On January 18, the TOKORO Yasuhiro seminar group, School of Commerce, hosted a citizen-participation SDGs film festival, The 2nd Latin American and Caribbean Films for “Future”: Exploring the SDGs through Latin American and Caribbean films, and a workshop on multicultural symbiosis and intercultural understanding titled, "What's the world beyond the sea like? Multicultural Latin America tour for all," at Global Front, Surugadai Campus.
The film festival began amid the lively atmosphere of a packed venue, with speeches from the guests: Shinichi Sato, director of the Mexico, Central and Caribbean Division (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), María Torillo, Cultural Attache (Embassy of Mexico), Gustavo Makanaky Córdoba, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and Pablo Cardona, Third Secretary (Embassy of Colombia), and María Elena Moreira, Minister-counsellor (Embassy of Ecuador). When the speakers expressed gratitude for showcasing their country's films and shared their vision of the future, where cultural exchange between Japan and Latin American countries flourishes, the audience responded with warm applause.
María Elena Moreira, Minister-counsellor at the Embassy of Ecuador, delivering a greeting and introducing the film
Three films, with intriguing stories from Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador, were shown at the event. These films were recognized for winning international film awards or being created in collaboration with UN Women. Viewers’ comments include, "The three films from different countries, each with unique content, gave me a fresh perspective." and “I am grateful for this rare opportunity to watch a Columbian film. The brave women featured in the film truly inspired me." With more than 300 visitors, the festival was an event that left a deep impression on many.
Commemorative photo with Gustavo Makanaky Córdoba (center), Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary at Embassy of Colombia
Simultaneously, the workshop on multicultural symbiosis and intercultural understanding was held, where students of Meiji University and Tsuchiura Nihon University Secondary School hosted fun activities, in cooperation with a non-profit organization, LITTLE ARTISTS LEAGUE, teaching children about the attractions of Latin American and Caribbean countries. Many children took part in the event. Through activities such as quiz competitions and flag coloring, they learned more about these regions and discovered new interests and curiosities.
The event also featured fair trade organic coffee from Oaxaca, the southern state of Mexico. Sales revenue will be donated to Las Patronas, a Veracruz-based migrant support group
The festival and the workshop demonstrated that a global perspective is crucial in identifying and addressing social challenges to achieve the SDGs. These events offered meaningful experiences to many, serving as an opportunity to share the importance of mutual understanding fostered through international exchange in culture and the arts.