Purposeful Filmmaking Equips Young Catholics for Short Film Festival
- Sheryll Extra-Isoaimo
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
“When the purpose is clear, the script can almost write itself,” said Ms Lucy Napitalai, facilitator at the fourth Media Education Seminar (MES), held on 8 August at the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
The fourth seminar built on the filmmaking skills developed during previous sessions, preparing students and teachers for the upcoming Short Film Festival scheduled for 17 October.
Participants from several Catholic schools attended the seminar, including MHCTVFC, St Joseph’s International Catholic College, La Salle Technical School, Don Bosco Technological Institute, De La Salle Secondary School, Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, Caritas Business College, Marianville Secondary School and Don Bosco Technical School.
The day began by acknowledging the presence of God. Mrs Sheryll Extra-Isoaimo then led participants in a reflection on the first encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas. The reflection was particularly relevant to this year’s Media Education Seminar theme, “Voices and Faces in an AI Age,” which explores the responsible use of artificial intelligence while safeguarding human dignity.
Participants were encouraged to reflect on how AI-assisted technology is being used in their daily lives and whether such technology helps them remain faithful to truth, supports their education, strengthens relationships and promotes peace and justice.
The seminar then moved into practical filmmaking sessions. Mr Leo Paraha revisited the fundamentals of video shots and the equipment required to produce a short film, giving participants a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of filmmaking.
Ms Lucy Napitalai followed with a session focusing on the importance of storytelling and scriptwriting. She reminded participants that a good film begins with a good story and a clear message. Despite the limited duration of a short film, she emphasised the importance of creating a message that can resonate meaningfully with the audience.
The participants then put their learning into practice.
Each school was challenged to produce a one-minute film. The students selected a topic, developed their story, prepared a script and storyboard, and then proceeded with filming and editing.
Working within a limited timeframe, the students demonstrated creativity, teamwork and commitment. They divided responsibilities among themselves and worked purposefully to complete their films.
By 2:00 pm, the schools were ready to present their films for viewing, feedback and discussion. Participants were encouraged to critique one another’s work constructively, creating an opportunity for learning and mutual encouragement.
Fr Ambrose Pereira, SDB, who spearheaded the Media Education Seminars, emphasised the importance of listening to one another and learning from each other’s experiences.
The fourth Media Education Seminar marks the conclusion of the MES sessions leading up to the Short Film Festival. The programme has provided young people with opportunities not only to develop media and filmmaking skills but also to reflect on how communication can be used responsibly in service of truth, human dignity and the common good.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to the school principals, management teams, teachers, students and all those who contributed their time, resources and energy to making the Media Education Seminar PNG 2026 a success.
Special appreciation was also extended to SIGNIS, Caritas PNG, media organisations, the Salesians of Don Bosco and the many other supporters who have encouraged and contributed to the MES project.
With the final seminar now completed, participants are looking forward to gathering again for the Short Film Festival on 17 October, where their creativity, skills and purposeful storytelling will take centre stage.
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