The first-ever two-day event, The Community Digital Storytelling Festival, CDSTF, held on the 16th and 17th of February at the Daffodil Smart City with great success. The festival concluded with the “Closing Session,” featuring special screenings, guests, and enlightening parallel sessions.
Md Meherabul Haque, one of the CDSTF instructors, commenced the second day with a motivational opening statement and a quote from the renowned Mr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, encouraging all participants to push themselves every day. Thereafter, the remaining categories, such as the “Journalism Category,” “DIU Best Community Stories” and the “One Minute Category” were screened 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 Independence 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, Mr. 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 wins in the one-minute category, while Mohammad Sheikh takes home the DIU Best Digital Story award. Additionally, Mithun Majumdar and Rabita Khandaker shine in the Journalism category.
Moreover, a special documentary titled ‘Gawe ka Padi’ was shown on the first day of the event. The director of the film, Mr. Max Schleser, joined virtually to answer questions regarding the film. Selected films in the “Independent Category” were also screened on the same day.
