Aceh: Beyond the Tsunami will have its world premiere this month at the Tsunami Museum in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

Filmed by a team of emerging Australian filmmakers including director Tim Barretto and producers Melanie Filler and Ben Mortley Aceh: Beyond the Tsunami explores the extraordinary, largely untold stories of survivors of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Aceh, Indonesia.

The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami claimed close to 250,000 lives across 14 countries. The harshest impact was felt in the province of Aceh, Indonesia where an estimated 170,000 lives were lost.

Through vivid recollections and stunning imagery, 10 Acehnese survivors tell of their struggle to survive, their search for loved ones, and reflect on their decade long journey of grieving, healing and rebuilding with support from Australia and the international community.

Many Acehnese consider the disaster an act of God that helped end three decades of civil war.

Aceh: Beyond the Tsunami explores how the community have responded to their tremendous loss with a renewed religious devotion, becoming the only province in Indonesia to formally practice Shariah law.

The film shines a light on the resilience of the human spirit, and reveals the complexities of a rapidly modernising society in Indonesia’s most religious province.

The Australian film team are honoured to premiere the documentary at the Tsunami Museum Aceh as part of the 13-year tsunami commemorations, in the company of the people who so generously shared their stories.

You can keep up to date with Aceh: Beyond the Tsunami here.

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