Gabriela’s story

How Helen Keller International helps those in need

Helen Keller International was preparing for their annual fundraising event and looking for guests to truly experience the impact their US vision program has on the community at large. Gabriela, a recently arrived young immigrant in New York City, was the program’s 2 millionth child to receive their free service of an eye exam and prescription glasses. Words cannot convey the difference this program makes on families in need so we filmed a day in the life of Gabriela and her mom to convey the message.

Documentary style, we captured Gabriela’s routine as an 11 year old in NYC who lives in a shared housing unit. In addition, we interviewed the Helen Keller team to hear similar stories and collect data points that back their mission. As an example, children with uncorrected vision are 3x more likely to fail at least one grade. With text overlay and strong voiceover narration from her Gaby’s mom, the message became even stronger.

Interviewing and filming a child can be difficult but lucky for our production crew Gaby, who did not speak English, was passionate about telling her story. FMM was able to bring the audience of potential donors, however briefly, into her life experience through compelling cinematography and storytelling helping them really feel the impact of Helen Keller’s vision program.

FMM has additional examples of nonprofit and fundraising videos on our work page. Video can help make a difference by communicating a message in a more immersive way.