In attendance were almost 200 young people, priests, religious brothers and sisters, those interested in the media, and others connected with the growth of young people. Also present as special guest was Archbishop of Rabaul, Archbishop Rochus Tatamai.
The Nuncio told the audience how the screened films had really moved him as they portrayed issues that many families and individuals, especially young people, struggled with, not just in PNG but in the world. “I identified myself in all the films that we watched today because the issues that were shown are real and we have all faced them, some are going through them as we speak. It makes us emotional and that should motivate us to do something to change that. If we only speak and do nothing then our positive words mean nothing”, Abp. Fermin stressed. He exhorted the youth to be present to always to the people, with words, short videos and films that can instil hope and optimism, and positively contribute to change in their life and that of others.
The films that were screened covered issues of domestic violence, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, gender equality, environment, poverty and Covid 19. It provided an opportunity for reflection, sharing and inspiration to those who were present.
“As we struggle through difficulties and emerge out of the pandemic, we are happy to organize this film festival to celebrate the 56th World Communications Day, with its theme: ‘Listen with the ear of the heart’ and celebrate the conclusion of the SOCOM Seminar and the ongoing Media Education Seminars for our ten Catholic Schools. It offers our young people a platform to become critical thinkers and creative producers and thus inspire others by their productions, words, and deeds”, said Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, Secretary for Social Communications and PGS Social Communications coordinator.
The festival was facilitated by the Social Communications Commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
