General Information
Q: What is the main theme of DST-Zakynthos 2026?
A: The central theme for 2026 is "Community Resilience." We explore how digital stories help communities navigate disruption, preserve collective memory, and transform lived experience into shared strength.
Q: Where exactly will the festival take place?
A: The festival is hosted on the island of Zakynthos, Greece. Main venues include the "Foskolos" Multi-purpose Hall, the Municipal Theatre of Zakynthos, and the "O Zakynthos" Club.
Submissions & Categories
Q: How are the submitted stories categorized for the Festival?
A: There are three levels of inclusion:
- Accepted Stories (General Showcase): All stories that meet the technical and ethical criteria will be officially screened during the festival (Oct 2-4).
- Selected Stories (Thematic Panels): Ten (10) stories per theme will be selected by the Committee to be the focus of the Expert Discussion Panels.
- Awarded Stories: For each theme, the relevant Festival Committee will grant the Festival Award to one (1) focal story.
Q: What is the difference between a Digital Story and a Short Film?
A: Digital Stories are personal, first-person narratives characterized by the "creator’s truth." Unlike traditional short films, they emphasize the authentic voice of the storyteller and are typically the result of a Digital Storytelling process.
Q: Is there a limit to how many stories I can submit?
A: Each storyteller can contribute up to six digital stories in total and only one story per theme. A separate entry form and handling fee are required for each individual submission.
Q: My story is not in English. Can I still submit it?
A: Yes, we encourage stories in all languages. However, for the international review and screening, all stories must include English subtitles.
Technical & Financial
Q: What happens if my story exceeds the 5-minute limit?
A: To ensure a fair selection and a balanced program, we strictly adhere to the 5-minute limit. We are afraid in the case that a DST exceeds this limit, it will be excluded from further evaluation process.
Q: How do I pay the handling fee and verify it on the form?
A: Payment must be made via bank transfer prior to submission.
- The Process: You must enter the unique bank transaction code (Reference Code) in the entry form.
- Important: Ensure the story title and the creator’s full name are included in the bank transfer comments to match your record.
Q: Is there a discount for students?
A: Yes! The handling fee for students is reduced to 15 Euros per story. To claim this, select the "Student" category on the form.
Q: Is there a registration fee to attend in person the festival?
A: No, attendance is free of charge. However, registration (with or without a story) is mandatory to help us manage venue capacity (opening May 15, 2026). The handling fee (30€ / 15€ per story) applies only to those submitting a story for review.
Participation & Feedback
Q: Do I need to attend the festival in person if my story is selected?
A: Physical presence is not mandatory, but we highly encourage it! It is a unique opportunity to connect with the international DST community and participate in the thematic panels.
Q: Will I receive feedback on my story?
A: Due to the large volume of submissions, the committees cannot provide individual feedback. However, all stories that meet the technical criteria will be showcased.
Q: Can I submit a story that has been screened at another festival?
A: Yes, provided you hold all necessary copyrights for its presentation at DST-Zakynthos 2026.
