CEBU, Philippines — In the quiet corridors of a community hospital in Cebu, the cries of newborns blend with the rustling sounds of a bustling medical team. It was here that a milestone was quietly reached: MiracleFeet, a global nonprofit dedicated to eradicating untreated clubfoot, celebrated its 100,000th patient. Her name is Bella Jean, a two-month-old born with bilateral clubfoot—a condition that, left untreated, would have hindered her ability to walk.
This achievement, however, is more than a statistic. It’s a story of transformation, one that has been brought to life by DDC and its Madagascar team. Leading the production is Mamihasina Raminosoa, who oversees DDC’s work across Africa and Asia.
“For many years, we’ve collaborated with MiracleFeet to tell stories of families whose lives have been transformed through accessible treatment,” Mamihasina explained. “Clubfoot is a birth defect that can be corrected with a few hundred dollars’ worth of care. Yet, for low-income families, even this modest cost is prohibitive. MiracleFeet bridges that gap.”
In Cebu, the DDC team documented Bella’s first year of life. Over multiple visits, we captured the incremental progress of her treatment—a process that will, if successful, culminate in Bella taking her first steps like any other child.
A Collaborative Effort
The project is a collaborative undertaking that spans continents. Mamihasina co-directs the film with Toky Randriamahazosoa, a cinematographer and editor at DDC. “This story is different from others we’ve produced for MiracleFeet,” Toky shared. “We’re following Bella’s journey in real-time, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. It required multiple trips to the Philippines to capture each stage authentically.”
Toky’s approach emphasizes vérité-style filmmaking, capturing spontaneous, unscripted moments that convey the raw emotions of Bella’s family. “It’s not about re-creating events from the past,” he explained. “It’s about being present in the moment, waiting for those authentic interactions that reveal the heart of the story.”
This approach necessitates patience and trust. Over time, the DDC team has built a rapport with Bella’s family, allowing them to film intimate moments that might otherwise be inaccessible. “There’s a familiarity now,” Toky said. “The family is comfortable with us, which makes it easier to capture their genuine emotions and experiences.”
The Power of Partnership
This production is a testament to the power of partnership. MiracleFeet’s communications team joined DDC on the ground, fostering a multicultural dynamic that enriched the project. “The trust between everyone involved—DDC, MiracleFeet, the local team, and Bella’s family—is the cornerstone of this film,” Mamihasina emphasized. “It enables us to tell a story that is as sincere and caring as its protagonists.”
As the project progressed, the DDC team meticulously crafted each element of the film. Music, color grading, and editing are fine-tuned to reflect the emotional arc of Bella’s journey. “We work collaboratively, making sure the final product aligns with MiracleFeet’s vision,” Toky said.
For Bella’s parents, the documentary is more than a film—it’s a testament to their resilience and love. As they watch their daughter undergo treatment, they hold onto the hope that one day, she will run and play like other children.
As Bella takes her first steps in the coming months, the world will witness the quiet power of compassion and collaboration. Through DDC’s lens, her story will inspire families navigating similar challenges, demonstrating that even the smallest steps can spark life-changing transformations.
