A YORK film-maker has told how he wept - and wretched - as he filmed poverty he had never before imagined in the slums of Manila.
Dave Thorp, from Fulford, said he flew more than 6,600 miles to locations around Tondo, a district of the Philippines' capital city, to shoot a documentary for a New York charity about extreme poverty among its street children.
He said he shot some of the most disturbing images he had ever witnessed, including small children sniffing glue to help overcome their hunger pains as they trawled through debris and refuse.
“Working as a cameraman means I consider myself perhaps cynical, and even desensitised, but whilst filming I cried openly as I watched through the viewfinder," said Dave, of Flash Frame Productions.
"I witnessed poverty and need that I had never before imagined - and my imagination is pretty good - and had an almost religious experience. The smell made me wretch, and the people made me weep.
"I watched and filmed 10 year old children sniffing glue called “rugby” from plastic bags as they trawled through debris and refuse. Being 'high' helps overcome their hunger pains. Yet despite their situation they often seemed positive, bright and friendly. That’s what affected me most. No hatred, anger or resentment."
He said he was making the documentary for The John DV Salvador Foundation, a New York charity dedicated to providing hope and opportunities for such boys and girls.
He visited spectacular new children’s villages at St. Martin de Porres, built by the charity to offer food, safety, education and hope to the children.
“The charity is doing great work, and it warmed my heart to see the positive effect on youngsters with nothing leaving the gutter - literally - and going on sometimes to earn a degree and secure a job." he said.
“Filming these scenes reminded me that back here in England we live in one of the richest, safest and most beautiful countries in the world. But despite that - it’s not the happiest. That's one of the lessons I learned whilst filming
For more information about the charity and its work visit: http://jdvsfoundation.org/
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