I would like to clarify that before posting this 'story' I asked for the parents' permission, as it is about a minor. For those who have been following me, you know that I have so far presented to you profiles and stories of former jurors who are now adults and successful, or at least emerging, professionals in all all walks of life including the arts. This is the first time I have presented a 12 year old. His name's Francesco and has been a juror at the Giffoni Film Festival for 6 years. A few days ago he sent me the message that I am about to unveil to you below. The story in brief is that, together with his school, he has been promoting films. I was particularly impressed by the young boys great initiative and his willpower which makes him go ahead despite the challenges of connecting the dots... I know only too well how hard it might be for a young kid to find the location, films, screening, amplification even guests in a small town. He's only 12 but has won everyone's heart and convinced them to believe in his project. 

Dear Francesco, let me tell you something  I am sure you have had the support of your classmates, friends and teachers. We are proud of you and personally I am enthusiastic about your project. Keep up with the good work. Send our regards and words of encouragement to your school principal and all the teachers.

BELOW IS HIS MESSAGE: 

Good morning director, My name's  Francesco and I live in a small town at the foot of  the Mount Vesuvius.I have been an 'Elements' juror for 6 years in  the sections +6 e +10. I feel I have grown up with Giffoni and have learned to appreciate film and all its fantastic world thanks to you. With my Italian teacher we have decided to organize a film forum called CINEAMIAMO, it is about film from the Twentieth Century from the two world wars onwards. I am sure you may understand my great joy!!! It is just a small initiative which could help bring young people closer to film with their families. We have been screening the films in an old cinema in my town, the projector was lent to us by the Art School and some of the parents helped us with the speakers and the amplification. We had some problems at the beginning, it wasn't an immediate success but we decided to continue and the more we do screenings (overall we will be screening 8 films) the more we believe in this project. We have even started to host some guests to talk about the various themes from the films and there is a growing enthusiasm.
I have met you at the Festival and appreciated how you can relate to  young people like me, making us feel like the real protagonists but first and foremost telling us we must always believe in ourselves. This is why I have decided to write to you. It will probably go unread as I am aware you have so many things to think of and must have a very busy schedule in order to make our festival even bigger. Nonetheless should you find a minute of your time could you please send us, I don't know, maybe a message or a note or anything you see fit so that we feel our initiative though small is to be praised and encouraged? A small sign from you would  mean the world for us. I hope to meet you again in Giffoni this year in the meantime the kindest regards and respect... (What Shall I do? Shall I send this or not? ... I am closing my eyes and ...)