did the young lead of NimmerMeer : Leonard Proxauf

Dylan McLaughlin

Dylan McLaughlin, born in La Mesa California, age sixteen, began his acting career in 2003. Dylan is a great young actor who can be funny or serious. Either way, he is a joy to watch. Dylan has a way about him, when he is on screen, which lights up the atmosphere no matter what character he is playing. I like actors who can do this as it keeps me wanting to see more. Dylan got his inspiration to be an actor from his brother, who has ended his own acting career, but Dylan is going strong. He does have an odd characteristic about him in that he suffers from stage fright. But for someone who suffers from stage fright, it sure doesn’t show on screen!

Dylan has had a great acting career since he began in 2003 and has been in many TV shows and movies. My favorite was his appearance in You’ve Got a Friend. In this movie, he plays the role of Bobby, an orphan since his parents died. Having gone through a lot himself, he befriends someone named Jim Kliekan, who happens to be a soap box derby winner. Together, they build a racer, while unknowingly helping each other overcome the losses they have both experienced. Prior to meeting Jim, Bobby meets a rival on his first day at school, a boy named Tommy (Chase Ellison). Tommy tries to make himself out to be a big shot and bully, which does not work with Bobby. In the hall, Tommy purposely knocks Bobby’s books out of his hands. Tommy starts to laugh, but not for long when Bobby rears back and POW — right in the jaw! Of course, Bobby and Dylan end up competing against each other, but you will have to watch the movie yourself to see what happens.

In 2008, Dylan was nominated for Best Performance in a Feature Film, as well as Best Ferformance in a TV Movie, and as a Supporting Young Actor and Leading Young Actor by the “Young Artist Awards”.

If you have not ever seen Dylan in action, you should look up some of his shows or movies. I know you will like him.

Dragnet”	Oliver Harmson	2003	The Artful Dodger
“The Division”	Billy Wright	2003	Radioactive Spider
“The Guardian”	Evan Atkins	2003	Let’s Spend the Night Together
Seeing Other People	Jake	2004
Kicking & Screaming	Sam Weston	2005
Supercross	Young Trip	2005
“Bones”	Alex Morris	2006	The Boy in the Shroud
Georgia Rule	Sam	2007
You’ve Got a Friend	Bobby	2007	TV Movie
Alice Upside Down	Patrick	2007
“Journeyman”	Young Steven	2007	Keepers
“ER”	Marcus Faneca	2007	Coming Home
iCarly	Benji	2007-2009

This actor profile was written by Tommy from Stars2Come.com.

Jimmy Bennett

Jimmy Bennett is an astounding young actor. Born on February 9, 1996 in Seal Beach, California, in my opinion, the 14-year-old is one of the top young actors today. He has accomplished more in his fourteen years than most adults. Jimmy has appeared in seven television shows and in twenty-eight movies. One of the things that sets Jimmy apart from others is the fact he knows what he wants to do in life. He goes after parts and, no matter how big or small they are, he puts 110% into everyone. He is an excellent role model for any aspiring young “wannabe” actor.

Another thing that makes Jimmy stand out from some young actors is the fact that he is versatile in the roles he plays — comedy, action, thrillers, you name it, he does it. I remember him in his first movie, Daddy Day Care, as Flash — wreaking havoc everywhere — and I have not stopped watching him since. I like all the movies he stars in, but some of my favorites are Shorts, Trucker, Orphan and Star Trek (even though his part in that only lasted about five minutes when he steals a car and takes it for a ride while jamming to some music and eventually drives the car over a cliff ).

In Shorts he plays Toby “Toe” Thompson, in a movie that is about a rainbow-colored rock that will grant wishes. It makes its way around town in while people make petty wishes with the rock. Toe and his friends try to retrieve it to make things right. A very funny movie, in my opinion. In Trucker he plays Peter (see the review of Trucker, below, for more details). In Orphan, he plays Daniel Coleman. The plot in this one has Daniel’s family bringing an orphan into the house and she begins to terrorize and kill anyone she feels threatened by. Daniel dislikes her right at the start but soon is forced to keep the girl’s secret. If you like thrillers, this one is for you.

I am looking forward to seeing Alabama Moon which, as of this writing, still has not been released. Bones is in post-production and The Return of Captain Kidd is in pre-production. You can’t go wrong with any of his movies and I recommend all of them. Next time you’re out, pick up one of his movies. I know you will enjoy it. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know some of your Jimmy Bennett favorites.

Review – Trucker starring Jimmy Bennett

This is an independent film by James Mottern starring Jimmy Bennett as “Peter”. I always enjoy films with Jimmy as he can play any role. In this film, Peter’s dad is in the hospital with cancer. His dad, needing a place for him to stay, sends him with a friend and he shows up at his mom’s door without warning. This gets their relationship off to a rocky start, to say the least. His mom is a trucker and has only one care in the world– herself. She doesn’t want Peter there and Peter is not too thrilled about it either. They butt heads right off the bat. Once he does finally make it in the door, his mom makes him sleep on the couch after a few choice words.

