Life Times Nine

A compendium of short vignettes filmed by children aged 11-16 who wrote and directed each feature designed to celebrate life in all its guises and disguises. Using a series of drawings, photos and pieces to camera tightly cut together, and their own commentaries as well as some professional contributions we get an insight into what excites and entertains these youngsters. There's their version of an army recruitment film; a bit of graveyard mystery - with golf, tennis and a tiny bit of comedy menace; a peanut lives a shell-tered life; a series of images of an elderly couple interact with autumn leaves then my favourite: a game of chess with the pieces moaning about the injustices and boredom of their roles in the game. Next, perhaps as an antidote to the autumnal piece we see loads of photos of young children having fun; then two young boys who just want to play in the puddles and get everyone - including a policeman - covered in mud - and I don't think it's a detergent commercial, either! What on earth was that nun thinking? You don't have to be clean to be happy! It's basic but it is surprisingly life affirming.