01 · Case Study·UNHCR·The New Yorker Documentary·2024
From field mission to The New Yorker.
Bridging the gap between UNHCR advocacy and journalism — earned media placement for UNHCR as a New Yorker Documentary on the intersection of climate change and conflict in Mauritania.
Standard humanitarian content relies on safe narratives filmed during daylight. To truly capture the intersection of climate change and conflict, the brief needed to go further — beyond camp-based interviews, past the fence line.
By navigating complex local security protocols and making the case for high-risk access, permission was secured to join a frontline fire brigade on a night mission along the Mauritania–Mali border.
Beyond delivering the standard UN communications toolkit, the unique night-op footage became the backbone of a long-form cinematic piece. The film was pitched cold to The New Yorker — moving the narrative from a niche organisational report to a global editorial platform.
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Exposure
An evergreen asset for UNHCR, driving a surge in donations specifically directed to the Mbera refugee camp.
Funding
As a direct result of the film's visibility, the fire brigade — previously under-equipped — received dedicated funding and resources.
Political
The piece continues to screen at high-level diplomatic events to secure ongoing support for Mauritanian operations.