While in more than 200 locations of almost 60 countries of the Salesian world this festival was celebrated, showcasing the creative efforts of our young people; the finale in LA, was indeed unique and showcased how the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival, could be a film festival with a difference, echoing the theme of Love, Peace and Solidarity in its own creative and incisive way.
This enthusiastic presence and participation of Fr. Mel Trinidad, the Provincial of Salesians of Don Bosco, USA West; of Mr. Stanley NG, the Art Director and VFX Supervisor from Hollywood; Fr. Ricardo Campoli, from the Social Communication Sector, Rome and Fr Harris Pakkam, the DBGYFF Film Festival Director made the evening memorable.
The festival began with a theme video highlighting how love could build Peace and Solidarity, followed by the video messages of the Cardinal Rector Major, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, the tenth successor of Don Bosco; and from Fr Gildásio Mendes dos Santos, the General Councillor for Social Communication, Rome. Fr. Mel Trinidad, in his turn welcomed the audience and declared that the Salesian Province was glad to host the festival, and make the voices of our young people heard at Los Angeles. Fr. Ricardo Campoli, in his message emphasized that this festival united the young people worldwide, and gave them the opportunity to share their dreams and creative passion on the theme. The festival director Fr. Harris Pakkam, mentioned that Don Bosco who spoke from Turin to the young, is now speaking to the young people from Los Angeles, through DBGYFF. “The efforts of our young people are celebrated and recognized at the highest level in a very symbolic way”, he concluded.
The solemn moment of declaration brought in a great surprise as the young person dressed up as Don Bosco carried the DBGYFF logo from behind the audience, which was then unveiled by Fr. Mel to declare open the film festival. Keeping in mind the time, only 24 selected films were planned to be screened for the grand finale. The DBGYFF count down video set the tone for the screening of short films, one after another. The evening was mesmerizing as the master of ceremonies, Mikey with his team of young people Caia, Catherine and Jaden engaged the audience with their spontaneous interactions and reflections before and after every film. The voices of the audience with their responses also kept everyone inspired.
After the screening of the short films, came Mr. Stanley NG to speak on behalf of the Global Jury to express his sentiments. He encouraged the young people to incessantly pursue with their efforts and dream big so that they too can attain their goals, and that it is achievable if everything is done with love and passion.
The long-awaited announcement of the Global Award winners had it’s own surprise as the briefcase containing the surprise was brought by the young person, who formerly came as Don Bosco was handed over to Fr. Mel and Mr. Stanley. The young award winners were declared and most of them could join in via zoom and express their emotions and sentiments as their film won an award. It was also a proud moment as it truly celebrated the efforts of these young people associated to Don Bosco from different parts of the world.
The Global Award winners declared at DBGYFF are:
- UNITED HEARTS by Joseph Katsilizika, Malawi
- LIFE GOES AYE AYE by Leander Fernandes, India
- HISTORIAS DE PAPEL (Paper Stories) by Juan Pablo Valencia Marulanda, Colombia
- VIRTUAL LIFE OR HUMAN LIFE by Khoa Hoang, Vietnam
- EL PUENTE DE LA AMISTAD by Iván Osés, Spain
- LUNCH BOX by Mang Kim Thang – India
- AMARA by Sebastian Barrios diaz – Colombia
- NOTHING IS LOST by Stefany Aparecida Silva Dutra, Brazil
- PORTRAIT HOLDER by Ricardo Andrés Robles Funes, El Salvador
- ABSOLUTE POINT by Ritesh Tigga, India
The festival concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Br. Alphonse Vu, the Coordinator for Salesian Schools in the Province of USA West who expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the planning and realization of the festival. It was a great dream come true, and the excellent efforts, teamwork, commitment and planning that the festival team displayed was very much appreciated.
DBGYFF season 2 concluded on a meaningful note in LA, and the memories will continue to linger in the hearts of the young people who dream of Hollywood. This festival of the young will continue to serve as a unique platform for the empowerment of the young, contributing to the society and celebrating their efforts at the global level in a fitting way.
