Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival to be held in Manhattan for the first time, local youth encouraged to attend free event on Oct. 18th. 

Screening to feature youth films from across the globe reflecting on the theme of climate change and positive action 
 
NOTABLE GUESTS WHO WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE 

Keynote speaker Christine Arena, founder of Generous Films 
 Academy Award winner Cottalango Leon of Sony Pictures 

Jeremy Earnest, Los Angeles composer and multi-instrumentalist on hand to screen winning films live

ABOUT THE EVENT 

WHAT: Third annual 2024 Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF 2024) grand finale to highlight creativity of young filmmakers (ages 14-25) from around the globe through original, short films about how to take positive action to combat climate change. 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Youth ages 14 to 25 and those who want to celebrate young filmmakers 

OTHER GUESTS IN ATTENDANCE: Father Pakkam Michael Harris, DBGYFF festival director; Father Hugo Oroszco, Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) Regional Councillor Inter America; Father Dominic Danh Cong Tran, SDB, Provincial of USA East and Canada and Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. 

FREE REGISTRATION: General admission tickets are free but should be reserved online through Sheen Center’s website at sheencenter.org. Seating is limited and reservations are first-come, first-served. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance. 

WHY: The Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival is an inspiring platform for young filmmakers worldwide, which aims to educate and empower under the 2024 theme “I HAVE A DREAM,” in the context of Youth & Climate Change - Making Mother Earth Cleaner & Greener. Films will be screened Oct. 17-18 at educational centers in 300 locations – in 60 countries – worldwide (locations listed on the DBGYFF 2024 official website during the week of Oct. 7), and global winners will be announced live during the grand finale at the Loreto Theater.  

FILM FESTIVAL DETAILS 
Films will feature how youth perceive the urgent need for environmental protection and will reflect on climate change and positive action, global environmental challenges and how to address them. The film festival’s goal is to motivate young people to take ownership of mother earth with a sense of responsibility and to discuss and encourage critical thinking among young viewers. 

Local implementation support for this special event has been provided by Salesian Missions USA, which is headquartered in New Rochelle, NY. 

What is the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF)? 
DBGYFF is indeed the first of its kind, a world-class festival platform offered for young filmmakers to express their talents and contribute to the common good. This two-day festival will take place in almost 136 countries in multiple locations with forums and meet-ups, featuring new and established voices. DBGYFF ignites the spirits of the youth, fostering positivity. This inspiration empowers them to dream of a better world and actively work to bring that vision to life. 

Who are the Salesians of Don Bosco? 
Don Bosco is a global network with its operations in over 130 countries, with nearly 30,000 local institutions worldwide reaching out to the poor and marginalized youth in their communities and offering a variety of services for children and families in need, regardless of religious affiliation. The work is carried out by nearly 30,000 Priests, Brothers, Sisters and novices serving in the spirit of our founder, Don Bosco, an Italian Catholic priest who devoted his life to fulfilling the needs of orphans and vulnerable children. These Salesian missionaries work and live within the communities they serve—many located in the poorest places on the planet. They are a beacon to young people around the globe. In addition to youth centers and shelters for homeless youth, the Salesians operate schools, job training centers and colleges in places that otherwise would not have educational opportunities for youth. Since its origin in 1859, the Salesians of Don Bosco has become the second largest order in the Catholic Church. Salesian Missions is the U.S. fundraising arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Learn more at SalesianMissions.org. 

Venue: Sheen Center for Thought and Culture

18 Bleecker Street Map
908-406-3413