In 2019, Gasmelbari directed his first feature-length film, a documentary called "Talking About Trees", which was produced by Marie Balducchi. He had to film it entirely in secret, due to state suppression. The film depicts the efforts of veteran Sudanese filmmakers Ibrahim, Suleiman, Manar and Altayeb, founders of the Sudanese Film Group, to revive cinema in their country. It received the Glasshütte Original Documentary Award at the Berlin International Film Festival 2019 and also won the Audience Award at the same festival. The film went on to win the FIPRESCI Prize at the International Istanbul Film Festival., Tanit d'or at Carthage Film Festival, Golden Star at El Gouna Film Festival, The Documentary Award at Palm Springs International Film Festival, Grand Jury Prize at Mumbai Film Festival. In Sep 2019, Gasmelbari was distinguished with the MENA Award by Variety Magazine, an award given to the best cinematic talent in the Middle East and North Africa.