Hungry

Hungry is a short film (the version I saw was 23 minutes at the SR Film Festival in New York) Which tells the (topical) story of a public school teacher who learns that, based upon government cuts to the SCHIP program, some of her students are going without school lunches. This is because eligibility for free school lunches has been reduced. Both the adult actors and the child actors do a wonderful job bringing the characters and the issue to life. Despite it being a low budget public interest short film, Actor, Eric Roberts (brother of Julia Roberts) plays a small part as the unfeeling politician who voted to reduce the funds and later (when public opinion seems to denounce that choice), to increase the funds.

Jillie Simon, along with the entire HUNGRY cast, (child & adult talent) & crew, should be commended for not only helping to raise awareness, (of unfortunately as topical a subject today as when HUNGRY was shot) but for sharing solutions in creative ways, (don't want to give too much away here) while keeping audiences engaged & wanting more. A multi award-winning 'darling of the festival circuit' for good reason, HUNGRY's co-directors/producers, editor, dp, audio, & composing team, (not necessarily in that order) had me & no doubt anyone lucky enough to have screened or streamed, wanting to see HUNGRY again, with hopes that they'll all team up & collaborate on more, (if an additional future for this short is part of their bigger-picture vision). When so much mediocre & worse is out there, it's refreshing to see that something genuinely worthy continues to receive well-deserved recognition.

The film is lead by a talented cast, including many child actors. Starring Jillie Simon as Allison, a likable teacher who you just can't help but root for, the film follows her journey from her fear of speaking up as somewhat timid woman, to her leading a fight to take care of her very young students. For this reason it is both character piece as well as a social commentary meant to raise awareness about an often overlooked issue. Without spoiling the ending, the film's conclusion is satisfying, showing how a teacher can truly make a positive impact on the lives of all of their young students.