The First Kid to Learn English from Mexico

The First Kid to Learn English from Mexico. This cinematic documentary about the struggles of a nine-year-old Mexican immigrant named Pedro to adapt to his new country and meet his parents' expectations for academic achievement. At the same time, the film shows us the magic, the nightmare and mystery, the isolation and odd friendships, the trouble and anger, and the glimmers of hope of a childhood spent chasing the American Dream. Misbehaving and failing at school, Pedro becomes isolated from other children and tries to befriend unsuspecting animals encountered along his way. Yet this isolation betrays a curiosity and exploratory zeal that just might lead to better things in Pedro's future.

Trailer

Credits

Director/Producer/Cinematographer/Editor/Composer: Peter Jordan
Total Running Time: 20 min.
Website www.localfilms.org/firstkid

About The FIlmmaker

PETER JORDAN is an award-winning filmmaker and the founder of Localfilms, a grassroots production company that partners with international humanitarian organizations to empower communities through film. His films explore pressing human rights concerns from the perspectives of children around the world. He also teaches children how to make their own films, using plastic video cameras and a solar-powered computer. He has directed film projects in Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Brazil, Ecuador, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, The Philippines, Singapore and Mexico. His partners have included international relief organizations like Save the Children as well as many local grassroots efforts. To learn more about his work, visit www.localfilms.org

Awards

IDA/David L. Wolper Student Documentary Achievement Award
International Documentary FilmFestival Amsterdam (IDFA): Runner-up-- Silver Cub Competition for Short Documentaries
Big Sky Documentary Festival: Artistic Vision Award
Arizona International Film Festival: Best Documentary
Cine Golden Eagle Award