Jerome Berglund (italic)
Christina Chin (plain)
old station
ants around my loafers
at liberty
a familiar stomp
of tap dance
heat and sweat
under the parasol
coconut water
vegetable truck
running interference
running stream
the shrills of naked
native boys
monitoring
the icebox
mowing grass
with a reel mower
helping a friend
relentless positivity
as praxis
the odds
of being part of
the film noir era
silent movies
and the tramp
A bridge between two major Californian film festivals and one of the most prestigious Italian film festivals
The fact of creating a bridge between overseas film festivals (California – Italy) is loved by filmmakers and is giving important results about their sustainability.
Two films in particular are the leaders of this bridge between vesuviusfilmfestival.com directed by Arch. Giovanna D’Amodio, the LA Tribune FF https://latribunefilmfestival.com/ president Dr. Emily Letran copresident Joanna Zhang, vice president Elizabeth Nguyen, the SF New Concept FF https://www.sfnewfilms.com/ president Joanna Zhang, vice president Elizabeth Nguyen.
Here are the two films connected between the three festivals: https://www.kamilahthemiracle.com by Angela Alioto, narrated by global star Joe Mantegna https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Mantegna and the short film “Anita” directorial debut of the famous composer and flautist Maestro Andrea Ceccomori with his original music, starring Wardal https://www.perplexity.ai/search/dc1b6c8f-95e5-4a57-94d8-90436abd44d2 “Anita” EN version https://youtu.be/qFqrswzoCTk?si=YyUdEuQmozR160lU
“Anita” Italian version, Portuguese subtitles
https://www.thetimesinternational.com/?p=165312
The three festivals embrace important areas: the LA Tribune FF partner of the prestigious newspaper https://thelosangelestribune.com/ embraces the Los Angeles area world leader in cinema. The SF New concept FF takes place in the Herbst Theatre, one of the most prestigious theatres in the world.
The Vesuvius Film Festival embraces one of the most famous archaeological areas in the world: Pompeii and Herculaneum, but extends to the entire Campania region, to its very important capital Naples and to the island of Capri, half of the International Jet Set. The Vesuvius FF is a partner with the Vesuvius National Park Authority, president Raffaele De Luca. ANILDD present in 17 countries, president Eng. Lino Marasco, is in cooperation with the Vesuvius FF which is focused on environmental protection and artistic and cultural innovation.
The film Kamilah the Miracle Filly fits perfectly with the objectives of the Vesuvius FF as it is based on the legend of the filly Kamilah whose life was saved, against the advice of all doctors by Angela Alioto and UC Davis and saving the life of the creatures of the planet means contributing to the balance of the environment.
The film “Anita” is based on the value of freedom, a value that certainly animates the defense of the environment. “Anita” is a tribute to the bridge between Italy and the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul which gives rise in October to an event of worldwide resonance in Brazil, in the aforementioned state, in the city of Garibaldi.
The film has the privilege of having the supreme patronage of Francesco Garibaldi Hibbert, descendant of the hero of the two worlds (Latin America – Italy) Giuseppe Garibaldi. It is scheduled a cooperation among Vesuvius FF , LA Tribune FF , SF New Concept FF and Egyptian FF , Saudi Arabia FF , Emirates FF , Qatar FF .
Raising Eco-Conscious Leaders: My Journey with the ʼʼEcoMarathon ʼʼProject
In a world grappling with climate change, pollution, and the degradation of nature, the importance of environmental awareness cannot be overstated. Among the many initiatives working toward a greener planet, the ʼʼEkoMarathonʼʼ stands out as a remarkable and impactful project that not only educates youth but also transforms them into active defenders of the environment. I am honored to have been part of this inspiring journey.
The EkoMarathon is the brainchild of the dynamic and visionary Xusayn Tursunboyev—a person who wears many prestigious titles and plays several key roles in the field of youth activism and environmental advocacy. He is a member of the Youth Parliament, part of the TOP 20 Eco-Activists, recipient of the Ulughbek State Scholarship, the first-ever laureate of the Nature Protector Award, mentor-trainer at @uva_uz, Chairman of the Youth Ecologists Council (@yoshekologlar), and founder of the @ekonuruz and its flagship initiative, the ʼʼEkoMarafonʼʼ.
Launched in 2023 by the ECONUR team, the project has already completed ten successful seasons, growing in impact and recognition with each passing year. It is designed not only to equip young people with theoretical knowledge about ecology but also to guide them in putting that knowledge into practice. The project instills responsibility, awakens love for nature, and creates a ripple effect by encouraging participants to initiate their own environmental efforts within their communities.