The next day, not having anything else to do with Peter, she takes him on the road with her. When they stop for gas, she tells him to stay in the truck. Well, that certainly doesn’t go over well with Peter. He doesn’t like being told what to do and, knowing his mom doesn’t want him there in the first place, doesn’t help any). When she gets back from paying for the gas, he is gone. She starts running around acting all crazy-like, trying to find him (she always has this psychotic look on her face). She finally finds him sitting out in a field. She grabs him and smacks him on the butt and yells at him that someone could have taken him (the first sign that she might actually care about him).

Battles like this go on throughout the film. Peter starts school and joins a baseball team. He doesn’t know much about playing and his mom tries to help him learn to bat. It doesn’t go over well as she ends up hitting him with the ball and he takes off after her with the bat! At his first game, he misses the first two pitches, then hits the third to centerfield. The other team catches it, but Peter doesn’t care and runs the bases anyway. This is the first time he is actually happy and his mom is happy for him.

After one of his games, they visit the hospital and he finds out his dad is not going to live. Peter, of course, doesn’t take the news well and, surprisingly neither does his mom. She still doesn’t want Peter staying with her, but she finally comes to terms with it. In the end, she comes home and Peter is sleeping on the couch as usual. She picks him up and puts him in her bed. Peter awakens, rolls over, and asks her if she wants him to stay or go. She says “stay”. In turn, she then asks Peter the same question and he says “stay”. I have to admit, the ending got to me — I thought it was a great ending.

This film is not very long, but it has a lot in it. I always look forward to any films that Jimmy plays in, as he never fails to please. Note that this film has a lot of strong language in it, but this is definitely a film you don’t want to miss!

Alexander Georgiev – Alex

Alexander Victorov Georgiev (or Alex to his family and friends) was born on September 21, 1999 in the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. He began singing at the age of six and made his first public appearance on the competition “Stars Are Rising”. He unanimously won that competition and thus started his career as a young singer.

Alex received invitations to perform in a number of national and international competitions including: “Little Stars”, “The Crown of Tarnovgrad”, “Golden Fish”, “Silver Yantra”, “Note by Note”, “International Competition for Popular Song”- Plovdiv, “The Magic of the Song” – Targovishte, “The National Festival for Singing and Theatre Art”, “RRR Cat” and many others.

A year after winning the “Stars Are Rising” competition, Alex established himself as a young performer who has frequently appeared on many radio and television shows.

Since 2007, Alex has worked with vocal coach Radiana Zaduma. At a studio located at the New Music Centre in Plovdi, managed by Veselin Koichev – a jazzman and musician known all over the world, Alex recorded his debut studio recordings. Included were over fifteen covers of famous performers and two original songs which were written exclusively for him by the lead singer of the popular rock band “Atlas” – Pepi Pisarski.

Alex also recently begun touring Bulgaria, holding concerts all over the country and has become the youngest soloist of “Big Band Plovdiv”, performing such emblematic songs as “ What a Wonderful World “ by Louis Armstrong and “I Feel Good ” by James Brown with that group.

Alex says his idol was Michael Jackson, and it’s obvious in watching him perform and listening to his music that Jackson has had a huge influence on him. It was two years ago that Alex fell in love with Jackson’s “Earth Song”, which converted him into a fan of the King of Pop. Soon after, his repertoire began including more songs by Michel Jackson – “Earth Song”, “You Are Not Alone”, “Ben”, “Billie Jean”,”Heal the World”, “We Are the World”, “Stranger in Moscow”, “Leave Me Alone”, and “I’m Not Sunshine”. Singing these songs, Alex paid tribute to Michael on his birthday on August 30, 2009 — two months after his tragic death.

I have been a fan of Alex music for quite a while and am glad that I have the opportunity to introduce him to the world. To complete this introduction I would like to quote Rivenmaster from www.rivenmaster.com who writes :

“ The first time I ever heard Alex sing was on Reverb Nation and I immediately collected his songs to a play list to embed on my blog site. Later, I researched and found him on a TV clip singing “What a Wonderful World” and “The Earth Song”. I was an immediate fan, and listened to many of his songs. While I could not always understand the language his ability to sing in perfect pitch and his accent captured my attention and solidified my desire to collect all I could.”

Alex is a fine young performer that while still quite young will only grow in popularity and fame. He is a bright and shining star as a young soloist and I will follow his career with great interest for years to come.

TheSkyKid.com would like to thank Alex and his family for providing information for this article. Thanks to them, we are able to publish the article in both English and Bulgarian ( Alex’s native language ).

To find out more about Alex and his music visit his MySpace profile at :

http://www.myspace.com/alexgeorgiev

Александър Викторов Георгиев – АЛЕКС

Роден е в Пловдив България на 21/09/1999г. Започва да пее на 6 години . H-а първия конкурс на който се явява – “Изгряват звезди” печели безапелативно наградата на журито за дебют и стартира кариерата си на млад изпълнител. Следват покани за редица национални и международни конкурси ,във всеки от които той е лауреат : “Малки звездички” , ‘Короната на търновград “ , “Златната рибка” , “ Сребърна янтра” , “Нота по нота” , “Международен конкурс за популярна песен “– Пловдив , “Магията на песента” – Търговище , Национален фестивал за песенно и театрално изкуство “ Рошавата котка “ към Ротари клуб и редица други.

