International Peace Film & Visual Storytelling Summit
Beyond Silence
“Fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology.”
An international film summit held in observance of International Anti-Ragging Day, bringing together filmmakers, international speakers, NGOs, cultural organizations, students, and advocates to confront oppression through the universal language of cinema. Organized by Thermocol JU.
Dates: September 20–22, 2026 | Venue: Jahangirnagar University | Entry: Application ongoing
Event Overview
An international platform confronting oppression through cinema
Thermocol JU presents the International Peace Film & Visual Storytelling Summit — a global creative initiative bringing together filmmakers, international speakers, artists, students, organizations, and changemakers to connect people through the power of cinema and visual storytelling.
While the summit highlights the importance of creating safe, inclusive, and respectful educational environments, it also broadens the conversation to address oppression in its many forms across the world. Through powerful visual storytelling, global dialogue, and cultural exchange, the event seeks to amplify unheard voices, promote human dignity, and inspire collective action toward a more just and compassionate society.
The programme features international dialogue & discussion sessions, filmmaking workshops, a curated film exhibition, the premiere of the official Awareness Video (AV) and documentary, a visual storytelling photo exhibition, and an award ceremony celebrating impactful storytelling.
“An international film and visual storytelling summit using creativity to promote peace, human dignity, dialogue and social change.”
Milestones & goals
- Raise awareness through films, documentaries, and visual storytelling.
- Equip young creators with practical knowledge through workshops and expert-led discussions.
- Strengthen international collaboration among filmmakers, NGOs, universities, and cultural institutions.
- Inspire empathy and reflection through the photo exhibition and documentary premiere.
- Recognize outstanding contributions to socially impactful cinema through the award ceremony.
- Encourage long-term advocacy for safe, inclusive, and respectful educational environments.
Organizer’s Profile
Thermocol JU
Thermocol JU is a student-led filmmaking and creative initiative based at Jahangirnagar University, dedicated to using cinema and visual storytelling as powerful mediums for creativity, education, cultural exchange, and social impact. Through film productions, workshops, cultural events, and collaborative projects, Thermocol JU empowers young creators to explore meaningful stories and connect diverse perspectives through the language of art and technology.
As the organizer of the International Peace Film & Visual Storytelling Summit, Thermocol JU brings together filmmakers, visual artists, international speakers, students, cultural leaders, and organizations from around the world, hosted with the affiliation of Jahangirnagar University, one of Bangladesh’s leading public universities.
Our milestones
Thermocol JU’s work has been officially selected in 23 international film festivals across 17 countries, and was nominated for the prestigious Glocal Teen Hero Bangladesh recognition.
- 2nd Best Short Film Award — Noble International Film Festival & Awards, Spain
- Best Jury Award — Lift-Off Global Network, India
- Honorable Mention — One Shot Film Festival, New York
- Best Student Film Nomination — Meihodo International Youth Visual Media Festival, Brazil
SHORT FILM
Intezar: Prothom Prohor
The first-ever fictional short film based on the July Movement of Jahangirnagar University. Follows a resilient young boy, a passionate girl, and a courageous woman whose lives intertwine in the struggle for freedom and justice. Screened at BUET, JU’s Muktomanch, and the Jahangirnagar Film Festival; won the Ethereal Bloom Award.
DOCUMENTARY
Beyond Journalism: July Bit
Produced for the Jahangirnagar University Journalists’ Association (JUJA), capturing JU journalists’ courageous coverage of the July Mass Uprising. Premiered at JUJA’s 53-year celebration programme.
FILM FESTIVAL
Jahangirnagar Film Festival 2026
A three-day cinematic celebration (14–16 April) co-organized with Bangla Theatre — masterclasses, screenings, and a platform for young filmmakers, including a screening of Intezar: Prothom Prohor.
Programme
About the event
Beyond Silence runs across six programme strands. Click any strand below to expand it.
Showcasing original anti-oppression productions that inspire audiences and demonstrate how impactful visual storytelling can drive awareness, resilience, and social change. Includes the premiere of the official Beyond Silence Awareness Video and documentary.
A curated showcase of films from around the world that highlight themes of oppression, justice, human rights, and the power of cinema to inspire change.
A platform where accomplished creators share their experiences, creative journeys, and lessons with emerging filmmakers to inspire the next generation of storytellers.
Interactive sessions led by industry professionals, equipping aspiring creators with the knowledge, skills, and ethical practices needed to produce meaningful visual stories — including sessions on producing, directing, and building story for documentary work against oppression.
An exhibition celebrating impactful photojournalism that documents real stories of resilience, preserves historical truth, and amplifies the voices of those affected by oppression.
Honoring outstanding filmmakers, photographers, and storytellers whose work has made a significant contribution to awareness, advocacy, and social impact, in a closing award ceremony.
Who’s coming
Invited guests
Prospective Guests
Sanjida Islam Tulee
Member of Parliament, Founder of Mayer Daak Foundation
Nabila Idris
Former Member of Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearences
Masuma Rahman Tani
Managing Director of Bangladesh Film Development Corporation
Anwar Aldin
Chairman of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Prospective Speakers
Rubaiyat Hossain
Bangladeshi Film Director and Writer
Istiyak Zihad
Bangladeshi Filmmaker, International Awardee
Faiza
Australian Filmmaker
Basel Adra
Palestinian Filmmaker, Journalist, Academy Awards Awardee
Coverage & collaboration
Media & event partners
Television
- NTV
- SA TV
- Jamuna TV
Newspaper
- Prothom Alo
- The Daily Star
Online Newspaper
- Bangla Tribune
Research Partner
- Bangladesh Research Society
Event Partner
- HTF — Help the Future
Community Partner
- Wi
Expected reach
In-event and pre/post-event exposure across print, broadcast, and digital channels.
Facebook 300K · Social pages 300K · YouTube 200K · International reach 200K · Entrance footfall 200K · Students expected 20K
Register as a Participant
Join the summit — attend screenings, workshops, and dialogue sessions across all three days at Jahangirnagar University.
Register as a Volunteer
Help bring Beyond Silence to life — from guest hospitality to on-ground coordination across the three-day summit.
Beyond Silence
An International Peace Film & Visual Storytelling Summit organized by Thermocol JU, hosted at Jahangirnagar University, September 20–22.
✉ thermocol.ju@gmail.com
☎ +880 1853-175668
📍 Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka
Coordination team
Nabil Mostafa — Co-ordinator, Thermocol JU
nabilmostafa.official@gmail.com · +880 1883-504968
Saifullah Khaled — Event Coordinator
saifullah.htf@gmail.com · +880 1725-267510
Saifullah Bin Motahar — Event Advisor
+880 1621-888098
Tajnim Islam Ibdita — Event Coordinator
+880 1722-673256
© 2026 Thermocol JU. All rights reserved. — Beyond Silence, Jahangirnagar University