By Abigail Seta and Nigel Akuani

Port Moresby, PNG, 3 August 2019 -- The Third International Short Film Festival 2019 (ISFF19) that was held on Saturday, 3 August at the Paradise Cinema, Vision City, Port Moresby. 220 students, parents, teachers and media personnel attended the event.

Salesian institutions joined this Film Festival. Hosted by the Social Communications Commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, the ISFF19 dwelt on the theme: ‘Safe family, Happy Family.’

Participating in the festival were students from Caritas Technical Secondary School, Don Bosco Technological Institute, Don Bosco Technical School, De La Salle Secondary School, Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, Limana Vocational Centre and Marianville Secondary School who were all part of the MES 2019.

Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC, Archbishop of Port Moresby, commenced the celebrations with the cutting of the cake. This was then followed by a time of prayer and reflection. In speaking to the audience, Cardinal Ribat spoke of the underlying power contained in media. “The media is important, and it is wonderful that young people can use it to address the issues affecting themselves. They are struggling to be part of a safe and happy family environment,” said the Cardinal.

Fr Jacek Pinocy, Secretary of the Apostolic Nuncio of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, together with Priests and religious joined the students for the film festival. "Whenever young people gather we are present" said Fr Albert Lenon sdb, Rector of Don Bosco School, Araimiri.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Safe Family, Happy Family’, Anastasia Hasola, Marianville Media Animator said, “The Media Education Seminars have given the animators an opportunity to engage with the students and open up avenues for them, as they strive to make sense of the issues they encounter in their own families.”

The festival went on to showcase short films from different countries and films created by young students during their attendance of the four Media Education Seminars (MES) held earlier this year. The presentations also included highlights of the media seminars and the Chat Room sessions, held in collaboration with NBC Tribe FM. The films screened opened up brief discussions on the issues presented.

Dr Catherine Nongkas, Principal of Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko raised her concerns on the issue of family violence and abuse. “Violence is a very serious issue and we cannot be a bystander. This cycle has to be broken in order for violence and abuse to end,” she said.

Representatives of each of the MES participating schools spoke on their experience and the topics they learnt. Certificates and appreciation were then given to students, animators and media persons.

Prizes were awarded to the schools for the films screened. The first place, a SONY RX 100 camera was awarded to Jubilee Catholic Secondary School for their 4-minute film entitled, ‘All for Love.’ Limana Vocational School emerged second for their film ‘The Changed Hand’ while the film ‘Saving Family’ produced by De La Salle was third.

“We learnt a lot about film making - correct shots, a story line, story board and how to ensure that the film connects with the audience through our emotions”, said Evelynne Sepa, a Jubilee student. “Above all we learnt team work, commitment and patience which contributed to the success of our film,” she said.

Ivy Labradores, Media animator from Limana Vocational School, thanked Cardinal Ribat for his kindness and support and expressed her gratitude to all present for the event. She made mention of the participating schools and the guidance offered by the principals and the school management.

Social Communications Secretary Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, facilitator of the festival said that film is a powerful medium that can inspire people. “Young people have energy, creativity and talent and all this needs to be channelled to produce something that is good and positive. Media is a tool that connects young people today. Their discussions, reflections and productions have enabled them reflect on important family values that they will strive to put into practice”, he said.

Participants enjoyed the delicious cake sponsored by Mr and Mrs Hidajat, the snacks from CARITAS, FMA sisters and the SSJ sisters. The management and staff at Paradise Cinema cooperated to ensure that the event flowed smoothly. Sheryll Isoiamo, MC of the show, guided the audience right through the enjoyable event.

The theme and the films are a good resource for animation of young people in schools, institutions and youth groups. The ISFF19 Kit priced at K100/- is available at the Social Communications Department at the Catholic Bishops Conference, Waigani. E-mail: socom@catholic.org.pg

The Social Communications Department of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands is grateful to SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication and MISSIO Aachen together with the many who believe that the Media has power to inspire and bring about a change in the minds and lives of the young.

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