За една година Алекс добива популярност и става чест гост на радиостанции и телевизионни предавания като “Любопитно петолиние “ с Тома Спространов , “Томи представя” – Евроком България , “Малкитеголеми звезди -” канал 3 , “Като лъвовете” – БНТ , “Супер 8 “ -ТВ 7 , “В неделя с … Димитър Цонев” – БНТ “Ася в страната на талантите “ – ПОТВ , “Шоуто на часът на Милен Цветков “ – НОВА ТВ , “Чай” – с Драгомир Драганов по БНТ и още много,много други.

Вече 3 години Алекс работи с невероятната педагожка Радиана Задума. Студиото е към Нов Музикален център- Пловдив с ръководител Веселин Койчев- джазмен и музикант на световно ниво. Именно с него Алекс осъществява студийните си записи – над 15 кавъра на известни изпълнители и 2 автoрски песни ,написани специално за него от стожера на популярната рок група “Атлас” Пепи Писарски

Започват и концертните му изяви в страната , става най-малкия солист на Биг-бенд Пловдив , с който изпълнява емблематичните песни “ What a wonderful world”на Луис Армстронг и “ I feel good “на Джеймс Браун. Публиката вече го познава и обича .

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOGesyw4Uy0

Но първостепенната роля в развитието на таланта на Алекс ,наред с безспорния професионализъм и отдаденост на педагозите му се полага на неговия кумир -Майкъл Джексън . Преди 2 години Алекс буквално се влюбва в песента “Earth song” и започва трескаво да слуша и изучава творчеството на великия крал на попа. Така неусетно репертоара му се обогатява с хитовете на невероятния Джексън – “Earth song”, “You are not alone” , “Ben”,”Billi Jean”,”Heal the world”,”We are the world”,”Stranger in Moscow”,”leave me alone”,”I’m not sunshine”.Именно с тези песни Алекс отдава почитта си към Майкъл на връх рожденния му ден на 30/08/ мин година и за жалост 2 месеца след смъртта му която Алекс дълбоко преживява и до днес.

ВИЗИТКА

ИМЕ Алекс /мразя да ми казват ‘Сашко’/

ЗОДИЯ – “Дева”- като Майкъл

ЛЮБИМА МУЗИКА – Майкъл Джексън

ЛЮБИМ ИЗПЪЛНИТЕЛ – Майкъл Джексън

ЛЮБИМА ХРАНА – Ориз

ХОБИ – да карам скейтбоард

ЛЮБИМ СЕЗОН – лятото

ЛЮБИМ ПРАЗНИК – Коледа

Sting (2007)

Sting (also known as Stikk) is a short coming of age film from Norway. Written and directed by Vigdis Nielsen, the film focuses on bullying. The story is told from the viewpoint of thirteen-year-old Alexander (Glenn André Viste Bøe), a shy and nervous boy who gets picked on quite a lot by the bullies in his class.

The film reveals the nature of the events that occur in the schoolyard, which, while not reflected by the official records, are part of the daily life at most high schools. Alexander is victimized by his classmates – and he doesn’t know what he can do to prevent that. But everything is about to change when a new student (Kristoffer Bjerga ) enrolls in his class. The two boys’ friendship clicks as the new boy has been a victim of bullying himself and is striving to distance himself from the stereotype of an outcast that most schools have. He decides to help Alexander by encouraging him to stand up for himself. From that moment on, the film can be described as a journey to the darkest side of a bullied boy’s soul, reflecting his desire to hit back. And Alexander, even if not yet ready to act, has vivid dreams about striking back at the bullies. The arrival of the new boy changes things forever for the young protagonist of the film. Separately, the boys might be outcasts, but their friendship changes the way others perceive them and how they perceive their classmates and teachers.

The 17-minute short film won various awards from both national and international festivals. Some of its awards are:

2007 Stavanger Short Film Festival: Best Actor – Gisle Andre Viste Bøe

2008 Plein la bobine – Sancy Film Festival for Young People: Public’s Choice Award

2008 Plein la bobine – Sancy Film Festival for Young People: Young Jury’s Prize [1]

The famous saying can summarize the story: “Violence leads to violence.”

The film’s storyline is intriguing, as not only is the concept of bullying reintroduced to viewers, but the screenwriter also pays special attention to the usage of new technologies to harass people. In that respect, the film reminded me of the full feature film from Spain, Cobardes, which has a similar storyline. Both films are being used in social studies classes across Europe, which I think will positively impact youth. It serves to make students aware that being a bully is not something cool and that there is a way out if they ever find themselves in the role of the ones being bullied.

The Director of the film, Vigdis Nielsen, has a lot of experience working with young people and I believe that after you see Sting you will be amazed at the excellent directing. The way the characters are introduced and the messages conveyed. In an interview, Nielsen explains: “…Young people are vulnerable, full of contradictions and strong emotions. It’s amazing what they can give of themselves, and thus creates life and authenticity of the canvas” [2]. Her beliefs, combined with the excellent performances of the young leads, make Sting a short film that I highly recommend to the readers and visitors of theskykid.com.

