In the presence of 220 participants including students, parents, teachers and media operators, the third international short film festival 2019 (ISFF19) ended in Port Moresby. Hosted by the Social Communications Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, the event focused on the theme ‘Safe family, Happy Family’, reported Fides News Agency.
“The media is important and it is wonderful that young people can use it to address the issues affecting themselves. They are struggling to be part of a safe and happy family environment”, said Cardinal John Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby, at the inauguration and, addressing the participants, the Cardinal also spoke of the underlying power contained in media.
The festival went on to showcase short films from different countries and films created by young students during their attendance of the four Media Education Seminars (MES) held earlier this year. The presentations also included highlights of the media seminars and the Chat Room sessions among those present. Representatives of each of the MES participating schools spoke on their experience and the issues addressed.
“We learned a lot about film making: correct shots, a storyline, storyboard and how to ensure that the film connects with the audience through our emotions”, said a student present, who added “above all we learned about teamwork, commitment, and the patience which contributed to the success of our film”.
In the note sent to Agenzia Fides, the secretary for the Catholic Bishop Conference Commission for Youth and Social Communication, Fr. Ambrose Pereira SDB, said the film is a powerful means that can inspire people. “Young people have energy, creativity, and talent and all this must be channeled to produce something good and positive”, explained Fr. Pereira. “The media is a tool that connects young people today. Debates, reflections have allowed them to reflect on important family values that they will undertake to put into practice”, he added.
Among the participants, there was also Fr. Jacek Pinocy, secretary of the apostolic Nuncio in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, as well as priests and religious.