My First Step Into a Green Future
I became part of this movement during its 7th season, and currently, I am proud to be participating in the 10th season as well. Thousands of young people apply for each season of the marathon, yet only 150 delegates are carefully selected based on merit, commitment, and potential to make a difference. The competitive nature of the selection process itself speaks volumes about the credibility and seriousness of the project.
Participating in the 7th season was a turning point in my life. Before that, I had a general interest in nature, but the EcoMarathon deepened my understanding and strengthened my emotional connection to the environment. It turned my curiosity into a calling. As a result, I not only became more environmentally responsible in my daily life but also took the initiative to create my own project called EkoZakovat, which focuses on ecological knowledge and awareness through educational games and challenges.
What Makes the EcoMarathon Unique
The EcoMarathon is structured as a 3-day program. Though it is technically an online project, the actual activities and assignments are performed offline by the participants, ensuring practical engagement. Delegates are divided into teams, each supervised by coordinators who monitor progress, ensure participation, and maintain discipline throughout the program.
Despite the online nature of coordination, the atmosphere is incredibly vibrant and unifying. In just three days, strangers from different corners of the country become like a family—sharing experiences, solving real-life ecological challenges, and motivating each other to do better. One of the most admirable features of the project is its balance between strong discipline and a supportive environment. Delegates who do not fulfill their responsibilities are respectfully removed, maintaining the quality and seriousness of the marathon.
The sessions include hands-on ecological training, creative challenges, recycling activities, awareness campaigns, and much more. The training sessions are delivered by environmental experts and mentors who offer valuable insights into various ecological issues and solutions. Each day of the marathon is carefully planned to be meaningful, motivational, and memorable.
EcoMarathon’s Deeper Impact
The EcoMarathon is not just about cleaning up parks or planting trees—it is about changing mindsets. It encourages participants to see the environment not as a separate entity, but as an extension of themselves. It teaches us that every small action, from using reusable bags to conserving water, can have a meaningful impact if multiplied across society.
Moreover, the project fosters leadership, communication, teamwork, and time management skills. Delegates learn to handle pressure, cooperate with people from diverse backgrounds, and take ownership of responsibilities. These are life-long skills that serve well beyond the ecological context.
The ripple effect is truly visible—many former participants have gone on to lead their own eco-initiatives, conduct local training sessions, and become influential voices in their communities for sustainable living.
My Personal Growth Through the Project
Looking back, I can confidently say that being a part of the EcoMarathon helped shape who I am today. It was not just a program I attended—it was a transformational experience. It changed my perspective on life, strengthened my belief in youth power, and most importantly, showed me that even a single individual can contribute to global change.
I still remember how nervous I was before my first season. But within the first day, I realized I was in a space where everyone shared the same dream—a greener, cleaner, and more conscious world. That sense of unity, shared purpose, and boundless energy still motivates me today.
After my 7th season, I continued to stay active in ecological work. I volunteered for other environmental events, helped organize eco-quizzes, and even mentored younger students who were interested in environmental protection. I now feel a sense of responsibility not only to nature but to future generations.
The Power of Youth and the Road Ahead
The EcoMarathon proves that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today. When given the right guidance, tools, and opportunities, they are capable of tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Projects like the EcoMarathon are essential in building this bridge between knowledge and action.
As the 10th season continues, the dream is to expand the program even further—to reach more young people, create more awareness, and amplify the impact. The organizers hope to one day involve hundreds, if not thousands, of delegates per season, bringing ecological education into the mainstream of youth development.
I deeply support this vision. I believe that if every young person could go through an experience like the EcoMarathon, we would be living in a vastly different world—one where empathy for the planet is a natural part of our daily decisions.
Final Reflections
In conclusion, the ʼʼEkoMarathonʼʼ is more than just a project; it is a movement. A movement that brings together knowledge, action, and emotion in the most powerful way. It awakens the inner environmentalist in each participant and empowers them to carry that fire into the real world. For me, it wasn’t just a season of training—it was the season where I found purpose.
I am grateful to Xusayn Tursunboyev and the ECONUR team for their relentless efforts, their belief in youth, and their dedication to making this world a better place. The EcoMarathon is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose, and when young hearts come together for a common cause.
As I continue on my own journey of environmental activism, I carry with me the lessons, memories, and friendships built during the EcoMarathon. I hope my story inspires others to participate, to care, and most importantly—to act.
Because the future of our planet begins with the choices we make today.
