Final Cut Announces Launch of Season 3 of 'Films BYkids'

Made in collaboration between THIRTEEN and the non-profit organizstion BYkids, Final Cut has collaborated on all three seasons of the series alongside Significant Others, Final Cut’s sister company, which completed the finishing for all three seasons.

BYkids pairs accomplished filmmakers with teens from around the world to create short, personal documentaries that encourage understanding about universal issues and help foster empathy and global citizenry. Featuring Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actress Ashley Judd, returning as narrator, the new season of Films BYkids follows teenagers from diverse cultures, sharing their individual experiences dealing with antisemitism, disability, generational trauma, and globalization. Season 3 premiers nationally on public television beginning Tuesday, April 6. 

In season 3 of Films BYkids, each 30-minute film carries the universal values of courage, perseverance, and dignity: “Against the Current” explores sacred rituals, mental health issues, and generational trauma on a Native American reservation in Nebraska; “L’Chaim” examines resurgent Jewish life in Berlin, Germany amid rising antisemitism; “Faith’s World” shines a light on living – and thriving – with a disability in Baltimore, Maryland; and “Buddhism, Bhutan and Me” focuses on preserving cultural traditions in the face of globalisation in Bhutan. 

Final Cut edited trailers for each of the films this season, and editor Chris Rizzo edited the film “Buddhism, Bhutan and Me.” The other films in season 3 were edited by the mentors/film-makers. Final Cut has contributed editing support and finishing through Significant Others for all three seasons of the series. 

“Virtual learning provides an opportunity to evolve education – by bringing the world to kids – wherever they are, in classrooms and homes,” said Holly Carter, Founder and Executive Director of BYkids. “Film is the perfect medium for 21st century learning. It is intimate, authentic and captivating.”

Stephanie Apt, founder of Final Cut and board member of BYkids adds: “I am passionate in my belief that film gives voice to issues that we need to confront. The films in season 3 lend fresh, deeply empathetic perspectives to some of the most pressing issues faced by humanity around the globe. Final Cut is proud to help cultivate the talents of the next generation of storytellers.”