In preparation for the Cinema Circus event held on Sunday, July 13, at the Chilmark Community Center, an advance screening of the animated films was arranged for a group of Kid Critics. The event is from noon to 6 p.m. and includes a screening, circus fun and filmmaking workshops for kids. All events are free, thanks to a generous donor.

The event is brought to you by the folks at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival. The next two Cinema Circus events are August 3 at the West Tisbury library and the Field Gallery, and August 17 at Cottagers’ Corner and Hartford Park in Oak Bluffs.

Two to five year olds short film program reviewed by Elliott Bird, 4, from Haysville, Ontario, and Jasper Stray-London, 2, from Chilmark and Farmington, Conn.

The boys favorite films were The Swing Whale from director Jacob Stålhammar, and Abracadabra! from 11-year-old director Catriona (Cat) Warren. Both boys thought the Norwegian Film Institute’s Warp was the most exciting, and Elliott liked “the nice boy” in the Bangladeshi film, Tofael — the Tea Stall Boy.

Six to nine year old short film program reviewed by Mikey MacDonald of Ithaca, N.Y., and Rodeo Purves-Langer from Aquinnah.

Both boys named Lost & Found their favorite of the three films. “I really think people will like it and find it cute,” said Rodeo.

They agreed that the part when “the penguin floated on the umbrella was really funny,” and that the octopus part and “when the penguin got lost in the big group of penguins was exciting.”

When asked if one of the films made them stop and think, Rodeo replied: “The hermit crab one made me sad at the beginning because the boy felt sad. I also felt happy during the penguin one because it made me laugh.”

Feature film reviewed by Remi Bunting, 10, from Bend, Ore.

Remi reviewed the documentary, Once in a Lullaby from producer-director Jonathan Kalafer. The film follows the students of the PS22 fifth grade chorus as they prepare to perform at the 2011 Academy Awards.

Remi said she related to “one of the girls who had so many pets, because I have so many pets.” The teacher in the film also seemed familiar. “He reminded me of my third grade teacher, Mr. McCabe, who was funny, made you laugh, and was always smiling and put you in a good mood.”

When asked why she thought the producers of the Academy Awards invited the students instead of adults to perform, Remi felt that it was to inspire people that dreams can come true. Admitting to not enjoying performing herself, Remi was impressed by the students in the film.

“To gather that much courage to sing for an audience. . . I don’t think I could have done that.”

Remi will be in fifth grade this coming year, but has no intention of joining the chorus.