A St Albans-based filmmaker is bringing an often-overlooked humanitarian crisis to international attention through his feature documentary, "Nameless Children"
Directed by Brazilian filmmaker Lucca Bertollini, the documentary follows Leo dos Santos - a fellow Brazilian who has spent over 15 years in Nigeria protecting children accused of witchcraft. In communities where such accusations carry severe consequences, targeted children frequently face abandonment, stigma, and physical violence. Dos Santos has devoted his life to offering them sanctuary and hope for a better future.
For Bertollini, however, the narrative extends beyond a single individual. It is an exploration of quiet determination in the face of scarce resources and seemingly insurmountable odds.
A Five-Year Journey
Bertollini first met dos Santos five years ago, struck by the contrast between the vast scale of the crisis and dos Santos’s humble approach.
Leo wasn't a young dreamer seeking recognition,
Bertollini notes.
He was a husband and father who chose to fight for vulnerable children in another country, often with limited resources, little institutional support, and no guarantee of success.
Bertollini was equally moved by the dedication of local leader Diana Akinamoh and the network of volunteers working behind the scenes. Having lived in Brazil for over three decades, Bertollini recognised familiar themes in their struggle.
The problems Leo encountered in Nigeria echoed those I grew up surrounded by," he explains. "As a Brazilian, I understood the silent battles against poverty and inequality he faced every day.
This personal connection shaped the film's direction. Rather than framing dos Santos as a conventional cinematic hero, Bertollini set out to capture the raw reality of his daily commitment, the frustrations, systemic obstacles, and modest triumphs that rarely make headlines. Over five years, Bertollini shot new footage while weaving in archival material from the earlier years of dos Santos's work.
Unnoticed Victories
Filming in Nigeria exposed Bertollini to severe resource shortages, a lack of institutional backing, and the constant threat of bad actors exploiting vulnerable communities. Yet the moments that resonated most were surprisingly quiet: the simple joy of a child receiving a meal, the steadfast devotion of volunteers, and the everyday resilience required to keep an orphanage open.
This is not a story about a hero, but about a man whose quiet actions speak louder than any headline,
Bertollini says.
The project reinforced a core belief woven throughout the film: even when grand social challenges remain unresolved, individual acts of compassion retain profound value.
Independent Filmmaking and Recognition
Like many independent productions, the film relied on perseverance, grassroots collaboration, and the generosity of industry professionals who volunteered their time. Combining footage spanning distinct periods into a single cohesive story posed a significant creative challenge, but the effort has paid off.
"Nameless Children" is now available on digital streaming platforms in over 15 countries, has been selected for more than 15 film festivals, and has earned six awards. It was also featured in the St Albans Times, bringing the story to Bertollini's local Hertfordshire community.
A Focus on Human Stories
Bertollini’s portfolio spans narrative features, documentaries, and socially engaged media. His previous work as a producer includes the feature films "Ménage" (2021) and "Coração de Cowboy" (2018), the latter winning over a dozen international accolades, including Best Foreign Language Feature at the Orlando Film Festival. In 2019, his work documenting refugee experiences earned finalist recognition in a UNHCR competition out of 5,000 global entrants.
Across all his projects, Bertollini remains drawn to human stories defined by hardship, resilience, and personal choice.
Looking Ahead
The release of "Nameless Children" marks a milestone, but not the end of the line. Bertollini and dos Santos hope to adapt elements of the story into a narrative feature film, which is currently in early development.
Ultimately, Bertollini hopes the documentary encourages deeper empathy and understanding for children accused of witchcraft and those who risk everything to protect them. As he reflects in his director's statement:
No act of compassion is wasted.
