The Grove was transformed into the city of make-believe. The red carpet was rolled out for the children of The Village West. The Office of Miami’s District 2 and the Miami City Hall hosted the first Annual mini-Oscars film premiere and award ceremony for young budding filmmakers. The Other Side Movement and Arts To Literacy worked with the children of Coconut Grove Cares - The Barnyard to create four public service announcements for the “Choose Life” advertisement campaign.

A shinny, stretch black limousine delivered the children to Miami City Hall in style. One by one they stepped out onto the prestigious red carpet as cameras flashed, on-lookers cheered and “paparazzi” recorded the remarkable evening. All of the children that participated in the project received a personalized award that resembles the famous “Oscar.”

Keynote speaker, District 2 Commissioner of Miami Marc Sarnoff addressed the young awardees, as well as friends, families and supporters. A long time supporter of the Barnyard, Commissioner Sarnoff, also received an award for his dedication to the children and the community organizations of the Coconut Grove Village West.

Other Side Movement Founder Roland Athouris along with Arts To Literacy founder Joseph C. Grant, Jr. presented the children with the coveted golden statues. Motivational speaker Barney Brown made a powerful impression on the young achievers as he closed the program with words of wisdom about his tragic pitfall when making a wrong choice that cost him 38 years of his life in prision and how he used a positive attitude to rise above his seemingly hopeless situation.

“The children that were honored by our program displayed a great amount of dedication, skill and creativity by writing, directing, filming and acting in several 30-second Public Service Announcements ” says Roland Athouris, the founder and executive director of The Other Side Movement.