This collaboration opens our neighborhood as a place to learn, not just observe. Students from Dhurakij Pundit University experienced Mahanak through real stories, real people, and real life, so understanding comes from being there, not just reading about it. Working with the Faculty of Communication Arts, we invited students to step into the community, speak with residents, and turn what they discovered into their own stories. For DPU, this reflects a hands-on approach to learning, giving students real-world experience while building storytelling skills, confidence, and the ability to engage with diverse communities.

Through this project, students explored Mahanak on the ground, observing daily life, shaping their own perspectives, and producing short films within a two-month timeframe. It wasn’t easy, especially in a multicultural setting where sensitivity matters, but they approached it with care. On 22 January 2026, the final screening brought the works together, with top awards going to Team Simakka Samakkhi, Team Documentary 5 No, and Team Dress to Impress. For us, this is not only about the final videos, but the process. It builds connections between students, universities, and the community, while allowing Mahanak to be seen through new eyes.