‘The Awakening’, a short film by students of Don Bosco College Panjim, has been named the South Asia Regional Category Winner at the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival, recently held at the Loretto Theatre in the USA. Three exceptional films from Goa were officially selected to be screened at the festival. Alongside These were ‘The Awakening’ directed by Rameez Shaikh, ‘Echoes of the Earth’ by Abin Francis and ‘A Wish for a Change’ by Prathit Fernandes.
‘The Awakening’ tackles the theme of apathy, illuminating society's indifference towards critical environmental issues. The film, featuring Rameez Shaikh, boasts a talented crew: Numair Khan as writer and cinematographer, Sharvi Dhond as producer, Cyrus Fernandes as music producer and actor, Varun Kashyap as editor, and actress Siya Chodanker. Its powerful message underscores the urgent need for action to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
‘Echoes of the Earth’, directed by Abin Francis, addresses the pressing need for a healthier climate amid rising deforestation and pollution. Initially envisioned as a short film or documentary, it evolved into a striking music video with contributions from assistant director Moses Moraes and music composer Bankhraw Savio, alongside their team from Don Bosco Loutulim. The production was significantly supported by Boskon Studio in Panjim.
‘A Wish for a Change’, created by Prathit Fernandes, draws inspiration from Don Bosco's vision, aiming to craft something beautiful that reflects the students' aspirations for a better world. This film also earned recognition as a South Asia Regional Winner.
The theme of the Don Bosco Global Film Festival 2024 was ‘I Have A Dream: Youth and Climate Change - Making Mother Earth Cleaner and Greener’. The festival received an impressive 1,287 submissions from 136 countries, ultimately selecting 120 films for the grand finale in the USA. The films were simultaneously screened at various Don Bosco institutions around the world. The recognition of these three remarkable films not only highlights the talent of Goan youth but also enhances Goa's presence on the global cinematic stage.