PRESERVATION OF INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH DIGITAL STORYTELLING

The preservation of intangible cultural heritage, including oral traditions, folklore, music, and traditional crafts, is crucial for maintaining the cultural identity and continuity of communities. In Serbia, a country rich with diverse cultural expressions, these intangible heritage elements face threats from globalization, modernization, and demographic changes. This paper investigates the role of digital storytelling as a tool for preserving and revitalizing intangible cultural heritage in Serbia, highlighting specific case studies where digital initiatives have been used to document and promote traditional practices. Through ethnographic research and analysis of digital storytelling projects in Serbia, the study examines how local communities and cultural organizations utilize digital platforms to capture and share narratives of their heritage. Examples include the digital archiving of traditional music from the mountainous regions of Western Serbia, the documentation of storytelling traditions among the Romani communities, and the use of social media and interactive websites to promote Serbian folk dance and craft techniques. These digital storytelling efforts not only serve to document endangered traditions but also engage younger generations and diaspora communities, fostering a renewed interest in cultural heritage. The paper addresses the opportunities and challenges of using digital storytelling in the Serbian context, such as the digital divide in rural areas, the need for culturally sensitive approaches to content creation, and the risks of cultural commodification. Despite these challenges, the findings indicate that digital storytelling offers a versatile and impactful approach to safeguarding Serbia’s intangible heritage. It provides a platform for communities to actively participate in the preservation process, ensuring that their voices and perspectives are authentically represented. This paper concludes by proposing a framework for enhancing the role of digital storytelling in cultural heritage preservation in Serbia. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between community members, cultural practitioners, and digital media experts to create sustainable and inclusive digital heritage initiatives. By integrating digital storytelling into broader cultural preservation strategies, Serbia can better protect and promote its rich intangible heritage, ensuring its transmission to future generations and its place in the global cultural landscape.