[nggallery id=98]

Norwegian Film Institute – Sting. ( link )
Along with Vigdis Nielsen at KinoKino.no ( link )

Title : Stikk

Director : Vigdis Nielsen

Cast : Kristoffer Bjerg, Glenn André Viste Bøe, Anders Dale, Svein Bringsjord Granstrøm ,Glenn Andre Kaada, Anne Line Kenan

Interview with the filmmaker Dave Schultz

The feature film debut of Writer/Director Dave Schultz, Jet Boy, is a drama about a boy attempting to figure out his future. It has been ten years since Jet Boy was released, but the interest in it hasn’t stopped since. Withstanding the test of time, the small independent Canadian production won its well-deserved place among the classics that shape the coming of age genre as a truly thought-provoking, poignant drama.

David Schultz was born in Winnipeg, Canada in 1963. He took courses in cinema and television, stage and radio arts at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and at Mount Royal College in Calgary. Due to the immense interest in the film, we called Mr. Shultz and asked him if he would be willing to give an exclusive interview for the skykid.com – the site with the strongest focus on coming-of-age films and adolescent development of any on the Net. He agreed.

Below are his thoughts. After you check out the interview and the film review itself, please don’t forget to leave us a comment. We hope that, once again, we have exceeded your expectations in providing the extremely interesting and exclusive content for which this site is known.

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Meet MattyB and Mars

Just when you thought that you couldn’t be surprised and when you thought most of the faces on the world music scene were well known – MattyB rises up from Atlanta, Georgia.

Using social media and YouTube to become known is a relatively recent phenomenon. But most of today’s young musicians who have utilized that media have been teens or about to enter their teenage years (i.e. Justin Bieber, Cody Simpson, Troye Sivan to name a few). One of the things that sets MattyB apart is that he is just seven years old. Another is that he and his cousin and fellow rapper, Mars, are launching a quest to change the world’s perception of Rap music and inspire people to believe in their dreams.

The SkyKid.com contacted MattyB and Mars through their manager/producer, Blake, who besides holding those titles holds another important one as well – Dad. You see, Blake is MattyB’s father and among his biggest supporters. Blake is an entrepreneur who, besides heading many other ventures, is managing/producing MattyB’s fledgling music career. I posed some questions to Blake, Mars and MattyB about how MattyB got started and where he hopes this will lead.

MattyB says he was drawn to the beat of Hip Hop music at the age of four or five and wanted to take dance lessons. It was Mars who first got him interested in Rap music. In response to our question on how MattyB’s talent for Rap was discovered, Blake says, “When Mars moved in with our family in 2009 and began recording music, MattyB would learn his lyrics and constantly recite them to the music.” Indeed, MattyB says that he frequently gets the inspiration for his songs from Mars. “My songs come from listening to my big cousin Mars’ music. We have a home recording studio and Mars is always writing and recording music and I get my ideas from listening to his music.”

From that point, Mars relates, “MattyB approached me with five of his own original songs one afternoon and begged me to record and put him on YouTube.” Blake continues the story, “We launched the channel because MattyB kept writing lyrics down and asking Mars could he make a video and be on YouTube. After MattyB continued to persist and beg to make a video, Mars and I finally gave in and helped him.”

I asked if they expected the level of interest that first video generated. “The first video, Eenie Meenie, went viral and was placed on the front page of YouTube and this response was a surprise”, Blake responded. “We expected a good response, but not a video reaching over 500,000 views in its first week.”

That MattyB exhibits artistic talent at such a young age comes as no surprise to Blake who says it’s somewhat in his genes. “My mother has always been into poetry and drama and is very creative and my wife is also very artistic and creative. I, myself, am an entrepreneur, which also requires creativity. My 14-year-old son, Blake Jr, is a very talented drummer and artist and also has participated in drama since 1st grade. Also Joshua, my 8-year-old son, is a very creative artist in drawing and painting.”

I inquired of Mars how moving into such a talented family has been for him. He replied, “It is great because I get to take my experience in music and impart it to the next generation. MattyB and all the children are like younger brothers to me because I live with the family and I believe in my little cousins and the gifts and talents they have.”

MattyB’s music is being met with a lot of enthusiasm on YouTube, with comments ranging from praise of his cuteness to raves about his talent and devotion. Of course, sprinkled among those YouTube comments are the occasional negative ones from those who feel the need to express an opinion that kids can’t sing. Thankfully, MattyB is having none of that.

A few days ago, I showed his video clips to my cousin, who is twelve years old, and he was really impressed. He said that it makes him want to get into singing as well – asking if I would support him as Mars has supported MattyB. That’s just one example of how inspiring MattyB’s music has become.

In an interview with Mars on one of their YouTube videos, MattyB states that he wants his music to influence people, to touch them and help them make the right choices in life. (I could not help recalling the 2000 classic film, Pay It Forward, starring Haley Joel Osment. You’ll recall that film focuses on a young boy who attempts to make the world a better place just like our little rapper MattyB).

So what does the future hold? I asked Mars if he’d continue to perform with MattyB and if an album was in their future, “MattyB is only 7 so we plan on letting him move at the pace he truly desires. Right now that is very fast paced and thus far there has been no signs of him wanting to slow down. Of course, school and activities will dictate how much time can be allocated. We’re not in a hurry to have him record an album, because we want to give him time to develop his talent. More joint performances are very likely.”

And finally, I asked MattyB to answer the most important question of all, one that will be asked of him throughout what I predict will be a long and successful career in music, if that’s what he decides to do with his life. The question: What is your favorite color? The answer: Blue.

