The month of June is eagerly awaited by students of the Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, especially those studying English Literature. There are two major events in this month conducted by the Student Association of English Literature Study Program (HMPSSI) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga for the 2023 period, namely Litfest and Litnight. Litfest is a speech contest for high school and madrasah students in Yogyakarta, while Litnight is the highlight of the literary month.

On Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 8:00 AM (Western Indonesia Time), Litfest began with great enthusiasm. More than 10 high schools in Yogyakarta sent their representatives to compete in this speech contest. Each participant was given the opportunity to deliver their speech for 5-10 minutes, based on pre-determined themes. The participants demonstrated exceptional speaking skills and the ability to present engaging speeches. With various topics discussed, ranging from social issues, the environment, to literacy, they successfully captivated the audience and the judges.

After all the participants delivered their speeches, the judges began the evaluation process to determine the winners. The tense competition atmosphere turned into excitement and joy as the event continued with Litnight, the grand finale of the literary month. On Saturday night, June 17, 2023, at 7:00 PM (Western Indonesia Time), the visitors who filled the Eska Theater Arena at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta were greeted with a vibrant stage set up by the English Literature students. The students presented various types of artistic works, including poetry, live music, and stand-up comedy. Their talents and creativity amazed the audience, who were captivated by the way they conveyed messages through literary art.

The highly anticipated moment arrived. The announcement of the Litfest winners became the main highlight. The champions received prizes as recognition for their efforts and achievements in the prestigious speech contest. Then, the event continued with the screening of the film "Hopeless," that tells the story of a young man's struggle to achieve his dreams. The film was created by the English Literature students of the 2022 batch and managed to touch the hearts of the audience with profound messages. The film can currently be watched through the following YouTube channel link:https://youtu.be/5CTjJycY9ho
The event was also attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Wildan, M.A., the head of the English Literature Study Program, Ulyati Retno Sari, S.S., M.Hum, and the lecturers of the English Literature Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, namely Dr. Danial Hidayatullah through live streaming, and Laiyinatus Syifa, Z.N., S.S., M.Pd., in-person.

With the end of the Litfest and Litnight events, the month of English literature in Yogyakarta was celebrated successfully. Both events provided a platform for high school students, English Literature students, and the general public to showcase their talents and enrich the world of literature. Additionally, Litfest and Litnight served as a source of inspiration for participants and audience members alike in appreciating literary art in its various forms. (hmpssiuinsk/fnf/s/urs/hfs/as)