The Sundarbans forest in South Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable places in the world. Frequent cyclones destroy people's livelihoods and contaminate clean water sources, which are already in short supply there. Deben Munda, a descendent of those early settlers, has lived in the Sundarbans all his life – a life marked by hardship, hard work, and the forest itself, at once a source of livelihood and perpetual danger. Now, as a reliable supply of clean water is about to be brought to his village for the first time, he reflects on his experiences, struggles, and hopes for the future.

Director, Producer & Editor: Aśka Faron

Cinematography: Monzur Anik

Sound: Sharmin Doza

Drone: Toufiqul Islam

Music: James O’Connell

Additional music: Nilkanto Munda, Santosh Munda, Badol Kumar Muna, Gita Munda

Colour grade: Dan Moran

Festival selections, awards & distribution

currently streaming on WaterBear, winner of Best Documentary Short at Awareness Film Festival, winner of Award of Merit for Documentary Short at The Impact Docs Awards, winner of Award of Merit for Nonprofit/Fundraising at The Impact Docs Awards, winner of Best Documentary at Short to the Point, winner of Best Social Change Film at The Short Film Factory, winner of Award of Recognition for Documentary Short at the Best Shorts competition, winner of Award of Recognition for Nonprofit/Fundraising at the Best Shorts competition, finalist at 2025 Smiley Charity Film Awards, official selection at The NGO International Film Festival, official selection at The Big Syn International Film Festival, official selection at the Global Peace Film Festival, finalist at Mirada Corta Film Festival, winner of Documentary of the Month at The Monthly Film Festival, winner of Audience Awards at The Monthly Film Festival, semi-finalist at The New York Indie Shorts Awards, honourable mention at Hollywood Shortsfest, honourable mention at the International Social Change Film Festival