Bangkok honors Catholic Association of Thailand as first prize winner of RVA Laudato Si’ short film contest

The Archdiocese of Bangkok held a ceremony at The Pud English Garden, eastern Bangkok, on March 3 to honor the Catholic Association of Thailand, which won first prize in the Laudato Si’ Short Film Contest organized by Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), recognizing its contribution to promoting ecological awareness through creative media.

Among those present at the event were Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand; Fr. John Mi Shen, Executive Secretary of the FABC Office of Social Communication and Program Director of Radio Veritas Asia; Dr. Sirina Pawarolarvithaya, former vice-chairperson of the Senate Committee on Religion, Morality, Ethics, Arts and Culture; and other Church and civic leaders.

The Catholic Association of Thailand’s short film, “Love in Action,” was declared the top winner in the RVA-hosted international contest commemorating the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on care for our common home. The winning entry received a cash prize of US$1,000, along with a certificate and trophy.

The contest, organized by RVA as part of its yearlong Laudato Si’ campaign, drew more than 80 entries from various communities and countries across Asia and beyond. Organizers described the strong participation as a concrete expression of commitment from filmmakers, families, and young communicators who used storytelling to highlight ecological responsibility.

The winners were first announced during an online ceremony on January 25.

The film “Love in Action” was directed and produced by the Pik family on behalf of the Catholic Association of Thailand, with Arunakorn Pik portraying the son, Nehowa Pik as the father, and Patcharawadee Pik as the mother. The short film centers on a simple family conversation about rising temperatures. What begins as a child’s question about the hot weather gradually unfolds into a reflection on environmental responsibility and the role of families in caring for creation.

In his address, Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana said the gathering was “not merely about presenting awards” but “a sign of hope.”

“It is a symbol that many people have not ignored the cry of the Earth, but have chosen to listen and respond with love and responsibility,” the archbishop said.

Quoting the message of Laudato Si’, he reminded participants that the Earth is “our common home,” not a possession to exploit, but a gift to protect and pass on.

“True change does not begin with policy; it begins with a change of heart,” he said. “When our hearts change, our actions change. And when many of our actions change, our world begins to change.”

Fr. John Mi Shen highlighted the importance of communication in promoting ecological conversion.

“Behind every film, there was a story. Behind every story, there was a voice. And behind every voice, there was hope,” he said.

Referring to the winning entry, he noted that “Love in Action” embodied the spirit of Laudato Si’.

“Ecological conversion does not always begin with major global conferences; sometimes it begins at the dining table, in daily life, in the questions of a child,” he said.

Fr. Mi Shen added that communicators in Asia are called not only to transmit information but to be “builders of awareness, storytellers of hope, and bridges of dialogue.”

During the ceremony, Dr. Sirina Pawarolarvithaya expressed pride in initiatives that link morality, ethics, and environmental stewardship. She said projects promoting conservation are “an important starting point for cultivating awareness and inspiration within society” and form “the essential foundation for sustainable national development.”

The event also featured recognition of the broader “World Conservation Innovation Project,” which has encouraged youth and public participation in environmental advocacy through creative media. Over the years, the initiative has received more than 1,300 submissions nationwide, demonstrating growing engagement in ecological issues.

Organizers said the ceremony underscored the role of families, youth, and Church institutions in advancing Pope Francis’ call to care for creation.

As Fr. Mi Shen concluded, the title of the winning film captured the Christian vocation itself: “Love for creation must become action. Love for humanity must become responsibility. Love for God must become care for our common home.”