Irish
Congo's Forgotten Children
Shot in DRC, November - December 2008
Blakeway for Channel 4 Dispatches

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This film examines how Congolese children are being affected by the conflict that has raged in their country for the last 12 years and reveals that more than three million have died as a result.

Niblock and the production team were the only journalists to reach the town of Kanyabayonga where children describe how they hid in dense forest to escape the fighting.  Separated from their parents, without shelter, clean water and little food, many became ill and died.

The judges said the film owed its identity to the camerawork and particularly praised David’s "amazing eye for detail". One said: "David Niblock brings something unique to this film. It is a testament to his character and skill that we see the children as people not as victims."
 
Biography
David Niblock started his career in stills photography before moving into documentary film-making. He worked with Michael Waldman on the landmark BBC series The House. Since then he has worked in most of the world's trouble spots including Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Angola and the DRC. Africa has always been of particular interest and he has travelled there widely highlighting the plight of internally displaced peoples and refugees. He is based in London.

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