October 18, 2024, Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes – The Commission on Social Communications hosted the screening of best films from the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival Season 3. The festival ran with the them of “I have a Dream: Youth and Climate Change”. Four films from the Philippine South Province were shortlisted for awards.
The highlight of the second day of screening is the documentary of the Badjao Tribe living in the Cebu City. A cultural minority of sea nomads, this indigenous tribe has been living on the shores of the city under the shadow of its urban landscape. Bryle Fernandez, director of the documentary, shared with the attendees his first hand experience of bias against the Badjao which inspired him to make the film. Representatives from the tribe were present during the screening and were visibly moved by the representation brought to their story which reached the global stage.
The screening was divided into two nights with each featuring the directors of films produced by the youth of this parish. DBGYFF provided young people from the Philippine South not only the platform and opportunity to share their stories and view of the world, but also for them to share and feast on the stories from young people in other parts of the world too. Present also in the screenings were Salesian educators, families of the directors, and other invited young people.
The third season of DBGYFF focused on dreams of youth inspired by the pivotal Dream at Nine of St. John Bosco, dreams that are directed towards climate justice and sustainable future.
Aside from the documentary on the dreams of young Badjao sea nomads, Andrea Leuer Godinez produced an original music video on dreams and environmental responsibility “Beacon of Dreams” and Ivan Vincent Villareal made a 2-minute short film allegory “Hands of Hope”. An independent team of young people directed by Daniela Jamandre from Negros Island also produced “It Rhymes with Green”.
“Badjao: Kinabuhi ug Damgo” and “It Rhymes with Green” received regional best awards while “Beacon of Dreams” won Jury’s Choice Best Music Video at the world stage.
This season of DBGYFF not only set the spotlight on the Badjao tribe but also continues to amplify the stories of the world’s indigenous minority, the youth of the world. By giving them the space for creative expression, Salesians continue to give voice to young people as they advocate for a greener future.
