With screenings taking place simultaneously at over 330 venues in 57 countries, DBGYFF 2024 proved to be an extraordinary global event. The 120 shortlisted films, carefully selected from an impressive 1,287 submissions, tackled the festival’s powerful theme, “I Have a Dream: Youth and Climate Change – Making Mother Earth Cleaner and Greener.” These films represented not only creative storytelling but also a call to action, encouraging audiences to engage with the urgent need for environmental stewardship.

The Grand Finale began with the screening of some of the most impactful films, setting the tone for an evening filled with inspiration and reflection. This was followed by the Inaugural Ceremony, which featured a gathering of distinguished figures from diverse fields, each reflecting the festival's global importance. Fr. Harris, Director of DBGYFF, warmly welcomed the audience, sharing the dynamics of the festival and highlighting its mission to empower young people through the medium of film.

Fr. Hugo Orozco, SDB, the General Councillor for Inter America, extended the warm greetings of the Rector Major, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, the tenth successor of Don Bosco, and his Vicar, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, from the Salesian headquarters in Rome. In his address, Fr. Orozco underscored the global reach of DBGYFF, describing it as a "global echo" that unites young people across hundreds of locations worldwide. He reaffirmed the Salesian Congregation's unwavering commitment to supporting young filmmakers on their creative journeys, embodying Don Bosco’s dream of nurturing and guiding the youth.

Fr. Michael Conway, Director of Salesian Missions in New Rochelle, New York, spoke passionately about Don Bosco’s vocational dream, emphasizing how DBGYFF provides a platform for young people to transform their dreams into reality. He congratulated the participants and winners, recognizing the vital role their films play in addressing climate change and promoting environmental responsibility.

Dr. Natasa Govekar, from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, added a profound spiritual dimension to the evening. She reminded the audience of Pope Francis’s message that “everything is interconnected,” and praised the young filmmakers for their courageous work in advocating for a sustainable future. She encouraged them to continue their efforts, emphasizing that their creativity is not only a means of storytelling but also a tool for transformation and advocacy.

South Indian-American composer and multi-instrumentalist, Mr. Jeremy Earnest, addressed the filmmakers with enthusiasm, urging them to embrace collaboration and creativity. He spoke of the importance of play and experimentation in the creative process, encouraging the young filmmakers to remain curious and open-minded as they explore new horizons in their craft.

Mr. Jude Elie, President of the Past Pupils of Haiti, emphasized that the mission of helping youth become good Christians and honest citizens has always been central to Don Bosco’s vision. He extended his warm wishes and appreciation to all participants. Adding further prestige to the occasion, Fr. Dominic Tran, SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of St. Philip the Apostle, USA East, was joined by Fr. Roland Minsta, SDB, Provincial of the Vice Province of Equatorial Tropical Africa (ATE). Their presence further emphasized the festival's global significance and the Salesian Congregation's dedication to fostering youth creativity.

Virtually present at the event, Ms. Christine Arena, president of Generous Films and Grand Juror for DBGYFF, reflected on the depth and diversity of the films submitted. She commended the filmmakers for their boldness in addressing the climate crisis and emphasized the importance of storytelling with meaning and purpose. Ms. Arena’s message was a call to action for all the participants, encouraging them to continue using their talents to inspire change and make a lasting impact.

The most eagerly awaited moment of the evening arrived with the announcement of the DBGYFF Award Winners. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as the winners, who had been informed of their selection but not the specific categories they had won, attended the event virtually via Zoom. Thirty participants joined the call from 19 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Italy, Madagascar, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Thailand, Togo, and Turkey. As each award was announced, the winners had the opportunity to express their heartfelt emotions and gratitude in real-time, adding a deeply personal and touching element to the celebration. Their reactions, filled with joy and pride, further emphasized the significance of this global recognition.

The Jury Choice Awards were gracefully announced by Dr. Natasa Govekar, adding a sense of honor and distinction to the moment. Following this, the Category Best Awards were presented by Fr. Hugo Orozco and Fr. Ricardo Campoli, recognizing the filmmakers’ excellence across various genres. The energy continued to build as the Young Best Awards were introduced by Mr. Jeremy Earnest and Mr. Jude Elie, celebrating the incredible young talents who are using their creativity to inspire change. Finally, the prestigious Global Best Awards were presented by Fr. Dominic Tran and Fr. Roland Minsta, SDB, marking the pinnacle of the night’s accolades and honoring the very best films from around the world.

As the award announcements concluded, the winning films were screened, offering the audience an opportunity to witness the extraordinary creativity, vision, and dedication of the young filmmakers. These screenings served as a powerful reminder of the impact that young voices can have when given the platform to share their stories.

The evening came to a close with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Pradeep Anthony, the DBGYFF Event Coordinator. His words expressed deep gratitude to everyone involved in making the festival a global success. The event then concluded with the playing of the National Anthem of the United States, marking the end of an unforgettable celebration that left a lasting impression on all who participated, both in person and virtually.

It was a night that not only celebrated cinematic achievements but also reinforced the collective hope for a cleaner, greener, and more just world, led by the creativity and passion of the younger generation. The future looks bright, and the young voices of DBGYFF have shown that they are ready to lead the way, carrying with them the hopes and dreams of a better tomorrow.

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