The 17th edition of the International Inter-University Short Film Festival (IIUSFF) is officially rolling out.

Organised by Dhaka University Film Society, the festival begins its nationwide campus screenings today at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University in Mymensingh.

Starting at 4pm in the university’s conference room, the opening event will project around 30 short films handpicked from the festival’s top 200 list. This year, the platform drew massive global interest, receiving 1,269 submissions from 92 different countries.

Operating under the slogan ‘Take Your Camera, Frame Your Dream’, the current edition introduces a highly relevant new category titled ‘Reels of Resistance’. This segment focuses on human rights, social justice, and collective resilience. 

To keep the event deeply rooted in local heritage, the organisers have chosen Baul Gaan as this year’s cultural theme, celebrating its core philosophy of pluralism and equality.

The festival is backed by UNDP Bangladesh and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka.

Since its launch in 2007, the IIUSFF has acted as a crucial bridge between local student talents and the global cinematic landscape.

Following today’s launch, the screenings will move to several other university campuses across the country before wrapping up with a three-day grand finale at the Teacher-Student Centre of Dhaka University from 21 to 23 September.