Studio Wide Angle has been at the forefront of documenting some of the most significant humanitarian crises in recent history. Among these, the Rohingya crisis in Cox’s Bazar stands out not only for its scale but also for the deep human suffering and resilience it has revealed. As a media production company, we’ve had the privilege of using our skills to tell the stories of those affected, share their struggles, and showcase the efforts to restore hope and dignity to over a million people caught in the throes of this crisis.

When the Rohingya people fled violence and persecution in Myanmar between August 2017 and September 2018, they sought refuge in Bangladesh. The Government of Bangladesh, along with the UN, INGOs, NGOs, and other development organizations, responded swiftly to support both the Rohingya and the host communities, building skills, resilience, and knowledge. Our service extended to more than 900,000 people in the Cox’s Bazar area. The situation rapidly escalated into one of the largest and most complex global crises in recent years, presenting a unique challenge for all involved.

Our journey into this crisis began as communication materials developers. We knew that the key priorities for national and international humanitarian responders—shelter, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, protection, and education—were crucial to mitigating disease and environmental risks, alleviating suffering, and restoring dignity. But it was also clear that the stories of those affected needed to be told in a way that would resonate globally, foster understanding, and inspire action.

In 2024, we collaborated with BRAC on a project that allowed us to dive deep into the lives of the Rohingya refugees. We produced three compelling documentaries that highlighted interventions in Fecal Sludge Management (FSM), Solid Waste Management (SWM), and Women Hygiene Centers (WHC) within the Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) sector. These documentaries weren’t just about technical achievements; they were about people—about the transformative impact of these interventions on the daily lives of Rohingya refugees. Using advanced visual techniques, including drone footage and 3D animation, we created a vivid portrayal of the sanitation value chain and FSM operations. Through impactful case stories and photo stories, we were able to focus on the resilience and strength of the women who benefited from the Women Hygiene Centers.

The year 2022 was pivotal as we documented BRAC’s interventions in the “Ashrayan-3” project, focusing on sectors like Protection, WASH, Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture, Environment, and Livelihoods in Bhasan Char. Through high-quality digital photographs and human-interest stories, we showcased the project’s impact on the lives of the Rohingya population and host communities. Our visual narratives were crafted to resonate with international donors and stakeholders, fostering greater understanding and support for BRAC’s initiatives in Bhasan Char.

Our work has never been just about documentation; it’s about using our skills to make a difference. We believe that through our lens, we can capture not only the challenges faced by the Rohingya community but also their resilience and strength. We have always sought to provide a voice to the voiceless, ensuring that their stories are heard by the world.

As we continue to work in Cox’s Bazar, we remain committed to excellence, creative storytelling, and the impactful communication of humanitarian efforts. Our journey through the Rohingya crisis has been one of deep learning and profound connection. We are honored to have been a part of this critical work and look forward to continuing our mission to document, share, and inspire change.