You’ll be anything but blue after watching MattyB perform. I predict you’ll have a huge smile on your face.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qbol3Phgv8

Don`t forget to visit MattyB`s YouTube Channel and subscribe for future updates. We will also keep a close eye on his career.

Das Goldene Ding (1972)

Das Goldene Ding is 1972 made for TV film, released in West Germany, which follows in much detail the Greek myth of Jason. It’s the retelling of the legend using a new and unique approach to filmmaking and storytelling for its time. It’s an approach that’s very different even compared to the 1963 Columbia Pictures fantasy feature film Jason and the Argonauts or the TV miniseries with the same name, directed by Nick Willing and produced by Hallmark Entertainment in 2002.

As someone who has always been interested in Greek Mythology (one of my favorite books as a kid was myth and legends from ancient Greece. By the time the teachers began to introduce them at school, I already knew most myths by heart along with all hero’s names and, of course, the monsters they fought). So I took a particular interest in this film, which explains the length and the details in the review I’ve written. Additionally, I believe that how the film is shot represents the legend of Jason more accurately than any of its other adaptations in cinema. Therefore, in my opinion, this film is a “must-see” for anyone who is currently studying or just has an interest in, Greek myth and legends.

The film begins with a scene showing the young Jason meeting his father, King Aeson, and also the person who is the only survivor of an expedition in the search for the Golden Fleece. It soon becomes clear that this is not the first expedition but one of many that the king has equipped, overtaxing his citizens. The King believes that once the Gold of Colchis is found, the life of people in his kingdom would become easier as everyone would be rich and happy. If that happened, then his only role (and that of his son) would be administering the wealth. Yet, after so many expeditions have failed, the common people feel that their well-being is being threatened by the ill fated ambition of their king as, for them, the Golden Fleece is nothing but a utopian fantasy. And that’s why the king is murdered while planning the next expedition. Viewers who are interested in politics and sociology may recognize some social issues and facts in the film such as: The mood of the commons keeps changing and one cannot rely on that.

After the murder of his dad, the young prince Jason – now king — undertakes the responsibility of proving his father right and bringing the wealth to his kingdom. As was the common practice in the ancient days, for him there was no period of adolescence – one day he is a kid, a young prince and on the next day he is already looked upon as an adult who is able to make decision and issue orders. He summons everyone who has strength and bravery to travel with him – the kings of Sparta, Greece, Thebes, Arcadia, Trace and Arane — all young and eager for adventure. The young and blind Orpheus is also with them along with his magical lyre. These are the Argonauts since the name of their galley is Argo, built by the shipwright Argus with the help of Athena.

Their first stop is Kyzicos. Here they meet the Doliones, who treat the crew well. But after departure from Kyzicos, they get lost and mistakingly land once again on the same shore in the night. In the dark, they are mistaken for enemies by the Doliones and, in the fight that arises, the heroes manage to kill most of the Doliones. Only in the morning do they discover their fatal mistake. From here they sail to the isle of Lemnos (which in the mythology is the first stop). Here there live only women. Because the women neglected their worship of Aphrodite, she made the women so unattractive that the men, instead, had concubines from a nearby island. Angry at this, the women killed their men while they slept. Their queen explains to Jason that, when they learn how to live independently, they will seek other men — like Jason and his fellow sailors.

After Lemnos, the boat arrives at Mysia. Here one of the heroes, Hylas, attracts the nymphs because of his good looks. He is pulled down the stream and is lost forever. After Mysia, they have to get through the Symplegades, which are two clashing rocks in the sea, as this is the only passage to Colchis and the treasure. Will they manage or will they perish?

Even if, supposedly, Jason and the Argonauts traveled as far as “the other side in the world” in their quest for the Golden Fleece – while watching the film one remains with the impression that the filming locations were not that far apart, and that it’s only by the clever usage of the camera (long distance scenes, scenes shot from a low view point as to seemingly extend the size of the fields or the sea) that the viewer, in the end, is convinced that all the various stopovers are indeed locations separated by vast distances. The slow pace of the action, which in other films some may find rather annoying, also plays a role in allowing viewers to associate with the kings of Greece and thereby produce the feeling that they are participating in a long and challenging quest in search of the Golden Fleece. Just as one of the kings states that he no longer cares for the preset goal of the adventure as long as they keep visiting exotic locations and meet various cultures, after the first hour, the viewer stops expecting the grand finale and willingly becomes an explorer along with the Argonauts.

Das Goldene Ding is written and directed by four filmmakers: Alf Brustellin, Nicos Perakis, Edgar Reitz, and Ula Stöckl. The central role of Jason is played by Christian Reitz (Son of director Edgar Reitz). The other actors: Oliver Jovine (Orpheus), Wolfganf Heinz (Castor), Michael Heinz (Pollux), Michael Heron (Herakles), who participate in the quest, are similarly aged (12 to 14 years old) and, along with the rest of the cast, do not appear to have any previous acting experience. Yet, the boys have such a natural talent and interest in the story that their inexperience as actors does not lessen the film’s impact on its viewers. The cast of the film and the usage of boys to portray the Argonauts remind us of the Hungarian film The Annunciation (Angyali üdvözlet ), or the 1963 adaptation of William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies. The ultra-masculinity of the young cast is empathized by the usage of clothes and props, which closely resemble the ones that the real ancient people wore. The more avid film-goers will probably be reminded of the teenage actor Sabu Dastigir who, at age twelve in 1937, was signed for a role in the film Elephant Boy, which brought him as much popularity at the time as Hollywood sensation Mickey Rooney. Most likely, the filmmakers of Das Goldene Ding were extremely knowledgeable of Greek mythology. One senses this by the way actors were cast and the props selected. They bring to mind ancient artifacts such as the Apulian red-figure calyx crater (340 BC–330 BC), kept in the Louvre museum in Paris at the Department of Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities. [1,2].

