Bringing the Luminos Fund’s mission to life through film, this project set out to capture the power of joyful, foundational learning in rural Ethiopia
The brief: Visually document the impact of The Luminos Fund's accelerated learning programme in Ethiopia in a way that would resonate with donors, partners, and policymakers.
In 2015, while working as Creative Director at Legatum, I was asked to oversee the production of a video storytelling project for The Luminos Fund, an organisation committed to ensuring all children have access to joyful, foundational learning, particularly those left out of traditional education systems due to crisis or poverty.
The approach
I served as Executive Producer on the project, with a clear remit: to ensure the films faithfully reflected the Luminos Fund’s values, mission, and messaging.
To bring the stories to life, we collaborated with Mo Scarpelli of Rake Films, an award-winning documentary filmmaker known for her immersive, human-centred style. My role involved:
- Selecting and commissioning the filmmaker based on alignment with Luminos’ values and tone.
- Providing on-the-ground oversight during the shoot in rural Ethiopia to ensure messaging stayed consistent with the organisation’s objectives.
- Acting as liaison between the film team and Luminos staff, drawing on my familiarity with the programme and local teams.
- Reviewing content in development, providing guidance to ensure stories reflected the joy, dignity, and ambition at the heart of the Luminos model.
The outcome
We made six films: four individual stories and two overview films on the programme. Luminos used them in early-stage fundraising, donor engagement and advocacy. Three are below.
What made it work
Clarity of brand and message: I ensured the storytelling remained anchored to Luminos’ core narrative and values throughout.
Trusted collaboration: Mo Scarpelli’s creative independence was supported – not directed – enabling authentic, human-first storytelling.
Field familiarity: Being on-site with the team allowed for real-time feedback, smoother logistics, and respectful engagement with local communities.
Why video storytelling matters for nonprofits
Video storytelling is one of the most powerful tools a nonprofit can use to connect with audiences on a human level. While data and reports provide the facts, stories show the faces, voices, and emotions behind the work, turning abstract impact into something people can feel.
When done well, video storytelling helps:
- Build empathy by showing real people in real situations.
- Clarify mission through emotionally resonant narratives that align with core messaging.
- Drive engagement across digital platforms, donor updates, and advocacy campaigns.
- Elevate local voices by centring the perspectives of those closest to the issues.
For nonprofits working in complex environments, video offers a way to cut through noise and convey not just what they do, but why it matters. The key is authenticity, collaboration, and a deep respect for the people and communities being represented.
I oversee projects like this from brief to delivery, including choosing the filmmaker and keeping the story true to the organisation’s message. If you have a film or donor campaign in mind, see how I work on strategic brand projects or get in touch.