Indian Salesians organize Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival to offer hope for the young people

The worldwide Salesian film festival, a first of its kind,  involved young people globally to create short films on the theme of hope. The "Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival" (DBGYFF) took place on 18 and 19 November 2021, in hundreds of locations in 134 countries worldwide.

The DBGYFF offered "authentic and democratic platform embracing the voices of the global youth, to be that voice of hope for humanity."

DBGYFF  was held in various Salesian institutions across India, but  Chennai  Salesians had the DBGYFF in December due to the unexpected heavy rains.

Don Bosco Institute of Communication Arts (DBICA) and Don Bosco Arts and Science College organized the event at the Salesian headquarters of the Province of Chennai, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, on December 11.

DBGYFF aims at fostering youth leadership, creative engagement, artistic sharing, and values.

Veteran film editor and National Film Award winner, B. Lenin, presided over the inaugural ceremony as the Chief Guest and Father Amirthraj Arokiam, SDB, writer, editor and publisher, was the guest of honour.

Addressing the audience, Lenin expressed his profound happiness to have been part of the grand jury of DBGYFF 2021. He recalled his close affinity to Don Bosco and DBICA since the early 1990s. He highlighted the mentoring role that DBICA has played in scores of successful media professionals in the industry today. His inspiring words instilled hope in the hearts of the young students.

Father Arokiam addressed the gathering and declared the award winners of DBGYFF 2021. He honoured the awardees from Chennai, India. Gama by Bagu Bagu won the first prize in the Category of Jury Choice, Thamizhvanan's music video 'Take it easy' won the second prize.

In the Indian Union Territory of Pondicherry (Puducherry), the Don Bosco Higher Secondary School in Nedungadu, Karaikal, organized the Global Youth Film Festival on December 7,  with Chandira Priyanga, Minister of Transport (Government of Puducherry) as the chief guest.

The minister expressed her delight to return to her alma mater. During her inaugural presentation, she alluded to the film festival's subject of 'moved by hope.' She spoke about her political journey as a woman and how hope played a vital role in her life. In his speech, Father Edward, Principal, outlined the motivation of the Salesian congregation in arranging such a global gathering.

The award-winning films were screened, and after each show, discussions were held. The students shared insightful remarks, reflections and feedback. The film festival's theme has instilled a yearning for optimism and hope, remarked a student.