KITS has won a WOJ Youth Reporter Award at the MY HERO Film Festival

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CONTACT:                                                 
Wendy Milette
Director The MY HERO International Film Festival
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Kids in the Spotlight has won a WOJ Youth Reporter Award at the MY HERO Film Festival

The WOJ Youth Reporter Award celebrates youth reporters who are creating videos on heroes making a positive difference in their community and the world. This award is presented by Esther Wojcicki, an outstanding media arts educator, author and journalist. The prize is open for Middle and High School Students with cash prizes up to $2000. This year, there are 4 winners:

ScreenshotSystem Failure

System Failure directed by Robert Munic and written and acted by children from Kids in the Spotlight (KITS) has won the WOJ Youth Reporter Award - High School Narrative. The film was written by Guadalupe Amador, Sebastian Cooks, Bai-Inga Hudson, Breyon Johnson, Nelcit Lopez, Carlos Olivas. 

In this film, while contemplating his future, a high school boy is forced to confront a painful secret that will shed a light on the system that failed him. The acting team consisted of Ezekiel Almonte as "Comma", Noel DiBrell as "Daisy", Diane Guzman as "Felicia"and Nelcit Lopez as "Kevin"

Robert mentored the writers and actors from Kids in the Spotlight through the process of making the film. KITS is a charity headed by Tige Charity that empowers foster care youth, ages 12-22, to heal and overcome trauma through storytelling and film-making. The idea is to allow foster youth to create their own narratives, and the process provides a creative outlet and helps the youth build confidence, learn new skills, and heal from past trauma. KITS mentors guide young filmmakers from script to screen, culminating in an annual awards ceremony where the films are showcased, and the achievements of these young people are celebrated.

MY HERO interviewed Robert about the process of making his film.

Could you please tell us about yourself in relation to your film: 

I was honored to be brought into this project from prior work with KITS. 

How long have you been making films? What are some of your other films?

I have been making films for 30 years. I started in independent cinema, then went on to make movies for Showtime, Universal, MGM, & Warner Bros. to name a few.    

What in your opinion is the importance of the film, and what are its strengths? 

To me the importance of film is that it resonates with people. Makes them feel something. Whatever the emotion, you want people to feel something. There’s nothing worse than creating something and it leaves people feeling nothing or worse, indifferent. 

What are the issues that are most important to you (in general), and why? 

The issue I find most important in general is the protection of our youth, both inside the foster care system and in society. When our youth isn’t looked out for, the ripple effect is staggering. 

Could you please tell us about the process of making the film: Who was on the team? 

The team was comprised of our incomparable writers and actors from KITS as well as industry professionals behind the camera whom I’ve collaborated with for years. Who produced the film? The film was produced by KITS as well as our company Pull The Pin Productions, Inc. 

How did the idea for the film arise? 

This film was 100% born out of the beautiful minds of our KITS kids. These films are born out of the experiences they’ve lived that they want to tell. 

What was it like for you to make this film? 

This film was extremely cathartic for me as the filmmaker. Having grown up with learning disabilities that I kept hidden all my life, I felt incredibly connected to the material and felt a sense of urgency as well as honor to tell this story. 

What were some of the challenges, successes, and high points?

 There are always challenges in making films at any budget or schedule. But we did this entire shoot in one day! I am so pleased with how it turned out. The high points are always seeing these young artists live out their dreams. 

What was it like working with KITS? 

Working with KITS is an absolute gift. Tige and her team are the most incredible group you can ever hope to be around. It’s my favorite collaboration every time I do it! 

How long have you been working with Kids In The Spotlight? 

I believe my first KITS film was about 8 years ago. 

Do you have a personal hero? 

My father was my personal hero. He overcame so much trauma and tragedy having survived The Holocaust to give his family an incredible life! 

About the MY HERO International Film Festival

The My Hero Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to showcasing films that celebrate the power of the human spirit. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers to share inspirational stories of everyday heroes. Thanks to generous sponsors, prizes are awarded to elementary, middle school, high school, college and professionals in a variety of categories including documentary, narrative, music video, animation, experimental, and more.

The festival aims to inspire audiences to recognize the heroism in their own lives and encourage positive actions in their communities. Learn more.

The 2024 Awards were presented at the 20th Anniversary MY HERO International Film Festival Awards Ceremony on November 16th, 2024 in Santa Monica at the Ann & Jerry Moss Theater at New Roads School. You can read all about it here: myhero.com/2024-award-ceremony