by Fr Ashwin Macwan for BIS Mumbai

On October 20, 2024, under the leadership of Fr Ashwin Macwan, sdb, Director of AmrutDhara Don Bosco Animation Centre, Kapadvanj, a remarkable event unfolded at Don Bosco Kapadvanj—the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF) Screening. With the theme "I Have a Dream: Youth and Climate Change," the festival brought together young minds to focus on one of the most pressing issues of our time: the environment. The event was attended by students from Don Bosco Dakor, oratory children from Don Bosco Kapadvanj, and Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) members of Don Bosco Kapadvanj, creating a vibrant mix of young voices dedicated to building a sustainable future.

The event commenced with a solemn yet spirited gesture. Fr Pratap Damor, sdb, Rector of Don Bosco Kapadvanj, led the gathering in garlanding the statue of St. John Bosco. This act symbolized a tribute to the legacy of Don Bosco, who dedicated his life to the betterment and education of young people.

Following the ceremony, Fr  Macwan  took to the stage to introduce the purpose of the film festival. He welcomed the participants and shared the significance of the day’s event. In his speech, Fr Macwan emphasized the need for youth to engage deeply with the topic of climate change, stressing that it was not just an environmental issue but a moral and ethical imperative. "The environment," he remarked, "is our collective responsibility, and the future rests in the hands of the youth. What we choose to do today will define the kind of world we leave for future generations."

Fr Macwan's words set the framework for the films that were about to be screened, reminding the youth present that they have the power to influence positive change.

As the lights dimmed and the screen lit up, the audience was taken on an emotional and intellectual journey through a series of short films, all crafted around the theme of youth and climate change. These films, sourced from different regions and backgrounds, carried a powerful message—climate change is real, and the youth have the potential to drive solutions.

The films were not only visually captivating but also deeply motivational. They highlighted the need for immediate action and encouraged the youth to take steps in their everyday lives to contribute to the fight against climate change. Whether it was through reducing waste, conserving energy, or planting trees, the message was clear—every little effort counts.

The film festival was designed not just as a screening event but as an interactive learning experience. After the screenings, the youth were given the opportunity to engage in discussions about the themes presented in the films.

One participant from Don Bosco Dakor remarked, "The films showed me that we don’t need to wait for adults or governments to make changes. We can start small, and our actions can create a ripple effect."