Manila: Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) marked a vibrant celebration of creativity and ecological consciousness by hosting an online event that combined the Laudato Si’ Care for Creation Short Film Contest Awards with the launch of a commemorative book, “Voices for Our Common Home”. The virtual gathering brought together filmmakers, Church communicators, environmental advocates, theologians, and bishops from across Asia.
The short film contest, initiated in early September 2025, was part of a year-long campaign commemorating the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’. Storytellers from Asia and beyond were invited to submit three-to-five-minute films showcasing the themes of ecological stewardship and the impact of Laudato si’ in their communities. Over 80 entries were received, and after careful evaluation, an international panel selected thirteen finalists, including ten consolation awardees and three top-prize winners.
In his welcome address, Fr. John Mi Shen, Programme Director of RVA and Executive Secretary of the Office of Social Communication of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC–OSC), highlighted that the event was more than a ceremony. “Through this contest, we have witnessed how young communicators across Asia respond creatively to the call for ecological conversion,” he said. “Their stories awaken conscience, nurture compassion, and inspire responsible action.”
Dr. Natasa Govekar of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication sent a congratulatory message, praising RVA for keeping the spirit of Laudato si’ alive in an age dominated by digital media and artificial intelligence. She reminded participants that humanity has a dual role: to protect creation and to be protected by it, cautioning against overreliance on screens that may distance people from nature, echoing the message of Pope Leo XIV’s World Communications Day.
A highlight of the event was the official launch of the commemorative book, “Voices for Our Common Home: Laudato Si’ in Asia”, by Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, President of Caritas Philippines. “The voices captured in this book testify to the transformative impact of Laudato si’ in Asia and remind us of the urgency to care for our common home,” he said. Bishop Alminaza emphasized that the Church cannot delay action in addressing the ecological crisis and hoped the book would inspire collective responsibility.
Archbishop Simon Poh of Kuching, Malaysia, Chairman of the Office of Evangelization, praised the young filmmakers as embodying the present spirit of the Church, contributing actively to the dialogue on creation care. He highlighted the importance of preserving and sharing ancestral ecological wisdom, a core concern of Laudato si’. Archbishop Poh also contributed an article to the commemorative volume.
The ceremony concluded with the announcement and screening of the top three films, with “Love in Action” from Thailand taking the first prize, announced by Fr. Felmar Fiel, General Manager of RVA. The winning filmmakers shared brief reflections on how Laudato Si’ inspired their work, expressing gratitude to RVA for the platform.
In his closing remarks, Fr. Fiel thanked filmmakers, judges, bishops, and contributors for their collaboration, ending the event with a prayer and blessing, entrusting the ecological mission of Asia to God.
The event showcased RVA’s ongoing commitment to amplifying Asian voices, promoting faith-based environmental stewardship, and keeping the legacy of Laudato si’ alive, a decade after Pope Francis called the global community to care for “our common home.”