(ANS – Rome) – The Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF) is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to discovering and nurturing the creative talents of young filmmakers from around the globe. Organized by the Salesians of Don Bosco, the festival aims to inspire and empower youth in the field of media while promoting social responsibility. It provides an exceptional platform for young filmmakers to showcase their talents, encouraging them to use the powerful medium of visual storytelling to contribute positively to society. DBGYFF invites young artists to share their unique visions by merging creativity with a commitment to social change, inspiring meaningful dialogue and action within their communities.
Over the course of its previous two seasons, the festival has focused on diverse themes, reaching millions of young people worldwide. This year’s theme, “I Have a Dream: Youth and Climate Change – Making Mother Earth Cleaner and Greener,” resonates deeply with the urgent calls for environmental action. The festival seeks to inspire youth to envision a sustainable future and empowers them to advocate for climate change mitigation and environmental conservation.
Welcoming participants aged 14 to 25, the DBGYFF offered a range of competition categories, including 2-minute and 5-minute short films, 5-minute animation films, 5-minute music videos, and 10-minute documentaries. The submission period spanned from April 24 to August 7, 2024, allowing for an impressive array of creative works. A total prize pool of €120,000 will be awarded to outstanding entries across various categories, ensuring recognition for the hard work and creativity of young filmmakers.
This year’s festival is particularly noteworthy, with 1,287 submissions received from 110 countries. After a thorough evaluation by 114 preliminary jurors from 49 countries, 120 films have been shortlisted for screening. The festival will take place on October 17 and 18, 2024, unfolding simultaneously in multiple locations around the globe, creating a dynamic showcase of youth engagement and creativity. The shortlisted films will be sent to registered institutions, which will screen them alongside a reflection booklet and other necessary materials to facilitate practical discussions.
The grand finale will be held at the Loreto Theatre in the Sheen Centre, New York City, on October 18, 2024, where the winners of various awards will be announced. These winners are selected by a jury team consisting of 15 renowned media professionals from around the globe. See list of regional winners.
The selected films highlight young filmmakers’ aspirations and creativity and serve as a powerful means of communication on critical environmental issues. DBGYFF creates a vibrant space for young creators to connect, collaborate, and engage in meaningful discussions about the themes presented in the films.
Participating in DBGYFF offers an opportunity to foster solidarity and collaboration among youth globally. The festival facilitates dialogue and connection by bringing together young individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting understanding and shared responsibility for our planet. The screenings, discussions, and interactive sessions will encourage students to reflect on their roles in addressing various environmental issues and inspire them to take action within their institutions and communities.
Hundreds of institutions worldwide have joined hands to celebrate this global initiative. By hosting screenings of the shortlisted films, educational institutions can provide their students with a unique opportunity to engage with pressing environmental issues while celebrating their peers’ creativity. Thus, DBGYFF serves as a showcase of talent and a catalyst for social action and meaningful change.
Any institution interested in organizing a festival for young people can register using the Google Form Registration link after which the necessary festival resources will be shared digitally.
Through the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival, young filmmakers can share their visions and dreams with the world, contributing to a collective movement for a just and sustainable future. This festival promises to be a remarkable celebration of youth creativity and environmental advocacy, illuminating the path toward a cleaner, greener planet for future generations.
Further and more detailed information is available in the documents at the bottom of the page.