International Short Film Festival an inspiration

By Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB
and Abigail Seta

Port Moresby, PNG, 4 August 2018 -- The Second International Short Film Festival (ISFF18) was held on 4th August, 2018 at the Paradise Cinema, Vision City, Port Moresby. The theme for the festival was: Youth Alive, Celebrating Life and Love. 250 persons young and old, participated in an emotional and reflective event.

The program commenced at 9am and participants could exchange views on the films to be screened while they were served snacks and drinks in the premium foyer.

His Excellency, Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Kurian Matthew Vayalunkal was the chief guest at the event. Fr Klement Vaclav sdb, Regional for East Asia Oceania, Fr Alfred Maravilla sdb, Provincial, Principals, priests, religious, laity, parents and students from different schools of the city were present for the occasion. Representatives from the Australian High Commission were special guests at the event.

Being the birthday of the Apostolic Nuncio, the participants sang for him while he cut his birthday cake. Representatives also cut a second cake celebrating the successful Media Education Seminars of 2018 and the commencement of ISFF18.

At the start of the screening, the Archbishop invited all to use the media responsibly. “The media is used to inform, educate and entertain its audience. We need to use this vital tool to spread the ‘Good News”, he encouraged the audience.

The variety of films from different countries highlighted the theme of the Synod for young people: ‘Young people, Faith and Vocational Discernment’; Year of Youth: ‘Called to the fullness of Life and Love’ and the World Communications Day theme: ‘The truth will set you Free, Fake News and Journalism for Peace’.

The faith experience and emotional film from Papua New Guinea, produced by Jeffrey Katusele entitled ‘My Little Story’ drew the greatest applause. It depicted the sacrifice and commitment of Archbishop Francesco Panfilo sdb, (75 years), Archbishop of Rabaul as he goes about his pastoral ministry and work of evangelization.

“The story is about a man who has touched my life with the hand of Christ. I am grateful for I do not have to go far to find Christ”, said Jeffrey. “Watching the struggles of the Archbishop brought tears to my eyes”, said Sr Ria Versario fma. “We can’t believe that at his age, he would experience all these hardships just to bring the Gospel to the people,” said Ms Ester Maragau, a teacher from Jubilee Catholic Secondary School. Others expressed similar sentiments.

Solomon Islands film, da’ strogol by rap artist Philip Palmer was appreciated for his ability to highlight the struggles he faces in life. The rhythm, the beat and the style reverberated with the young and saw them snapping, clapping and snapping.

“Every film was inspiring and gave the audience points to reflect and ponder. Reflect and share your thoughts with others”, said Sheryll Isoaimo MC for the event.

“I am inspired by the films. Despite the difficulties and temptations, I have been inspired to live my life for others”, said Tamarah Munjin.

Representatives from the schools highlighted the importance of the media and how best they could use it to share and communicate a message through the use of radio, print media and videos.

Marianville student, Ashleigh Pangatana, in her sharing said: “The media education seminars have taught us to spread good news and not fake news.”

From the corrected entries of the Salesian Bulletin quiz Fr Klement Vaclav sdb chose Francis Kaua, Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu as the lucky winner.

Hosted by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, the festival was part of the Media Education Seminars held for selected students of seven schools. The earlier seminars dwelt on: Image, Print, Audio and Video. The seven schools who participated in the event were: Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, Hohola; Sacred Heart Teachers College, Bomana; Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko; Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu; Marianville Secondary School, Bomana; Limana Vocational School, Gordons and Caritas Technical School, Boroko.

“The ISFF18 offers young digital natives to an opportunity to reflect on their vocational journey,” said Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, as he addressed the audience. He was impressed by the dedication and commitment to the media by the students and their school animators. He expressed his gratitude to the principals who have supported their budding media students.

Special thanks to Mr and Mrs Lina and Hidajat Hanafi, SVS mart; Sr Mazarello Choi, Caritas Technical School, Tejprasarini Don Bosco Communications and all who contributed to make the event an enjoyable and inspiring one.

The ISFF18 kits are available at the Social Communications department at the Catholic Bishops Conference for K100.00 only.

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