War Child: Uganda Field Production for National TV
Story To Video worked as a field production partner and documentary crew on location in the Nakivale refugee settlement. We filmed with a small, agile crew to safeguard safety, calm, and trust.
​
We filmed at the children’s eye level and let their perspective lead. Careful handling of consent was central. We took time to build trust, worked closely with local translators and staff, and observed moments without directing them.
Programmes like TeamUp and BeThere were captured as they actually take place. Play, movement, and being together spoke for themselves, without explanation or staging.
Storytelling
At Story To Video, we're with you from the start. Our team developed the concepts and scripts video campaigns.
The Challenge
War Child supports children affected by conflict with psychosocial care and protection programmes. For a national fundraising broadcast in the Netherlands, War Child needed documentary footage from the field that honestly portrayed both the challenges and the resilience of children.
The challenge was to capture these stories with care. Filming in a refugee settlement, especially with children, requires sensitivity, trust, and a clear ethical approach. The goal was not to amplify suffering, but to show how safety, play, and guidance contribute to recovery.
Watch the video
​The footage was broadcast nationally as part of War Child's fundraising programme “Give Me Freedom.” The broadcast reached a wide audience and contributed to a successful fundraising campaign for children living with the consequences of conflict.
Additionally, the material strengthened War Child's communication by making the value of psychosocial support visible through real moments and real voices.
Impact
​The footage was broadcast nationally as part of War Child's fundraising programme “Give Me Freedom.” The broadcast reached a wide audience and contributed to a successful fundraising campaign for children living with the consequences of conflict.
Additionally, the material strengthened War Child's communication by making the value of psychosocial support visible through real moments and real voices.
Highlights of the Shoot:
The heart of the project was formed by the voices of four children aged 9 to 12, who shared their lives before and after the conflict. We followed them during everyday moments in the camp, from playing to daily routines and group activities.
One portrait focused on Esther, whose calm and joy stood out. Her story showed that children, when given space, retain resilience and light.
Natural ambient sound played a key role in the editing. The films were color-corrected and delivered broadcast-ready, fitting the national TV programme “Give Me Freedom,” aired on SBS6.
“If I’m scared, I go play with others. That helps me.”
“TeamUp helps me forget the bad things. We jump and laugh.”
Deliverables
Field production partner
Documentary filming on location
Photography
Editing and broadcast delivery
“Before the war, I was happy at home. Now I miss my friends.”
– Child participant
Field Notes
This was our first time filming in a refugee settlement. Nakivale surprised us. The stories were heavy, but the atmosphere was full of colour, calm, and kindness. There was a quiet rhythm to life, and people moved with purpose
Why this project inspired us
Filming in Nakivale was an experience we won’t forget. We had the chance to interview several children and ask questions that were sometimes deeply personal and difficult. Even when we couldn’t fully understand their words in the moment, their eyes said enough. You could see sadness and tension, but also something that stayed with us: the spark of childhood and a powerful inner strength. It reminded us that storytelling isn’t only about the exact words being spoken, but also about silence, expression, body language, and everything that lives between the lines.
It was also special to work in Nakivale itself, a place with its own rhythm, full of life and resilience, where so many stories exist side by side. Nakivale is one of the oldest and largest refugee settlements in Uganda, and spending even a single day there puts everything into perspective. We left with deep respect for the children we met, and with deep respect for the work War Child does there. The way they create space for safety, play, and psychosocial support for children is invaluable. It also reminded us how important our responsibility is as filmmakers: to show up with care, work safely, and let real stories exist without simplifying them.
Ready to Bring Your Story to Life?
Start today​