When asked about the film, one of its directors, Ula Stöckl, explains the choice of their cast and film techniques used with the following words:

“We did extensive research at all the libraries and relied mainly on sources from JJ Bachofen’s matriarchal, Hermann Frankel notes on the Argonautica of Apollonius and Apollonios itself to strengthened our belief that it is the most ancient heroes actually are children. The majority of them had their main exploits already at 15, 16 years behind him Theseus, for example, and not common to us, killed at the age of 15 by the Minotaur. “[3]

The film directors used a variety of color nuances, mainly to distinguish between various social classes or set a mood for the scenes. Even if the technique used in the lighting of the film was intended to make it appear to be overcast, with the intent that the illumination of some scenes would be gende or soft due to the lack of definition, one remains with the feeling that the camera work could have been better, especially when it comes to the selective exposure of some scenes.

A mixture of fantasy and action, combined with coming-of-age nuances and a strong focus on human nature, Das Goldene Ding is a film some may like, while others will find it lengthy and uneventful. It will largely depend on the predisposed viewpoint from which the viewer approaches the movie. I do not hesitate to recommend it as, to me, it deserves a special mention among the coming of age genre films that educate and transmit a powerful message to its viewers.

Sources used:

This review would not have been possible without the valuable support of CVMC.net who provided a DVD of the film subtitled in English.

The World Through Kids’ Eyes

Adolescence is, by all means, a product of modernity.[1] Back in the early 1800’s, a 16-year-old boy would be looked upon as if he was grown up — with all the benefits, limitations and responsibilities that arise from adulthood. Nowadays, thanks to industrialization and the increasingly complex division of labor, things have changed. Various legislatures began implementing laws ensuring that the kids would enjoy their most fundamental right – to be themselves, to be kids and to be protected. Yet, that world does not exist in places beyond our own city or country or even continent. All around the world, children often find themselves at risk.

The documentary The World Through Kids’ Eyes consists of six short programs that provide an intimate and unique insight into the reality of children who do not have everything provided for them and who have to struggle to survive. The documentary was released by Maryknoll World Productions and uses an intriguing approach. Video cameras were given to kids at risk around the world (Philippines, Peru, Brazil, USA, India and South Africa) and the kids were asked to present the world – their words and dreams through their eyes. Each story reflects one of the articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and they are briefly mentioned within the review.

The World Through Kids’ Eyes can be seen as a valuable sociological and historical lesson which allows us to have a glimpse of worlds, realities, experiences — which are quite atypical of what most people are used to seeing in their mundane lives. The stories that the children relate are quite disturbing.

Continue

An Exclusive Interview: Shane Foxx

Shane Foxx is an independent musician from Lyon, France. We met him in the chat room of theskykid.com radio during one of our weekly live shows. Impressed by his personality, we went on and checked out his music at YouTube and were even further impressed with his music skills. Shane has a unique way of thinking when it comes to making his music compared with most musicians that occupy the pages of the magazines you can find in your local bookstore shelves. Soon, we were playing his music on the radio and, encouraged by the positive feedback they received by our listeners, we decided to invite him for an interview at theskykid.com and for theskykid.com radio.

Shane how are you?

I am kind of stressed because this is my first interview…but I am fine.

TheSkyKid.com: Who is Shane Foxx?

Shane Foxx: Shane Foxx is a nick name — not my real name. I chose it because I wanted to be kind of a mysterious personage like Lady Gaga or like such singers who are using a pseudonym and who don`t really tell that much about themselves. I wanted to be mysterious so people would be curious about who I am. But, in reality, I am just a normal shy guy who plays music in his room and who wants to make music a little more.

TheSkyKid.com: Quite interesting. I do know that Freddie Mercury’s real name is Farrokh Bulsara. And it’s the same for Sir Elton John and many other singers.

TheSkyKid.com: When did you start singing?

Shane Foxx: I always sang when I was a kid, because I was listening to a lot of music. I started singing along with my favorite singers like Billy Gilman and Declan Galbraith and that’s when I felt that I wanted to be a singer. But I didn’t know much about music, how to play an instrument…etc. Then I met some friends who were singers and they told me that I should start doing music as well and that’s how I started singing.

TheSkyKid.com: I was checking your songs on YouTube recently and saw that you do play an instrument now. How many instruments do you play?

Shane Foxx: I play ukulele and guitar, so it is two instruments and right now I want to play piano and am trying to learn it by myself as I never took any lessons , but taught myself how to play guitar and ukulele. I didn’t want to call myself a musician without playing an instrument…

TheSkyKid.com: Interesting. I have always wanted to play an instrument. The most I could achieve were a few basic things with drums, but that’s about it.

