On December 12, 2024, Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Naigaon, hosted the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival, a vibrant event that celebrated environmental consciousness and sustainability through the medium of film. Themed “I Have a Dream – Youth & Climate Change – Making Mother Earth Cleaner and Greener,” the festival was attended by 209 students from the College section, who came together to witness the showcase of talent, passion, and commitment to a greener future.
The event was inaugurated by Fr. Rector, who commended the young filmmakers for their creativity and urged them to use their artistic abilities to expose societal truths and inspire positive change. He emphasized the importance of critical thinking and urged the audience to question the information they consume.
One of the highlights of the festival was the inaugural debate themed “Environmental Consciousness and Development: An Ethical Debate.” Organized under the guidance of Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, the Vice-Principal of Don Bosco High School and Junior College, the debate engaged students in a rigorous exchange of ideas, with the proposition team advocating for environmental consciousness and the opposition team prioritizing development. The debate was judged by the Vice Principal, Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, Dr. Ramdas Tonde, the Guest of Honour, and Mrs. Dorothy Fernandes, the coordinating supervisor.
In addition to the debate, the festival showcased a diverse range of short films and documentaries created by young filmmakers. These films addressed pressing environmental issues, such as the importance of mangrove conservation, the impact of pollution, and the role of women in environmental activism. Some of the notable films included “Eco Caregivers” by Krish Sinha, which highlighted the crucial role of mangroves in our ecosystem; “Green Desk” by Delisha Gonsalves, which told the story of a young girl who transformed waste into reusable objects; and “Clear Skies, Healthy Lives” by Hinduja Nadar, which emphasized the importance of clean air and water for our well-being.
The director of the short film “Green Desk,” Delisha, shared her experience of making the film and thanked the members of the management and the teachers for guiding her.
The festival concluded with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration. The Chief Guest, Fr. Thomas Lopes, expressed pride in the students’ creativity and also expressed his desire to encourage the students of Gonsalo Garcia College to participate in the film festival. Dr. Ramdas Narayan Tonde praised the event’s execution and the students’ dedication, encouraging them to continue pursuing their passion for filmmaking and environmental conservation.
The Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival 2024 was more than just an event; it was a catalyst for change. It provided a platform for young filmmakers to express their concerns, share their visions, and inspire others to take action. By fostering a sense of environmental consciousness and promoting sustainable practices, the festival empowered the next generation to shape a greener future.
Reported by Tr. Roshini Coelho
