Online Desk: The maiden edition of Community Digital Storytelling Festival (CDSTF) concluded on Saturday at the Daffodil Smart City successfully.

The two-day event was held on the 16th and 17th of February by the Daffodil International University (DIU)’s Department of Journalism, Media, and Communication (JMC), showcasing 39 films from nine countries out of 106 submissions.

After its successful opening on Friday, the festival concluded on Saturday with the closing session, featuring special screenings amid the presence of distinguished guests, and enlightening parallel sessions.

Films were screened from three of the four categories — ‘Journalism Category’, ‘DIU Best Community Stories’ and the ‘One Minute Category’ — on the closing day, at the International Conference Room, Knowledge Tower, Daffodil Smart City.

During the event, the Dean of FHSS, Prof Dr Liza Sharmin, graced the occasion as a special guest and delivered a speech on the significance of digital storytelling. She complimented the participants for their efforts and contribution towards making the festival a success.

The second day ended with the Project Director of Bangladesh Film Archive, Dr Mofakhherul Iqbal, as the chief guest, who introduced a documentary on the role of foreign media in the Liberation War back in 1971.

Professor Dr Golam Rahman, the Editor of daily Ajker Patrika and Advisor of the Department of Journalism, Media and Communication, DIU delivered the vote of thanks.

On the first day of the festival, Anindo Banerjee, Head of Content, Chorki, graced the occasion as a special guest and expressed appreciation towards the event stating, “There are hidden stories all around us that need to be spoken, and CDSTF is doing that, doing their social responsibilities properly.”

Ayub Uddin Shihab won in the one-minute category, while Mohammad Sheikh took home the DIU Best Digital Story award. Additionally, Mithun Majumdar and Rabita Khandaker shone in the Journalism category.

Moreover, a special documentary titled ‘Gawe ka Padi’ was shown on the first day of the event, directed by the Australian filmmaker-researcher Max Schleser, who joined virtually to answer questions regarding the film. Selected films in the ‘Independent Category’ were also screened on the same day.