International Short Film Festival in Papua New Guinea

By Ms. Arlene Abital
Photographs by Mr. Karl David Valmonte

Port Moresby, PNG, 2 September 2017 -- Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko (DBTI) won for the best video ‘Humanity lost to a Digital World’. The film was scripted, acted, shot and edited by the DBTI media participants. It was among the other presentations at the International Short Film Festival screened at Emmaus Conference Centre, Boroko East on 2nd of September, 2017. The audience numbering 150 persons sat enthralled in the hall as they experienced sight and sound and more importantly the opportunity to ponder, reflect and share powerful messages of determination, commitment and success of our young people in Papua New Guinea.

The film festival organized by SOCOM and coordinated by Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB CBC Social Communications and Youth Secretary, together with the Education and Youth department had as its theme: ‘Spirit of Youth’. Archbishop Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal, Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands opened the event with the lighting of the candle and a blessing. Bishop Rochus Tatamai, MSC, Bishop of Berenia, priests, religious, Mr. & Mrs. Hidayat and Lina Hanafi, CEO of SVS Mart and the sponsor for the event, the seven participating schools of the Media Education Seminar, school media coordinators, the secular media personnel and other invited guests were among those present.

International short films from the United Kingdom, India, Indonesia, Ethiopia, USA & Syria, Ethiopia have been procured from Tej-prasarni, Don Bosco Communications, India. The films of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea are a product of Film Seminars in the two countries. Themes expressing the struggles and hopes of youth dealt with true love, patience, kindness and compassion, selfless love, the mission of the Church to proclaim God’s love, violence, generosity, the power of words, rejection and appreciating each other’s talents as sons or daughters of God. Between each film, the audience had the chance to share their thoughts. Fr. Roger Miranda, SDB said, “Our actions have a positive or negative effects on others.” He encouraged all to be pro-active in dealings with people.

The festival coincided with the conclusion of the Media Education Seminar which commenced in March. The seven participating schools received certificates, gifts and T-shirts. It also acknowledged the outstanding productions in print, radio and the visual media. Besides the video of DBTI, Boroko East, the Best Radio Promotion was awarded to Sacred Heart Teachers College and Marianville Secondary School; the Best School Promotion was awarded to De La Salle Secondary School and Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu and the Best Radio Drama was awarded jointly to DBTI and Jubilee Catholic Secondary School. St. Joseph’s International School was also acknowledged for their participation in the media education seminars.

Media Education Seminar animators namely: Mrs. Sheryll Extra-Isoaimo, Ms. Cecilia Amala, Mr. Ian Zuazula, NBC and Radio Maria personnel who animated the participants at the different sessions were thanked. Representatives from Post Courier, The National, Wantok Niuspepa, PNGFM 100 and other media outlets received tokens of appreciation. “Young people of Papua New Guinea have a lot of digital talent”, said Bp Rochus Tatamai MSC as he congratulated the participants. “Use it to spread good and positive messages through the media”, he said.

DBTI, Boroko was applauded for the clear audio quality, the brilliant projection and regular articles. Fr Pereira thanked the participants and guests and invited them to use the inspiring films in schools, parishes and youth groups and use it to discuss the issues that are vital to our young people today.

The ISFF17 kit is available from the CBC SOCOM office. May the Spirit of Youth live on!

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