The Department of Journalism, Media, and Communication (JMC) at Daffodil International University (DIU) hosted two days of exciting events that culminated in the triumphant conclusion of the first Community Digital Storytelling Festival (CDSTF) in Daffodil Smart City in Bangladesh. 39 films from nine different nations were selected from 106 applications to be screened at the festival on February 16 and 17.

The closing session, held on Saturday, featured special screenings and parallel sessions, highlighting films from the 'Journalism Category', 'DIU Best Community Stories', and the 'One Minute Category'. Distinguished guests attended the event, including Prof Dr Liza Sharmin, Dean of FHSS, who delivered a speech on the importance of digital storytelling, applauding participants for their contributions.

Dr Mofakhherul Iqbal, Project Director of Bangladesh Film Archive, served as the chief guest on the final day, introducing a documentary on the role of foreign media during the Liberation War in 1971. Professor Dr Golam Rahman, Editor of daily Ajker Patrika and Advisor of the JMC Department, DIU, extended gratitude during the vote of thanks.

Anindo Banerjee, Head of Content at Chorki, lauded the festival's mission on the first day, emphasizing the importance of uncovering hidden stories. Awards were presented to winners, with Ayub Uddin Shihab clinching the one-minute category, Mohammad Sheikh receiving the DIU Best Digital Story award, and Mithun Majumdar and Rabita Khandaker excelling in the Journalism category.

The festival's first day also featured the screening of 'Gawe ka Padi', a documentary directed by Australian filmmaker-researcher Max Schleser. Schleser joined virtually to engage with the audience. Selected films from the 'Independent Category' were also showcased on the same day.