TheSkyKid.com: In your MySpace profile, under recording label, it’s written that you don`t need one. Could you elaborate more on your statement?

Shane Foxx: My friends are musicians and they have their own independent labels. They produce and make their own music and I have always wanted to make my own music without being signed by a big company whose management will force me to do things I do not want to do.

TheSkyKid.com: In that respect I have another question. You know Troye Sivan or Justin Bieber – their way of achieving popularity is quite distinct. Many consider Justin Bieber’s success a direct result of music industry investments in him, aside from his talent, while Troye Sivan has been always represented himself as a musician. In his interview for the Rob Redstone show, Troye said he refused when an agent asked to represent him. Whose history is more appealing to you as a musician?

Shane Foxx: I agree with Troye. I think Troye is right. You don’t need to have an agent or a manager to be an artist, because they make you more fake and less natural in my opinion.

TheSkyKid.com: How do you share your music with the world? I know that you upload songs at YouTube and then also your songs play on theskykid.com radio. Do you use any other ways to share your music?

Shane Foxx: Yes. It all started on MySpace. I have a friend, Zak Laughed, who posted a few songs on My Space and then made some concerts. So he advised me to do the same – so I started uploading music to MySpace and then I did some gigs in my town in live concerts. Then I created my YouTube account and started posting YouTube videos and I still sometimes post my songs to MySpace. But now I am looking for more ways to spread my music like network radio, independent radio and other sites.

TheSkyKid.com: You have done many covers and written your own songs. Are you planning to release a single or an album in the near future?

Shane Foxx: Yes. I am starting to record my own CD, with my own original songs. Then, later on, as another project I would like to record a CD of covers of songs that I really like. I will probably produce the first one myself and I will be selling it in independent stores. My CD featuring covers will be distributed on the Internet for the fans.

TheSkyKid.com: Do you do live performances in addition to uploading your songs to YouTube? Especially when that first CD gets released, will you perform the songs from it in France or elsewhere because I noted that you travel quite a lot?

Shane Foxx: I travel a little sometimes to see concerts that I really like. I used to see Jay Brannan who is a singer that I like in Netherlands, UK and in Paris. So yes I can travel for playing gigs, but mostly I play in my town and around it for small concerts.

TheSkyKid.com: Now you are from France, but you speak pretty good English. Most of your songs are in English as well, even though you also sing in French. Why did you decide to sing in English predominantly?

Shane Foxx: Because I am very shy and I did not want people to understand the lyrics. So when I started writing songs I wanted them to be in English, so my parents would not be able to understand the lyrics. And at the same time I always listen to English music and I don’t really listen to French music, so I don`t sing in French very often.

TheSkyKid.com: The book of the moment listed on your site, is Choirboy by Charlie Anders. Do you like choir music and have you ever been a chorister yourself?

Shane Foxx: I have never been in a choir, but I adore choir music and treble music and this is the kind of music I always listen to, especially when I want to relax. I have never been in a choir, because I never asked to and now I regret it because I would have loved to have been in a choir.

TheSkyKid.com : Have you ever attended a choir concert ?

Shane Foxx: Yes. I know Jean-Baptiste Maunier who was the soloist of Les Petits Chanteurs de Saint-Marc, which was a choir in the French movie Les Choristes. I met him and went to a few concerts of the choir he sang in. And I really enjoyed going to those concerts – it’s a beautiful experience.

TheSkyKid.com : Do you have a hidden talent?

Shane Foxx: No. Not really.

TheSkyKid.com: Many young singers are involved in various charity projects. Are you considering doing the same yourself later on?

Shane Foxx: Yes. I think it’s important when you can do something to help others to do it. I have always been interested in autism. This is a disease I have always been curious about and maybe if I get famous I will work to help them.

TheSkyKid.com: What are your plans for the future? Are you going to pursue a career in music as an independent musician?

Shane Foxx: Yes. I want to be a musician. I want to always be a singer, but I am very stressed about losing my voice, when it will break and maybe if I won’t be able to sing in the future. I don’t really know. But, for the moment, I enjoy doing it and will keep doing it, but I don`t want to make it a job because I know that it is too difficult and I probably will never be signed anywhere or earn money doing it. So I want to work in a store and may be sell books or music.

TheSkyKid.com: Ah. it seems that you like to read a lot?

Shane Foxx: No. Well, I read a lot, but may be not as much as I used to before.

TheSkyKid.com: Do you support any young artists?

Shane Foxx: Yes. There are many out there who are really talented. I tend to support the singers/songwriters who actually compose and play their own music. In that respect, I would name my friends Robert Borden, or Eric Bradford from our collab channel on YouTube. I like Jessarae, and Tom Cully [his recent solo work] and, in fact, a thousand more as my music collection is huge…Oh and yes i’m a big fan of Lex Lamber from Throw Television too.

Thanks, Shane, for agreeing to do this interview. Our readers and radio listeners will learn a lot more about you from it and hopefully they’ll want to buy your music and also follow you on YouTube and MySpace.

