Case Study UNICEF | Black Production Films Canada

Case Study: UNICEF

360 Video Documentary
Breaking Stereotypes. Empowering Change.

Brief

Black Production Films, in collaboration with White Rice and UNICEF, was tasked with producing immersive 360° VR documentaries to spotlight grassroots efforts in promoting water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices in Punjab, Pakistan.

The Challenge:

UNICEF approached us to help create a series of short 360° VR films that would highlight the inspiring human stories behind their WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project in Jhang, Punjab. The goal was to raise awareness around open defecation and promote behavioral change through an immersive storytelling format that could emotionally connect with both policy-makers and the public.

The Solution:

To bring these untold stories to life, we focused on two courageous women—Nida Mumtaz, a student leading WASH awareness in her school, and Perveen Bibi, a mother who built a toilet for her daughters despite extreme poverty.

By immersing viewers in their environments through 360° VR, we showcased not just the challenges, but the resilience and transformation these women inspired in their communities—highlighting the human side of sanitation and the impact of grassroots change-makers.

Process

Feb 2021

April 2021

We began with an in-depth pre-production phase, collaborating closely with UNICEF and White Rice to understand the communication goals and technical constraints of 360° VR filmmaking. A recce team—including Syed Zeshan Ahmed (Black Production Films), Usman Zahid (White Rice), and Aadarsh Laghari (UNICEF)—visited key communities in Jhang, Punjab. Together, they identified powerful stories and individuals who could authentically represent the WASH program's impact. Two standout subjects, Nida Mumtaz and Perveen Bibi, were chosen for their courage and commitment to change.

During location scouting, it became clear that traditional documentary techniques wouldn’t work in this format. The immersive nature of VR required us to rethink staging, movement, and audience perspective. Additionally, shooting in extreme heat with minimal crew visibility presented unique logistical challenges. The team devised an innovative solution—filming each location twice: once with the subject, and once without—to mask the presence of the crew and make the subject feel more comfortable on camera.

In production, we faced the challenge of filming in rural areas with unpredictable lighting and sound conditions. Despite these hurdles, the team managed to capture emotionally resonant footage that conveyed the dignity and resilience of the protagonists. Great care was taken to preserve authenticity while ensuring that the immersive experience was technically seamless.

April 2021 - May 2021

Post-production involved complex VR editing and sound design. Careful masking, stabilization, and spatial audio mixing ensured that the viewer would feel present in each environment. The goal was not just to inform, but to deeply move the audience. Through this process, we turned raw, real-life moments into powerful narratives of social impact.

Deliverables

4 short 360° VR documentary films

Aspect ratio: 360° VR video is 2:1 3840×1920 (4K)

THE IMPACT

The films offered an emotional, first-hand perspective into communities transforming through WASH practices. By empowering local women and girls as change agents, the campaign resonated with both local and global audiences.

The Outcome:

The final 360° VR films were praised for their emotional depth, authenticity, and technical innovation. They received positive feedback from UNICEF and its international partners, effectively showcasing the human impact of the WASH program. The immersive experience allowed stakeholders—from field staff to global donors—to connect deeply with the stories, reinforcing the importance of community-led sanitation efforts. The success of these films positioned VR as a compelling tool for advocacy and storytelling in UNICEF’s future initiatives.