(Don Bosco Technological Institute, Port Moresby) – ‘An inspiring, emotional and impactful program’, was the reflection of those who attended the Film Festival 2025 held on 18th October, 2025, in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. With the theme “Anchored in Hope,” the films portrayed hope through stories of struggle and despair, seen through the eyes of young people and their daily experiences.
Held at Paradise Cinema, the festival gathered over two hundred and fifty attendees and special guests, including the Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature, Rev. Joseph Odeh Suleiman Sweiss; Fr. William Mathews, SDB, EAO Regional Councillor; Fr. Gregorio Bicomong, SDB, PGS Provincial Superior; Salesians, religious personnel, media personnel, donor partners, parents, and representatives from participating institutions.
The program began with a prayer, followed by the cutting of a cake and light refreshments. Everyone then moved into the cinema to enjoy short films produced by young people, all locally made and centered on challenges faced by themselves and their peers in their own contexts.
‘Tutti’, the official hymn for the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers, inviting all and reminding them of the call to evangelize online, set the mood for an inspiring morning. Documentaries on St. Carlo Acutis and Peter ToRot, and a film celebrating 40 years of DBTS, all aimed at awareness and education, were then screened.
Between each set of films, audience members were invited to share their reflections on how the stories resonated with them. When called to speak, Fr. William reflected on Tutti, emphasizing that everyone is called to spread peace and use digital media as a tool for good. Fr. Greg reminded the audience of Mission Sunday and the call for everyone to evangelize, especially as PNG’s first soon-to-be saint, Peter ToRot, was to be canonized the next day.
The Film Festival marked the culmination of a series of Media Education Seminar programs under the Salesian Social Communication Commission PGS, held monthly throughout the year, at which 14 schools and institutions took part. Organized by Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB, Social Communication Delegate for PGS & EAO, together with a team of volunteer facilitators. Supporting partners this year included Caritas PNG, The Voice Inc., the National Broadcasting Corporation, SVS Mart and others. The seminars aim to equip young people to use digital media creatively and responsibly, producing positive content while becoming critical consumers of online information.
This year’s Film Festival was proudly sponsored by Caritas PNG Films were entered into categories with special prizes, including the Solidarity Award and the St. Carlo Acutis Prize; the overall award, named in honor of the millennial saint who used digital media for evangelization. Judges included local media representatives and international media experts.
The top three films were:
- Cracks in the Wall — La Salle Technical Secondary School, Hohola, depicting struggle and disconnection.
- Light in the Darkness — Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko, retelling a true story of pain caused by alcohol consumption.
- Hope for Madang — highlighting the environmental impact on a coastal community.
The Solidarity Prize was shared between La Salle and DBTI for their impactful films, while the St. Carlo Acutis Prize was awarded to Cracks in the Wall by La Salle.
In his concluding remarks, Fr. Ambrose expressed heartfelt gratitude to all special guests, participating institutions, donors, and media education participants. “Your films have placed before the audience your struggles,” he remarked. He emphasized that the digital medium is a platform for young people to express themselves. He encouraged parents, teachers, priests and religious to listen to young people and journey with them in the struggles they encounter.
Gratitude and thanks were extended to the respective institutions, their principals, and superiors, for their support and contributions to the program’s success. Appreciation was also given to Caritas PNG and The Voice Inc. for their invaluable partnership, and to NBC and Tribe FM for their strong media support in amplifying the voices and stories of the youth. The event was beautifully coordinated by volunteers Mrs. Sheryll Isoaimo and Mr. Vincent Numbos as emcees, with collaborative efforts of Ms. Lucy Napitalai, Ms Patrina Kaboanga, Ms. Isabella Saleu, Mr. Leo Paraha, Ms Fidelmah Urakupa, Ms Lorraine Angham and Mr Murray Misha.
Source: BoscoLink