Jesmin Akter’s journey reads like a testament to resilience and transformation. Once a street-connected child from Washpur in Keraniganj, Dhaka, she now stands on international platforms as a filmmaker, advocate and award recipient.
Currently living under the care and protection of the Local Education and Economic Development Organization (LEEDO) Peace Home, Jesmin has rebuilt her life through education and creative expression. A student at Washpur Model Institute, where she is studying computer science, she has developed a deep passion for photography and visual storytelling. What began as curiosity gradually evolved into a powerful means of self-expression.
Her creative path was strengthened through an intensive three-week photography and documentary workshop led by internationally acclaimed filmmakers Jamilla Van der Hust and Conrad Allebus of JAJA Film Production in the Netherlands. That mentorship marked a turning point, enabling Jesmin to move from being the subject of stories to becoming a storyteller in her own right.
Jesmin has also represented marginalised children on global stages. She took part in the Street Child Cricket World Cup 2019 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in the UK, where she was named Best Bowler. She later participated in the 2022 Street Child Football World Cup in Doha and the 2023 Street Child Cricket World Cup in India.
Her life story was documented in the film ‘I Am Somebody’, which was screened at the Dhaka International Film Festival in January 2024. More recently, she stepped into a new role as producer and actor in the documentary ‘Where the Kids Have No Name’, directed by Jamilla Van der Hust and Conrad Allebus. The film highlights LEEDO’s work with street-connected and marginalised children and has already received recognition in six countries, paving the way for Jesmin’s latest international appearance in Nepal.
Travelling independently, Jesmin attended the 7th Nepal Culture International Film Festival, where the documentary was officially selected for screening and competition. The film went on to receive the Best Environmental Movie Award in recognition of its strong social and environmental message. Jesmin accepted the award and certificates on behalf of the team.
For Jesmin, the achievement represents more than a trophy. It signals a shift in narrative; from vulnerability to leadership. Through filmmaking, she now advocates for the rights, dignity and voices of children who are too often overlooked.
Her story illustrates the transformative power of structured support, safeguarding and opportunity. From the streets of Keraniganj to the international film circuit, Jesmin Akter is not merely participating; she is representing, creating and leading.
