Thailand – DBGYFF 2024: Inspiring Young Filmmakers for a Greener Future
The Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF) 2024 left a profound impact in Thailand with screenings held across multiple venues, creating a shared experience that united young filmmakers, educators, and community leaders around themes of environmental awareness and social responsibility. During the screenings, local filmmakers were recognized and honored for their participation and achievements. Focused on this year’s inspiring theme, “I Have a Dream: Youth and Climate Change – Making Mother Earth Cleaner and Greener,” the festival introduced youth from diverse backgrounds to the powerful role they can play in addressing global issues through cinema.
Approximately 200 students attended the screening at Phramaemary Sathupradit School in Bangkok on October 24, where they experienced the impact of numerous films. Among these, Dream?, directed by Mr. Varat Pong-on, stood out, leaving a particularly strong impression on the audience. At Sarasit Phithayalai School in Ratchaburi, 189 participants, including students, educators, and members of the Salesian community, engaged in meaningful discussions on sustainable practices inspired by films such as Journey Home by local filmmaker Mr. Thanayu Kanumnuay. Meanwhile, adult attendees at Bann Pornpatcharaniramol in Ratchaburi reflected on the themes presented, considering actionable steps they could take to contribute to ecological preservation.
Niramonchumphon School in Chumphon hosted the largest gathering, with over 1,600 attendees, including 1,550 students, eager to watch films like Fantastic World, Change, and E-Receipt, created by local filmmakers Miss Kamonphon Chimrakhang, Miss Benyapa Nakneam, and Miss Onpriya Phanatsanahi. These films inspired the audience to adopt sustainable habits like recycling, reducing plastic use, and opting for alternative energy, emphasizing the power of individual actions in making a positive impact on the environment.
At Saengthong Vitthaya School in Hatyai, the festival celebrated the achievements of young filmmakers and fostered a collaborative spirit among the 350 attendees, who were motivated by the films screened. The engaging Q&A session allowed budding filmmakers to learn from peers about storytelling and the technical aspects of film production, inspiring them to explore their creative potential.
At the Provincial House in Bangkok, 80 attendees, including members of the Salesian community, watched various films, particularly the award-winning animation Waste Whisper by Mr. Chitsanupong Laokawong. This event fostered discussions on waste management and personal responsibility for ecological preservation. Each venue’s audience expressed deep appreciation for the storytelling and impactful messages of the films, with students leaving motivated to take meaningful actions for environmental preservation in their daily lives.
The screenings across Thai venues highlighted DBGYFF’s global impact and how it united young participants around a common cause. This festival introduced youth to the art of film as a tool for social change, emphasizing that cinema can drive action by encouraging viewers to reflect on their own roles in making the world a better place. DBGYFF 2024 in Thailand was not only a showcase of young talent but also a catalyst for environmental responsibility. Through these shared experiences, the festival has created a lasting impact, inspiring a generation of youth dedicated to preserving and protecting our planet.