Shane Foxx Official web site

And don`t forget to subscribe to Shane on YouTube

Exclusive interview: Yatharth Ratnum

Several months ago we introduced Yatharth Ratnum – a promising young singer and performer from the holy city of Varanasi, in the north-east of India. He was a contestant on a TV show from Mumbai called “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs” and was honored with a special award for Outstanding International Vocalist at the 31st Annual Young Artist Awards. A star in the making, the 13-year-old Yatharth is taking the world by storm. Due to the immense interest towards him and his music, we decided to conduct a special interview with him for the readers of theskykid.com and the listeners of our radio program.

Hello Yatharth and thank you for agreeing to this interview for theskykid.com and skykid.com radio!

TheSkyKid.com: You have a really great voice. Have you had any formal vocal training?

Yatharth Ratnum: Thanks … oh yes… I‘ve had formal training for voice since I was 11 and I also play guitar. And I am going to be starting guitar lessons soon …

TheSkyKid.com: How old were you when you started to perform?

Yatharth Ratnum: I was 5 years old when I did my first ever live performance… and I finished 1^st in that contest.

TheSkyKid.com: Recently you flew to Hollywood to be honored in America with a special award for Outstanding International Vocalist. Tell us something about the trip and what this award means to you?

Yatharth Ratnum: OH YES .. My trip to Hollywood was a life changing experience I would say … not only because I got this prestigious award but also because I met so many great people there It was awesome. I got the award for Outstanding International Vocalist…from the Young Artist Awards …which gives awards to young talent. The award was unexpected and I thank everyone at the foundation for this it. I had a lot of fun. Went to Disneyland, The Guitar Centre … etc…. Had a super cool tour….

TheSkyKid.com: Your talent has won you a lot of fans, not only in India but also in other countries. Are you planning any concerts in other countries, such as in Europe or Russia for example, either as a soloist or jointly with other artists?

Yatharth Ratnum: Well yes … I believe in the truth that there are lots and lots of super cool people who love me…. And I really love all my rocking fans … And yes, probably if my World Tour Plan goes well, then I would be having live concerts in the USA, UK, EUROPE and CANADA…. beginning in JULY.

TheSkyKid.com: Freddie Mercury (whose real name is Farrokh Bulsara ) was born in Zanzibar and grew up in India until his mid-teens. At his high school in Panchgani near Mumbai, India he formed a band with some of his friends. Have you ever thought about doing something like that yourself?

Yatharth Ratnum: My world of dreams and goals is very big. I have a dream of becoming a rockstar (singer), an actor and a music director — so my dream goes. I am working very hard at achieving it and, hopefully, I will surely achieve it with all the love I get from my fans and elders …

TheSkyKid.com: Mercury was greatly influenced by Indian music in his early years as a performer and was particularly fond of the work of Bollywood playback singer Lata Mangeshkar. Has any such singer influenced you?

Yatharth Ratnum: Yes I love MS. LATA MANGESHKAR … and she is a school in herself .. If you listen to her songs, they can teach you many things …My biggest personal influence is Michael Jackson…. His attitude towards his work is great … and also the way he presents himself is awesome …I love his music and style. Even if he no longer with us, his music will always remain alive …

TheSkyKid.com: We’ve read in the past that you’ve said English is your favorite subject at school. Do you continue to like studying it?

Yatharth Ratnum: Yeah .. English has been my favorite subject since my childhood … and is till my fav. I like science also …and, yes, I always read books and stuff … and also study English grammar.

TheSkyKid.com: What is like to be a student at the Sunbeam Bhagwanpur school in India?

Yatharth Ratnum: Well, I used to be in SUNBEAM BHAGWANPUR. But now, as I don’t have much time, I am taking private lessons.

TheSkyKid.com: The music of India is very colorful and filled with tradition. Do you feel like an ambassador for Indian culture when you perform abroad?

Yatharth Ratnum: Yes. Indian music is very bright but also it has many colors and flavors. I believe that the best thing you can do for your country is to represent the country internationally. You get respect from other people, for yourself and your country. I feel so honored to represent my country all over the world and I am proud that I am INDIAN.

http://youtu.be/Gl7LNHsY9lY

TheSkyKid.com: Have you given any thought to performing in movies or India’s culture festivals?

Yatharth Ratnum: As I have mentioned, I want to become an actor and that too in Hollywood (American film industry) and India. So I am very much hopeful of getting work in the USA very soon. Also, my agent in America, The Osbrink Agency, is doing a good promotion for me to the casting people there..

TheSkyKid.com: Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?

Yatharth Ratnum: There are many, many things to say … First of all, I would like to say thanks to all my fans for making me a hit and also for their love. You all can watch my videos on YOUTUBE — just search for YATHARTH RATNUM. And you all can follow me on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/YatharthRatnum. And I have big news! My very own brand of MERCHANDIS – the “YR” brand — is coming very soon. You can buy my autographed T-SHIRTS, caps and thousands of other things. They will be available on my website www.yatharthratnum.com. So watch for the merchandise and website … and tell everyone you know! THANKS

TheSkyKid.com: Thank you for spending some time with us.

Yatharth Ratnum: Thank you for giving me this honor…

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We conducted the interview with Yatharth over the phone. In addition to what you have just read, above, he also performed a special song for the readers of theskykid.com and theskykid.com radio.

TheSkyKid.com

TheSKyKid.com

Review – Trucker starring Jimmy Bennett

Александър Викторов Георгиев – АЛЕКС