Sharmin Doza Represents Bangladesh at Doc Edge Lab

Bangladeshi filmmaker Sharmin Doza has been selected to participate in the prestigious Doc Edge in New Zealand with her documentary project A Journey Never Told. Primarily known as a video editor and production sound recordist, Sharmin has earned praise for thriving in a male-dominated profession in Bangladesh. Now stepping into the director’s role, she is bringing a deeply personal Bangladeshi story to the global documentary scene.

A Journey Never Told explores the emotional journey of an elderly man navigating retirement and growing isolation. Despite living among loved ones, he begins to feel increasingly distant—a subtle, painful disconnect that often comes with ageing. Inspired by her own father, Sharmin aims to shed light on the lives of senior citizens whose diminishing hearing distances them from family and society. “His hearing loss gradually isolated him,” she explains. “That human experience moved me to tell this story through film.”

Doc Edge is recognised for supporting independent filmmakers from around the world. Selected participants receive the opportunity to pitch their ideas to prominent producers, distributors, and funding bodies. Sharmin notes, “It’s been an incredible experience. Being questioned and challenged by such a diverse panel was enriching.”

Nahid Masud is producing the film—Sharmin’s husband and a noted sound designer, who is also the brother of the late legendary filmmaker Tareque Masud. He remarked, “There was clear interest in our project. International producers and broadcasters are rarely exposed to Bangladeshi stories. We established meaningful connections with co-producers, distributors, and festival leaders, paving the way for collaborations.”

The Journey Never Told was previously awarded at the Dhaka Doc Lab and is gaining momentum on the global stage.