“Path of Hope” Wins Top Prize at National Short Film Competition in Bangalore

Bangalore, September 13, 2025 – The award-winning short film Path of Hope, created by deacons of St. Peter’s Seminary, Bangalore, secured first prize at the prestigious World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 Short Film Competition. The event was organised by the Medico-Pastoral Association in collaboration with the WAPR India Foundation.

Course Inspires Digital Missionaries

The film’s success traces back to the transformative Pastoral Social Communications course held at Sandesha Foundation, Mangaluru, from 11–16 August 2025. Guided by Fr. Sudeep Paul, MSFS, the intensive programme explored the theme “Communicating Faith in the Age of AI.” The course blended Church teachings on media with practical skills in media literacy, misinformation awareness, and AI-assisted content creation.

Twelve deacons actively participated in hands-on workshops, creative writing exercises with AI tools, digital storytelling, and real-world exposure to news media operations.

Short Film with a Message of Hope

One of the week’s highlights was the production of Path of Hope. Inspired by the Jubilee Year’s four pillars—Hope, Charity, Reconciliation, and Prayer—the film depicts a man’s journey from despair to renewal through compassion, prayer, and forgiveness.

Performed and produced by the deacons themselves, the short film struck a deep chord with judges and audiences alike, earning top honours in the national competition.

Empowering Faith with Modern Media

The course also encouraged other creative ventures, including a Jubilee-themed flipbook and AI-assisted projects. These initiatives demonstrated how digital tools can effectively serve faith-centred storytelling.

As part of their learning, the deacons visited media houses such as Daijiworld, Carmel Kiran Media, and Varthabharathi News. The visits offered a firsthand look at how AI is transforming journalism and content production.

Commitment to Digital Evangelisation

The programme concluded with a certificate ceremony, marking both academic achievement and a renewed commitment to digital evangelisation. For the participants, the success of Path of Hope stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith, creativity, and modern media.

The project not only showcased the deacons’ artistic potential but also highlighted their mission to carry the light of Christ into today’s digital spaces, where messages of hope and compassion are needed most.

“Path of Hope” Wins Top Prize at National Short Film Competition in Bangalore

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