Cinematographer · Fixer · Producer

Wasif Kabir Documentary cinematographer, fixer and producer in Bangladesh

Your crew on the ground in Bangladesh and South Asia — from the first permit to the final frame.

Watch the films Check my availability

What I do

When the story is in Bangladesh or South Asia, I find it, get you access to it and film it to broadcast standard — with or without your team on the ground.

Fixer & field producer Permits, access, real contributors, local crew, transport and translation. The groundwork that decides whether a foreign shoot works.
Documentary cinematographer Owner-operator DOP with a full documentary kit and drone. Solo or leading a crew, always to broadcast spec.
Remote shooting & directing Your team can't travel? I source the story, direct and shoot it, and deliver labelled rushes to your edit.
Producer Through Beyond Border Documentaries LLC I originate, co-produce and deliver full documentaries.

10+

Years in documentary

30+

International productions

5

Countries filmed

8+

Global broadcasters & brands

Films made for

BBC ARTE France Deutsche Welle Channel NewsAsia The Guardian NHK RT Documentary IKEA Johnson & Johnson Mongabay MiracleFeet EJF Hope Productions Leadgen Films

Selected films

Shot, fixed and produced across South Asia

Every film marked ▶ Full film can be watched in full on its page.

All films

Now producing

From the crew list to the opening credits

After ten years of shooting and fixing for BBC, ARTE, DW, CNA and The Guardian, I founded Beyond Border Documentaries LLC — an independent documentary production company registered in the United States and run from Dhaka.

We originate our own feature documentaries and co-produce with international broadcasters. Our beat is the Bengal Delta, where climate change is already rewriting how people live.

About the production company
Production company Beyond Border Documentaries LLC United States · Dhaka

Feature documentary · Shooting 2027

Honey Hunters of the Drowning Forest

The Mawali honey hunters of the Sundarbans, who walk into tiger country every season to collect wild honey from a forest the sea is slowly taking.

Feature documentary · In development

Tiger Widows

A film set in the Sundarbans about the women left behind by tiger attacks, and the lives they rebuild.

Remote production

Can't send a crew? The film still gets made.

I work as your director and cinematographer on the ground while you stay in control of the story from wherever you are.

How remote filming works
  1. Step 1 Brief

    You share the story, the characters you need and the edit you imagine.

  2. Step 2 Research & casting

    I find real contributors, scout locations and secure permits.

  3. Step 3 Shot list

    We agree the approach, interviews and coverage before a frame is shot.

  4. Step 4 Shoot

    I direct and film, with daily check-ins so you can steer the story.

  5. Step 5 Delivery

    Rushes backed up, labelled for your editor and delivered to your edit.

Coverage

Based in Dhaka. On location across Asia.

Available for shoots across South and Southeast Asia at competitive day rates, with deep experience in complex logistical environments.

Loc.CountryCoordinatesStatus
01 Bangladesh 23.81° N 90.41° E Home base
02 India 28.61° N 77.21° E Filmed
03 Nepal 27.72° N 85.32° E Filmed
04 Sri Lanka 6.93° N 79.86° E Filmed
05 Thailand 13.76° N 100.50° E Filmed
06 Bhutan 27.47° N 89.64° E Available
07 Vietnam 21.03° N 105.83° E Available
08 Indonesia 6.21° S 106.85° E Available
09 Malaysia 3.14° N 101.69° E Available
10 Singapore 1.35° N 103.82° E Available
11 Philippines 14.60° N 120.98° E Available
12 Worldwide On request Available

In their words

What directors say after the shoot

Wasif has filmed two wonderful documentaries for me in Bangladesh. A technically skilled DOP, he has a sharp eye for aesthetics and detail. From understanding complex story briefs to reliably managing crews and securing access to stories, he consistently delivers more than what is required. His calm approach and problem-solving ability make even challenging shoots feel well managed. I recommend him for documentary productions across the region.

Freelance Documentary Filmmaker Freelance Documentary Filmmaker Dubai

I filmed with Wasif across two countries for an ARTE France project over a 45-day shoot. Throughout the production, Wasif managed everything extremely well, working both as our Director of Photography and lead fixer.

He was reliable, resourceful, and handled the challenges of a complex international production with professionalism. After this experience, Wasif has become my go-to person for filming and production support across South and Southeast Asia.

Independent Film Director Independent Film Director France

Wasif worked with us as Director of Photography on Hands on Khudibari, a three-day shoot in a very remote part of Bangladesh. Despite the challenging location and limited production conditions, he captured the story beautifully and brought a strong visual sensibility to the project.

He was professional, adaptable, and very easy to work with throughout the shoot. I would be happy to work with him again on future productions in the region.

Video Managing Editor, Mongabay Video Managing Editor, Mongabay Germany

Filming in Bangladesh

Questions crews ask me first

All questions about filming in Bangladesh
Do foreign crews need a journalist visa to film in Bangladesh?

Usually, yes. International media crews normally apply for a journalist visa at a Bangladesh embassy or high commission. Applications typically ask for an invitation letter from a Bangladeshi organisation, a letter from your employer, a synopsis of the story, a draft shooting schedule and an equipment list. I help prepare the documents and confirm the current process.

What other permits do I need?

It depends on the story. Filming in government buildings, protected areas such as the Sundarbans and other sensitive locations needs separate permission, and drones need their own clearance. I check exactly what your story requires and apply in advance.

Can I fly a drone in Bangladesh?

Yes, with permission. Drones heavier than toy class need registration and flight clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), and security agencies also approve the flight. Areas near airports, military sites and VIP events are restricted. Drone rules are being updated, so allow extra time. I fly my own DJI Mavic 4 Pro and handle the applications.

How long do visas and permits take?

I recommend starting four to six weeks before the shoot for a documentary that needs visas, location permits and drone clearance. Simple shoots in public places can move faster.

Next shoot

Tell me the story. I will tell you how we film it.

Broadcaster, NGO or independent filmmaker — send the story, the dates and the budget shape. I reply within 24 hours.

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