By Nigel Akuani
Photographs: Karl David Valmonte

Port Moresby, PNG, 14 October 2020 -- The International Short Film Festival (ISFF20) has left many with a heightened sense of awareness to care much more for the environment and the need to take precautions in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Salesian Institutes Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko, Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu and Caritas Technical Secondary School, Boroko were participants along with other institutes.

Held on Saturday 10 October at the Paradise Cinema in Waigani, the ISFF20, a culmination of a number of weekends, had as its theme, ‘Keep It Clean. Go Green.’ It premiered short captivating films created by school and university students from Papua New Guinea. There were over a hundred people present for the celebration.

Among those present were Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Port Moresby; Priests, Religious, Brothers, Principals of the various schools; friends and family; and representatives from the Australian High Commission and Caritas Australia. Journalists from various media organisations were also present to provide media coverage of the event.

Organized by the Social Communications Commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNGSI, the festival was facilitated by the Commission’s Secretary Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, and the SOCOM team. “Young people have an abundance of energy and zeal and they have used their talent to share their concerns about the environment and COVID-19. Their creative productions have been a result of research and reflections. It has been hard work and the results are marvellous,” he said.

Ms Sheryll Isoaimo, Teacher and Media coordinator of Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, Hohola animated the audience with song, dance, prayer and reflection. She kept them engaged as the program dwelt deeper into issues that matter.

Cardinal Ribat congratulated the students for their hard work and dedication toward creating the films and urged for more engagement of young people to create a positive change for society. “You are the future of our country, and many young people today need similar programs to guide them and give them formation and a direction for their lives,” he said.

Dr Catherine Nongkas, Vice President for Academic and Technical Affairs of Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko appreciated the efforts of the young people and encouraged them to continue to create awareness and act on the environmental issues highlighted.

Ms Elizabeth Aribi, Youth Secretary of CBCPNGSI, said the content created and shown by the students in their videos were genuine and relatable as they depicted the reality faced by many people in the country. “Local content is what is needed, and in the films the students did focus their stories on issues and current practices affecting the country,” she said.

“I wish that all our educational institutions in the country would have such a program, where students present to society issues at all levels. As you presented your video productions, the simple message is: “Let’s act now”. You have acted very well in your productions,” stated Br Luke Warvanuk, De La Salle.

Speeches and sharing were also made by students highlighting their experiences during the MES. Alison Shangkei, a Grade Twelve student of Caritas Technical Secondary School, said that the Prayer and Reflection session of the MES helped bring her closer to God and the Christians values and practices that need to be practiced. “I am grateful to have been part of the MES because it has helped me grow spiritually and show care for creation as God intended us all to be caretakers,” she said.

De La Salle, Grade Eleven student, Stanford Maddex highlighted the destruction of the environment and its effect on our lives. Azriel Gamaindu of De La Salle Secondary School, said that the MES sessions gave him the knowledge and skills to effectively use the various forms of media to shed light on societal issues. “After attending the MES sessions, I have made it part of my responsibility to use the skills I have acquired to encourage and empower others in the fight against COVID-19 and the protection of the environment,” he said.

Certificates of participation were given to the students who were present for every session, while tokens of appreciation were given to the MES Animators and Media Personnel.

Prizes were awarded in two categories: Top films created during MES, and Top films for the Laudato Si Competition.The awarding of prizes was as follows:

MES Films:

• 1st Prize: De La Salle Secondary School - The Talking Tree
• 2nd Prize: La Salle Technical College - Let’s Keep it Clean
  
• 3rd Prize: St Charles Lwanga - I care for the Earth
  

• 1st Prize: Jordan Charlehand - Our Common Home
• 2nd Prize: Christ the King Parish, Youth Ministry – Seeds passed on
  

The event was made possible through the support of SIGNIS International, CARITAS Australia, Catholic Bishops Conference PNGSI, SVS Mart, Paradise Cinema, Media outlets and the many others who are interested in the young. Gratitude to the Principals of the different schools who joined the program and made it possible for the students to attend the sessions.

The ISFF20 Kit has resources that can be used to bring about awareness in youth groups, amongst students as well as animators. It is available at the SOCOM office, Gordons.

The occasion was approved by the State of Emergency Controller and was celebrated in accordance with the safety measures in place against COVID-19.

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