TEEN MINISTRY TO FILM INDUSTRY | KAIROS GLOBAL | MAY 2021

Author: SUNESH SEBASTIAN

Intro: Film editor, Sunesh Sebastian writes about how he was led to media as a profession, through the movement.

As a member of a Catholic family, I was instilled with the values of faith and prayer from childhood. I was an active member of my school prayer group. I was introduced to Jesus Youth in 1998. Today's Teen Ministry was known as the +2 (plus two) ministry in those days. I was a member of its zonal team and the Kerala team. We were looking for ways to share Christ most effectively among teenagers. We understood new media, especially visuals, were a major means to attract youngsters to Jesus. The Joy Conference conducted for +1 students was one of the major annual programmes of the ministry. 

Initially these were held at Divine Retreat Centre in Muringoor, Kerala. We started using new media in these conferences. Programmes were presented using PowerPoint and short videos. We also made show reels with shots taken from various foreign films. I started focusing on media fully from the 2005 National Conference held in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. While organising the Kerala Conference in 2006, we started thinking about ways to bring people in media together to use their talents for the Kingdom of God. Following our efforts, 20 media persons attended the conference. This helped us harness the power of the media more effectively. Later, media was extensively used in the South Asian Conferences and Asian Conferences.  I was introduced to the field of media through these programmes. 

If I am a Film editor today, it's only by the grace of God. My life is a testament of how God blesses those who spend their time and energy for his glory. I am one such blessed JY. I've worked as an assistant editor in 30 films and worked as the editor of 10 films. I was able to work in over 100 documentaries and over 100 music videos. I've also worked for major brands like ITC, Mahindra, Lulu, Malayala Manorama, Dhathri, Kitchen Treasures, Savlon and Hero. I have been associated with Rex Band since 2009 and I see it as a great blessing. Apart from these, I also work as a technical consultant for various TV and web channels. Even today, I am guided by the formation instilled in me by Jesus Youth. I only start a project after Confession and receiving Holy Communion. It gives me the strength to work tension-free. I always surrender my projects to the Lord during family prayer. In my experience, personal prayer gives the energy one needs for a day. Daily personal prayer helps me overcome all challenges.

In film industry, the role of the editor comes next to that of a director. This is an immense responsibility and the job is hectic. There are days when I've worked for 20 hours continuously. God's grace is essential to go ahead in those circumstances. I can recall many instances where our Holy Mother Mary guided me. It's natural to be concerned about the reception of the final output of films and other projects. Will people like the version I did is a nagging worry. Once I was editing a song in a film. All through I was confused whether my work would be accepted and should I work on a new angle. At times I feared whether I would be able to finish the work in time. I turned to Mother Mary for help. I surrendered myself, my work, the whole crew and artists completely and prayed. Finally, the work was done. The director, producers and cinematographer came to see the preview. I continued praying in my heart. After the preview all of them appreciated my work. Mother Mary interceded for me. And I trust her to continue all through my life.

I was blessed to be the editor of the film Kolumuttayi, which bagged the 2016 state award for Best Children’s Film. I was also the editor of the Syro-Malabar Church's special documentary Marggam (The Way).

Cinema industry offers the chance to work with hundreds of people. Each unique in their own ways. I believe it's my calling to be an example by following the JY lifestyle. This lifestyle helps me to be cordial, friendly towards one and all. I always try to be in the presence of the Lord. I try my best to attend Holy Mass even when I am at various shooting locations. I have been blessed with a wonderful family. My wife Tintu was a full-timer in the 15th batch. We are blessed with two children, Cicilyn Claire and Ivan Mario.