Every campus has its storytellers - the ones who see magic in the mundane, who capture fleeting smiles, and who turn simple moments into timeless memories. At KDIS, one student has mastered this art. Meet Farruh Adahamjonov, a Master of Development Policy Student from Uzbekistan, and one of five winners of the KDIS Special Story Contest. His passion for filmmaking turned into a winning story: Catching the Memories.

A vibrant tribute to life at KDI School, “Catching the Memories” is Farruh’s written reflection on a video project he created for the 2024 Commencement and Graduation ceremonies. His story shares the behind the scenes of a filmmaker determined to preserve fleeting moments, from early coffee runs, spontaneous laughter, to emotional goodbyes. Through his lens, Farruh captures the beauty of shared experiences. We see how ordinary campus life transformed into a cinematic keepsake that resonated far beyond the screen. This wasn’t just a video: it became a heartfelt time capsule celebrating the moments that often pass unnoticed but stay in our hearts forever. 

A Passion for Storytelling

For Farruh, filmmaking isn’t just a hobby, its his way of freezing time, turning everyday moments into something unforgettable. His passion for filmmaking started with his love for movies. Growing up, he was fascinated by how films could make people laugh, cry or even inspire them in just a couple of hours. He shared how it felt like magic telling stories through visuals, music, and emotions. “For me, making videos became a way to freeze time, preserve memories, and share emotions in a way words sometimes can’t. That’s what keeps me going—the idea that every ordinary moment can be turned into something unforgettable.” 

When asked whether there was a special moment that made him realize he wanted to capture life on camera, he recalls not having a specific moment, but more of a realization that hit him during different goodbyes in life. “Every time I had to say goodbye to close friends—especially knowing I might never see them again—I felt this urge to hold on to those moments somehow. That’s when I realized how powerful a camera could be.” To him, it’s not just about filming events but capturing emotions, laughter, and the feeling of being together. He holds onto one quote that perfectly captures his perspective: “We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.”

When the KDIS Story Contest was announced, Farruh saw it as the perfect chance to share the memories he had been capturing behind the camera. “It felt like the right moment to tell my story because these moments deserve to be remembered, not just by me, but by everyone who lived them,” he explains. So, how did Farruh feel when he found out he’d won? In his words, “It felt amazing to know that my story and all the memories I captured resonated with others. It was a reminder that the moments we live and share truly matter.”

Behind the Scenes: The Commencement & Graduation Video

To get a more personal look at what went into making the commencement and graduation video, we asked Farruh to take us behind the scenes:

Q: What was it like filming the video? Any fun moments or unexpected challenges?

Farruh: Behind the scenes, the biggest challenge was managing time with other graduates—everyone was busy and getting them on camera wasn’t easy especially considering that they’re graduating and not many days left till they leave to their countries. But honestly, some of the best moments came unexpectedly. A few students shared answers way better than I imagined, kind of like when actors improvise, and it turns out even better than the script. It was really fun working with everyone and seeing their personalities shine on camera.

Q: What was it like seeing your video on the big screen at graduation?

Farruh: Seeing my video on the big screen at graduation was honestly surreal. In that moment, all I could think about was how every small clip, every laugh, and every moment we captured had finally come together. It felt like watching our entire journey flash by—and I was just proud and grateful to be the one who caught those memories.

Q: How did the KDIS community react to your video?

Farruh: I think the video resonated because it reflected moments we all shared—simple, real memories that everyone could connect with. It felt good knowing the video wasn’t just mine—it belonged to all of us.

Q: Why is storytelling important to you, especially at KDIS?

Farruh: To me, storytelling is a way of freezing moments in time—turning memories into something we can always come back to. Especially in a place like KDIS, where people from all over the world come together, every moment feels temporary but meaningful. Documenting these memories matters because once we say goodbye, it’s the stories that keep us connected, reminding us of where we’ve been and the people who were part of our journey.

What’s Next for the KDIS Filmmaker?

Looking into the future, Farruh would like to work on projects that connect different cultures and experiences, perhaps even working on documentaries that show how ordinary moments can be the most powerful. “This experience made me realize how much I enjoy storytelling and connecting with people through film. Personally, it reminded me of the importance of capturing memories before they’re gone,” he reflects.

Inspired by Farruh’s journey? Whether you’re behind a camera, a pen, or a microphone, your story matters. Share your own KDIS experiences, and who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next storyteller to leave a mark.

Congratulations once again to Farruh Adahamjonov! Keep capturing the magic.

Watch Farruh’s full video here.