These young filmmakers were asked to make movies about hope

The event was organized by Salesians, members of a Catholic order founded in the late 19th century by Italian priest St. John Bosco to help poor children during the Industrial Revolution.

A new worldwide film festival, organized by Salesians, will highlight the talents of young filmmakers. This unique project, The Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival, has invited creative minds from the age group of 15-30 to produce short films on the topic of hope. The two-day event will take place simultaneously in 134 countries and online, on November 18 and 19, 2021.

According to the Salesian Institute of Higher Education, the film festival is the brainchild of the Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime. Fr. Artime was drawn to the idea during the world pandemic, when he identified the need for a positive outlet where young people can “express their creative energy.” To this end, the festival invited all young filmmakers to participate regardless of their religion or connection to the Salesians.

The competition

The theme of the festival is “Moved by Hope,” drawn from the motto of the Strenna of the Rector Major for 2021. Participants were challenged to create short films in five categories: One-Minute Short Films, 10-Minute Short Films, One-Minute Animated Shorts, 10-Minute Shorts, and Music Videos.

Entrants will compete for the top spots in all five categories, which will award prizes amounting to 100,000 euros. Winners will be selected by a diverse jury of professional filmmakers from around the world. Even if a participant does not win, consideration by such a distinguished panel offers fledgling directors invaluable exposure and experience.

Evangelization

Catholic News Agency reports that the Rector Major said to participants in a press conference:

“You, young people, are the architects of the future, signs of hope. And we have great hope in all of you. With you, we want to dream and build a better tomorrow.” He added, “With your creativity, you can truly help to change the world. I invite you, come and participate in this festival of short films. This is your festival, come and let us move the world with hope.”

Father Artime went on to call the event an initiative that “will promote an educational and creative dialogue to evangelize young people in their digital habitat.” He said that the exercise will encourage young people to build a better world and foster global synergies between them and the Salesians.

The Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival is scheduled to run on November 18 and 19 2021. Viewers can tune in to watch the whole event on their dedicated webpage. Information on live, in-person screenings, the lineup of films, and the members of the jury can also be found at the site.

Visit the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival website here and learn more.