Gabriela’s story

Helen Keller International wanted to showcase the tangible impact of their U.S. vision program at their annual fundraising event. The program had just reached a milestone: Gabriela, a recently arrived 11-year-old immigrant in New York City, became the program’s 2 millionth child to receive a free eye exam and prescription glasses. To convey the life-changing effect of this service, Flying Monkeys Media filmed a day in Gabriela’s life.

Shot documentary style, we followed Gabriela and her mother through their daily routine, capturing both the challenges and the small triumphs of her everyday life. We also interviewed the Helen Keller International team to include broader context, highlighting data points—like the fact that children with uncorrected vision are three times more likely to fail at least one grade. Using thoughtful text overlays and a strong voiceover from Gabriela’s mom, the story communicated the program’s impact in a personal and powerful way.

Through compelling cinematography and storytelling, we brought potential donors into her world, letting them experience firsthand how Helen Keller’s vision program changes lives. The video elevated the fundraising event by making the audience feel a direct connection to the children and families the organization serves, turning abstract numbers into human stories with heart and urgency.