This year marks an important Ignatian Anniversary. It is 500 years since Ignatius of Loyola began his journey of discovery, seeking to find the best way to use his skills and talents in order to make an impact in the world. For Ignatius of Loyola, it was all about serving God and his fellow human beings, whatever their circumstance and wherever they are found.

The Society of Jesus has for the past five centuries attempted to walk in the footsteps of this great pilgrim and servant of others. Students of higher education institutions throughout the world are invited to do the same. They are called to become men and women with and for others.

Students in Jesuit universities and university colleges are encouraged to join the Jesuits as they seek to promote four themes. We call these four themes “Universal Apostolic Preferences” (UAPs) because they include our whole world (universal) and call us to live our lives in constructive and outward looking ways (apostolic). They were chosen because of their critical importance for building a more just and peaceful world.

Here they are:

• To show the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and discernment;
• To walk with the poor, the outcast of the world, those whose dignity has been violated, in a mission of reconciliation and justice;
• To accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future;
• To collaborate in the care of our Common Home.

Today, the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU), in collaboration with the General Curia in Rome, launches the “Four Dreams Jesuit Film Contest” an opportunity for students at Jesuit universities or university colleges globally to enlighten the world with their creativity, skills and production talents
We would like to know who, in the eyes of our students, is already making a difference in the world and the lives of others. That is, who is already a hero, making an impact in one of these four preferential fields. The challenge is for students to present one person or a group of persons and the contributions that they are making to improve our lives on this planet in a SHORT FILM.

Registration for students will open on Wednesday 3 November and all films must be submitted by 1 May 2022. Students can participate individually or in groups.

There will be one winner from each Universal Apostolic Preference and one overall contest winner, five winners in all. Winners will receive a monetary award – described in the contest rules – and their institution will receive a set of communications tools for their film and communications program. Winning films will be presented to Father General Arturo Sosa and the leaders of Jesuit universities on 3 August 2022 at the IAJU General Assembly that will take place at Boston College.

If, as a member of the educational team in a Jesuit institution, you are interested in learning more about this opportunity for your students, visit the contest website where you can find detailed information and rules. Contact person: Theresa Messmer (beca.tmessmer@uloyola.es).