DBGYFF Films inspires reflection.

By: Lucy Napitalai and Fr. Ambrose Pereira SDB

Port Moresby, PNG 16 October 2023 -- Paradise Cinema in Port Moresby, Saturday, October 14, 2023, had over two hundred people for the screening of the short films of the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival 2023.

Archbishop Fermín Emilio Sosa Rodríguez, Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, was the chief guest at the celebration. Speaking to the audience, Archbishop Fermín expressed his joy at being present for the event that celebrates young people's positive and value-based reflections through the medium of film. He invited all to use the media, film, and technology to bring about love, joy, and peace and be instruments of change in our communities and in society.

Fr Gregorio Bicomong SDB, Salesian Provincial, Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj, priests, brothers, sisters, parishioners, students, media personnel, and film lovers joined in celebrating the young as they reflected on: Love builds peace and Solidarity, at this world event spanning 50 countries and over 200 venues.

Coordinated and organized by a lively group of coworkers and led by EAO Social Communication Coordinator Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB, the program began with registration and shared snacks. The action songs were animated by volunteers and youth from Don Bosco Technical School, Caritas, Don Bosco Technological Institute, with participation from St. Charles Lwanga, Mary Help of Christians Vocational Educational Training FODE Centre, Vincentian Marian youth, St Joseph’s International School and several other schools and parishes.

The screening of the films was divided into: Dreams and Challenges, Unity, Technology and Love. Several eager young people shared their reflections. “The characters in the films showed everyday actions of love, demonstrating that we can change our environment with simple acts of kindness,” said Emmanuel, a student from DBTI, Boroko.

A few films were related to digital technology. “We already have cybercrime laws in place, so if you are experiencing cyberbullying online, do report it to the police,” said a representative from the PNG National ICT Authority, Ms. Mollina Kapal.

Taking his cue from the Kenyan film: Passion, Fr. Greg Bicomong, SDB, reminded everyone that each one of us has been created by God with a purpose. He then added, “You have to find your passion, and your passion will lead you to your purpose.” In concluding the program, Fr. Ambrose expressed his gratitude to everyone for joining hands and making this unique event possible. He said that the Holy Father and the Social Communication sector of the Congregation are opening avenues for our young people. He stressed that Social Communication is about communicating a positive message, and technology is at our disposal to communicate that message. He invited the audience not to be enslaved by technology. “Often, you need to switch off your device and look into the eyes of your brother or your sister and communicate with your heart,” he said.

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