American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) inaugurated “BEYOND THE FRAME: Stories in Augmented Reality”, a three-day exhibition showcasing animation, augmented reality (AR), digital art and interactive storytelling by students of its Animation and Journalism Tracks on Aug 23. The exhibition, organised by the Animation Track of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC), is being held at AIUB, according to a press release.
The exhibition features AR experiences inspired by AIUB student organisations, as well as the landscapes, people and stories of Dhaka, alongside animation, digital art and interactive storytelling. Selected virtual reality (VR) and other technology-based demonstrations are also being showcased, with the exhibition highlighting JMC’s emphasis on hands-on learning, emerging media technologies and interdisciplinary creative practice.
The opening ceremony was attended by Nina P Cainglet, Ambassador of the Philippines to Bangladesh, as the Guest of Honour, along with Dr Hasanul A Hasan, Founder Member, Board of Trustees; Dr Carmen Z Lamagna, Member, Board of Trustees and Former Vice Chancellor of AIUB; Prof Dr Saiful Islam, Vice Chancellor of AIUB; and Professor Dr Tazul Islam, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).
Cainglet highlighted the growing importance of the creative industries and the Philippines’ contribution to the global animation sector. She said the Philippines had established itself as a trusted centre for animation, particularly in digital and interactive media, and referred to the country’s Philippine Creative Industries Development Act as an important framework for nurturing and strengthening the creative sector.
She expressed hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of more creative journeys and international collaborations between Bangladesh and the Philippines. Referring to her experience of living in Dhaka, she said she looked forward to seeing the city’s landscapes, people and everyday life presented through the creative perspectives of students at “BEYOND THE FRAME”.
Hasanul A Hasan, Founder Member of AIUB and Member of the Board of Trustees, emphasised the importance of embracing emerging academic disciplines and preparing students for new opportunities in a rapidly changing, creative and technology-driven economy.
Lamagna, Member of the Board of Trustees and Former Vice Chancellor of AIUB, highlighted the potential of the animation industry and informed the audience about AIUB’s forthcoming initiative to establish a new academic department focused on animation.
Rani Ellen V Ramos, Lecturer, Animation Track, JMC, welcomed the guests and participants and expressed appreciation to the university authorities, faculty members, students and collaborators for supporting the exhibition and creating a platform for young animators to present their work and explore new forms of storytelling.
In his closing remarks, Professor Dr Pradip Kumar Panday, Head of JMC, congratulated the students, faculty members and organisers for successfully bringing the exhibition to life.
Through its Animation Track, JMC encourages students to explore animation, AR, VR, digital storytelling and other innovative forms of communication while developing skills needed to participate in the expanding global creative economy.
Associate Dean Dr Faria Sultana; Professor Dr Pradip Kumar Panday, Head, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication; Professor Dr Manzur H Khan, Proctor; faculty members from JMC and other departments; administrative officials; advisers; guests; media representatives; and students were also present at the event.
