Inspiring short films that present modern heroes, people or groups of people who are already having a positive impact in the world and in the lives of others. Films that contribute, through their modern and engaging style, by suggesting ways to improve the human environment in which we live. Audiovisual expressions of the concerns of young people, by young people, for young people and all those who dream of a world of justice and peace.

Here is the result of the “Four Dreams” film competition that was launched jointly by the IAJU, the International Association of Jesuit Universities, and the General Curia of the Society of Jesus in Rome in October 2021. Students from Jesuit higher education institutions around the world were invited to participate. Their films were to highlight one of the four themes - are they dreams or are they becoming reality? - that guide the overall commitments of Jesuits and their partners during the decade 2019-2029. These are:

• Showing the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and discernment;
• Walking with the poor, the outcasts of the world, those whose dignity has been violated, in a mission of reconciliation and justice;
• Accompanying young people in the creation of a hope-filled future;
• Collaborating in the care of our Common Home.

The 23-member jury from all continents received 60 films from 24 countries.

At the IAJU General Assembly in Boston on 4 August 2022, the five winners of the competition were announced, one winner for each of the orientations mentioned here and one Grand Prize.

To see the winning films in each category and also the twenty or so films recognized for their outstanding quality in the “special selection” category, go to the competition website: fourdreamscontest.org

Dreaming in a Destroyed Country

By Ziad Tannouri
Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon