Beyond Peace - Story Of Goundam

Beyond Peace: Story of Goundam is a powerful documentary set in the harsh yet striking landscape of the southern Sahara, showcasing the extraordinary mission of peacekeepers who transformed a desolate area into a thriving, green oasis. The film follows the courageous journey of Moied Mohammad Robel and his team as they tackle the formidable challenges of extreme heat, water scarcity, and the threat of conflict in Goundam, Mali.

At the heart of the documentary is the story of survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between humanity and nature. With Anser Uddin Khan Pathan, a passionate wildlife photographer, leading the charge, the team defied the odds. Their efforts were further supported by key figures like Dr. Rumi, who found solace in nurturing young trees and her connection with a rescued cat, and Sreema Chakma, whose environmental conservation efforts were critical to the mission’s success. Their perseverance was ultimately rewarded when Goundam was recognized as the first green camp in Sector West by the United Nations in 2023, despite the escalating security threats from local conflicts and terrorist groups.

This documentary is not just a story of survival, it is a testament to the power of hope and community in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Audiences will be captivated by the personal stories of those who worked tirelessly to restore life to one of the most unforgiving places on Earth. The film serves as an inspiring reminder that, even in the bleakest environments, humanity's spirit can create something beautiful.

Status

Post-production | Seeking funding for final stages and distribution.

Team

Director: NH Tuhin

NH Tuhin is an emerging filmmaker from Dhaka, Bangladesh, with experience working as an assistant director at Half Stop Down and directing his own production house, Khoraak. His short film Escape received international recognition. Tuhin’s ability to capture human stories through his lens has already garnered him accolades, and Beyond Peace received a film finishing grant from Docfest Bangladesh and was selected for Dhaka DocLab.

Producer: Moied Mohammad Robel

Moied has a diverse background in film and photography and now works as a government officer in Bangladesh. He has extensive experience working behind the scenes on various film projects, contributing to his nuanced understanding of storytelling, production, and logistics. 

Executive Producer: Tanim Yousuf 

Tanim Yousuf is a Bangladeshi filmmaker and co-founder of Mastul Productions, a production company in Chittagong. He has participated in various filmmaking labs, including Dhaka DocLab, Edinburgh Pitch, Docedge Kolkata, Dok Leipzig, AIDC, and FIFDH in Switzerland. His first feature-length documentary, "Ghost Boat," is currently in progress and received Berlinale World Cinema Fund post- production grant. He has attended the EURODOC training with his project “Aanda Story”. Tanim also serves as a Communication Head at CIDFF (Chattogram International Documentary Festival) and has been a preview committee member for "Liberation Docfest Bangladesh." He views filmmaking as a vital tool for highlighting and addressing social crises in Bangladesh.

Cinematographer (DOP): Fardin Ahshan 

An emerging Bangladeshi photographer and cinematographer whose visual storytelling began at an early age through the lens of still photography. Over time, his passion and eye for composition naturally evolved into cinematography, where he has made a strong impression across various formats including OVCs, commercials, and branded documentaries.

His keen sense of light, emotion, and visual rhythm sets his work apart, blending aesthetics with narrative depth. *Beyond Peace* marks his debut as a cinematographer in a feature documentary, where his work delivers a striking visual language that captures both the intimacy and scale of the story. With a growing portfolio and a sharp creative instinct, Fardin is quickly emerging as a powerful visual voice in Bangladesh’s new generation of filmmakers.

Cinematographer (DOP): Shakhawat Hossen

Shakawat is a photographer based in Chattogram, Bangladesh. His passion for photography began with his father’s camera. His father used to take countless photos of their childhood, carefully preserving them in family albums—memories that still take them back to those early days.

Shakawat’s journey into photography took a meaningful turn from that point. He has envisioned several projects and has been working on a few for quite some time. Notable among them are “Maizbhandar” and “Karnaphuli”, along with other works like “Fishery Ghat”* and “Rohingya Crisis”.

In recent years, he has also ventured into documentary filmmaking. He participated in the Dhaka DocLab Storytelling Workshop in Chattogram and attended Dhaka DocLab 2019 as an observer in Dhaka. Additionally, he is a founding member of Mastul Productions Chattogram.

Post Production Supervisor: Joytu Sushil Ziku

From a young age, Joytu Sushil Ziku was captivated by cinema—often sneaking out of school just to catch films at the local theatre. This early love gradually transformed into a deeper understanding of film’s power when he became involved in politics. For Ziku, cinema is more than entertainment; it is a profound medium for expression and advocacy.

His journey into filmmaking began during his time as an editor for the quarterly little magazine *Chobi Kotha*, where his passion for visual storytelling first took shape.

*Filmography:* 

- *Haghore* – Writer, Director (Short Film) 

 *1st Runner-up, Dhaka International Film Festival, 2023*  

- *Ghost Boat* – Executive Producer (Documentary Film, Post-Production) 

*Bangladesh-Germany-USA Co-Production*  

- *Arakan Road* – Writer, Director (Feature Film, Post-Production) -

 *Beauti'r Full (Flower of Remittance)* – Writer, Director (Feature Film, Production Stage) 

- *A Journey by Car* – Writer, Director (Feature Film, Financing Stage) 

- *Ponkhiraj* – Writer (Short Animation Film, Production Stage) 

- *Checkmate* – Co-Writer (Web Series, Development Stage)

- *Shono* – Writer, Director (Gallery Film)

Ziku continues to explore bold and socially relevant themes through his work, blending personal narratives with larger societal questions.

Audience and Demographics

The primary target audience for Beyond Peace is documentary enthusiasts, ages 25–55, with an interest in humanitarian efforts, environmental conservation, and global peacekeeping. The film is expected to resonate with viewers who are concerned about climate change, international relations, and social justice. Secondary audiences include students and professionals in peace studies, environmental science, and international development.

Geographic Targeting

The documentary is expected to be well-received in regions such as Bangladesh, Africa (especially Mali and surrounding nations), France, and international markets with a focus on humanitarian issues and documentary films. These areas have cultural and geopolitical links to the film’s themes, particularly around the UN’s mission in Mali and the environmental and social challenges faced in the region.

Shooting Locations

• Goundam, Mali
• Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Field camps of UN peacekeepers
• Various locations in the southern Sahara desert

Unique Selling Points

• Compelling Human Stories: The documentary provides intimate access to personal stories of peacekeepers and local figures, allowing viewers to experience the emotional challenges and triumphs faced during the mission.
• Environmental and Humanitarian Impact: The film highlights the intersection of environmental conservation and peacekeeping efforts, offering a fresh perspective on the challenges of rebuilding life in a conflict zone.
• Global Relevance: The themes of resilience, environmental sustainability, and human connection are universal and relevant to current discussions on climate change and conflict resolution.

Similar Films

• Virunga (2014) – A documentary about the conservation of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo amidst armed conflict.
• The White Helmets (2016) – Follows the volunteer rescue workers saving lives during the Syrian civil war.
• The Cave (2019) – Chronicles the challenges of a female doctor in a war-torn Syrian hospital.

Release of Film

Projected release: Late 2025, pending final production and post-production.