Max's Words

In this film, Benjamin and Karl have fascinating collections of stamps and coins, but they refuse to share with their little brother Max. So Max decides to start a collection of his own. Cutting up old newspapers and magazines, Max builds a collection of words. Stamp and coin collections can only get bigger, but with enough words, Max can soon create sentences. And when at last it’s time to write a story, his brothers can’t resist joining in. Max’s Words is a gentle tale of the transformative power of art, and how it can break down barriers and bring us together.

The film Max’s Words is based on the book of the same name, written by Kate Banks and illustrated by Boris Kulikov. Galen Fott and Jerry Hunt adapted and directed. T.R. Knight narrates. Animation is by Micah Baker, Steven Sanchez, Scott Shoemaker, and Galen Fott. The music is composed by Jerry Hunt. The film is produced by Linda Lee, Paul R. Gagne and Melissa Reilly at Weston Woods Studios. Running time is 10:19.

TO VIEW/PURCHASE:

AWARDS AND SCREENINGS

American Library Association ALSC 2008 Notable Children's Video

WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival -- Platinum Remi Award

Lola Kenya Screen -- Best Animation Film Award

National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

Brooklyn Academy of Music Kids Film Festival

KIDS FIRST! Film and Video Festival -- 2nd Place, Best Short Ages 5-8

International Family Film Festival

San Diego International Children’s Film Festival

SouthSide Film Festival

California International Animation Festival

Anima Mundi

Anima Mundi Special

The Times BFI London Film Festival

Film Festival Zlín

2D OR NOT 2D Festival

Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival

London International Animation Festival

Animated Exeter

Melbourne International Animation Festival

Little Big Shots International Film Festival for Kids

Boston Institute of Contemporary Art

Belmont World Film Family Festival

St. Louis International Film Festival

North Carolina Museum of Art

REVIEWS AND PRAISE

“T.R. Knight’s youthful voice brings spirit and energy to this tale by Kate Banks, perfectly complementing Boris Kulikov’s illustrations, which have been animated. Music by Jerry Hunt is a perfect accompaniment to the story...The pacing is just right whether listening to the story or reading along. A wonderful addition to all collections.” -- Veronica Schwartz, School Library Journal

“In this exceptional adaptation, the animation meshes perfectly with the original illustrations, allowing the words to morph into shapes and creatures that float across the screen, changing and rearranging themselves into stories. Lively background music and a few sound effects enhance T.R. Knight’s fluid reading.” -- Booklist (starred review)

“An inspirational and original film, with beautiful images...a truly surprising film!” -- Lola Kenya Screen Jury

"In addition to T.R. Knight's smooth narration and Jerry Hunt's flawlessly timed music, the animation is outstanding. For example, as Max snips 'action' verbs...the words actually perform the movement...Children will detect something new each time they view this DVD and it will likely spark some experimentation on their part in the use of language." --Catholic Library World

“A remarkable combination of iconographic and animated elements...brilliantly narrated by T.R. Knight.” -- ALSC Notable Video Committee