“Love builds peace and solidarity” was the theme chosen by the organisers for this second edition of the largest Salesian-inspired youth film festival, and there are 549 short films nominated by young people from over 40 countries, from all continents: works that all together form a colourful and multifaceted kaleidoscope which expresses all the richness of the contexts in which Don Bosco's charism is rooted, and which transmits the freshness of how young people think about fundamental themes such as love, peace and solidarity.
"For this second edition of the DBGYFF we have chosen to directly address ‘our ’young people, those who are part of our movements, who grow up in our sttings, in short, who have breathed our charism” explained Fr Gildasio Mendes, General Councillor for Social Communication of the Salesian Congregation. “We are sure that through the art of cinematography, we will now be able to receive many important indications from them which will also be good for us. And for our part, we want to celebrate them in the best possible way.”
Bro. Alberto Rodríguez, SDB, President of the DON BOSCO NEL MONDO foundation, which is also supporting this edition of the DBGYFF, also shares the same enthusiasm: “It is a great joy for us to attend and promote this festival, because it is an effective and concrete means to support young people, their dreams, their expectations and what they have to say.”
A significant novelty that marks a step forward compared to the first edition of the DBGYFF is the choice of the venue for the central screening: from the cradle of Salesianity in Valdocco, Turin, as it was in 2021, we now pass to the heart of the film industry, Los Angeles, the city that hosts the most famous studios in the world, in Hollywood. A choice that was made possible only thanks to the availability and direct involvement of the Salesian Family from both the East (SUE) and West(SUO) Provinces.
“We were immediately excited to collaborate and make ourselves available to the Communication Sector, the Congregation and more generally to the young people of the world, as soon as we were asked” explained Fr Mel Trinidad, Superior of SUO, the Province that is taking care of all the local logistic preparations for the central screening of the DBGYFF. “It is truly a blessing for us, because it is also helping us to awaken the active and creative role of our young people, and to make Don Bosco better known outside. This time, like never before, can we really say: it's our festival!” Fr Trinidad concluded.
Therefore, while the spotlight will be focused on Los Angeles, it should not be forgotten that one thing that has remained unchanged for this edition of the DBGYFF is its truly “global” character. And not only because of the worldwide participation of young people, but also because the screenings of the 52 short films selected by the regional juries, and which have thus entered the final phase of the event, can really be carried out in every community or house of the Salesian Family in the world.
“The graduated mechanism of the festival was one of the secrets of last year’s success and we decided to keep it. I am convinced that every country, province and community will take this proposal seriously. Among other things it serves to connect, to bring Salesians closer to young people” added Fr Ricardo Campoli, the representative of the Sector for Social Communication for the Americas and in charge of promoting the DBGYFF. “In fact, many times we talk about young people and strive to make projects for them, but this time we have the unique opportunity to see and hear them directly and appreciate their artistic efforts.”
In order to encourage the widespread realisation of the festival, through the organisation of special screenings to be held in Salesian Family houses on all continents, the DBGYFF organising committee has already shared the link with all the Delegates for Social Communication where it is possible to enrol one's own house to host a screening of the festival; and the Delegates, in turn, are promoting enrolments in their own provinces. In this way, once registered, anyone can access the digital environment where all the materials (shorts, promotional materials, logos, etc.) are located to organise their celebration.
Finally, the Director of the festival, Fr Harris Pakkam, concludes, “In every house, oratory, school or centre where a screening of DBGYFF 2023 will be organised, it will be possible to give recognition and voice to the young people in our settings. In many cases they speak of the love, peace and solidarity they found and experienced in our houses and works; young people who use our languages, who live and transmit Don Bosco’s Preventive System. It will be a way for our young people to speak to other young people. And it will be a great opportunity for us to learn.”
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/19142-rmg-dbgyff-2023-a-week-of-waiting-preparations-and-enthusiasm#sigProIda5411fc1de