Surayyo Nosirova Elyor qizi was born on May 13, 2006, in the Narpay district of the Samarkand region, Uzbekistan. From an early age, she showed a deep interest in literature, languages, and creative expression. Her passion for learning and writing became evident during her school years, where she actively participated in various academic, literary, and cultural activities. Currently, Surayyo is a first-year student at the Uzbekistan State University of World Languages, specializing in English Philology and Teaching. She is known for her strong academic performance and her dedication to mastering the English language. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom—she is the author of three published books: Heartfelt Thoughts, Voices in Writing, and Beyond Words: Mastering English. Each of these works reflects her insights into language learning, writing skills, and the emotional depth of student life. In addition to her books, Surayyo has written numerous articles.
From the Northeast
When the wind
And rain shift,
Push abruptly
From the northeast,
Blow whistling through
My attic window,
Snatches my hat,
A schoolyard bully,
And all the starlings
Are vexed, skittish,
I do not comprehend,
I am confused by the turn,
My routine up-ended
(a precarious wont as it is).
To evade apprehension
And a sound pelting,
I’m required to tilt,
Bend my head in
A diffident incline,
An unaccustomed direction.
Neither Memo Nor Miro
Everything everywhere frozen,
Thawed and frozen again,
Over standing, brackish water,
Inconsequential configurations,
Curvilinear spirals of ice,
I admire, I’m mesmerized by
These designs and look longer
And longingly at the ditch,
Longingly at a simple beauty,
Longer than at oh-so-significant
Office memoranda, busy, busy
Strategies, missions, implementations.
No, these meandering forms
Are priceless museum Miros,
Studied, revered, emulated.
And no, quietly apparent, this
Scene is neither memo nor Miro.
An Ordinary Saturday Night
Four beers in
On an ordinary Saturday night
And he’s doing internet research
On why dogs
Sit on people’s chests,
He can’t believe that his London
Has been gone
For more than two years.
Taylor Dibbert is a poet in Washington, DC. He’s author of, most recently, “Takoma.”
理性
是否每个人心中的指挥官
总是指向清晰的正义之路，
仅由无形的良知北极星所指引？
有时，自私的黑色磁石
牵引着指挥官冷静的目光，
引他走向扭曲的十字路口；
有时，仇恨与嫉妒的绯红迷雾
遮蔽了指挥官清澈的双眼。
在我的大学时代，
当疾病如烈焰般爆发，
我多次跨过黑暗的门槛；
抑郁的惊涛骇浪
将指挥官推下无尽的悬崖。
啊，神圣的造物主，
愿你所立的这位静默船长的心
永远如夜空的星辰一般闪耀，
不被病态自我的黑暗玷污划伤。
在生命的狂风暴雨中，
将他牢牢锚定在正义的基石上。
Reason
Does the commander in everyone’s heart
Always point to a clear and righteous path,
Solely guided by the invisible North Star of conscience?
At times, the black magnet of selfishness
Draws the commander’s calm gaze,
Leading him down twisted crossroads.
At times, the crimson mist of hatred and envy
Clouds the commander’s clear eyes.
During my college years,
When the disease flared like a fierce flame,
I crossed the threshold of darkness many times;
The fierce waves of depression
Pushed the commander off the endless cliff.
O divine architect,
Let the heart of this quiet captain You have established
Always shine like the stars of the night sky,
Untainted and unscarred by the darkness of a sickened self.
In the fierce storms of life,
Secure him firmly to the anchor of justice.
Wansoo Kim (1954) achieved Ph. D. in English Literature from the graduate school of Hanguk University of Foreign Studies. He has published eight poetry books. One poetry book, “Duel among a middle-aged fox, a wild dog and a deer” was a bestseller in 2012. He won the World Peace Literature Prize for Poetry Research and Recitation, presented in New York City at the 5th World Congress of Poets(2004). He published poetry books, “Prescription of Civilization” and “Flowers of Thankfulness“ in America.(2019), received Geum-Chan Hwang Poetry Literature Prize in Korea(2019) and International Indian Award(literature) from WEWU(World English Writer’s Union)(2019). He published “Heart of God” in America(2020). He published an autobiography book, “Secrets and Fruits of Mission” and a poetry book, “Flowers of Gratitude”(2021). He received India’s Independence Day Literary Honors 2021”(2021). He published the Chinese version of his ebook, “Heart of God,” which reached Amazon bestseller #1(2022). He published poetry books, “Captive of Crazy Love.”(2023) and “Teachings of Mother Nature(2024).
