The people in our films trust us with their stories. This page sets out how we honour that trust. It applies to every film and photograph we make, and to everyone who works with us on a shoot.

1. Informed consent

• Everyone identifiable in our films and photographs gives informed consent before we publish.
• We explain, in a language they understand, what the film is for, where it will be shown and who will see it.
• Consent is recorded in writing, and where needed also verbally on camera.
• Consent covers the uses agreed. New uses need new consent.
• People can say no, and can change their mind before publication.

2. Children and safeguarding

• We film children only with the consent of a parent or guardian, and with the child’s own agreement.
• We follow our client’s safeguarding policy as well as our own, and involve their safeguarding lead.
• Where there is any risk, we protect identity by not showing faces, names or locations.
• No member of our team is ever alone with a child during a shoot.

3. Data protection

We handle footage and personal information in line with Kenya’s Data Protection Act and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner’s guidance on publishing recorded media. Consent records are stored with the footage, access is limited, and we agree a retention period with each client.

4. Dignity

• We show people as active participants in change, not only as recipients of help.
• We do not stage suffering or direct emotion.
• We show participants the finished film where possible.

5. Generative AI

We do not use generative AI to create or alter images, video or voices of the people and communities in our films. We may use AI tools behind the scenes, for example for transcription, first-draft subtitles or translation drafts that are then checked by a native speaker, and we tell our clients where we do.

6. Safety and security

On conservation and security-sensitive shoots, we agree in advance what may be shown, and nothing operational is published without clearance from the client and the relevant authority.

Frameworks we follow

This policy draws on Kenya’s Data Protection Act 2019 and the ODPC’s 2025 guidance notes, the Children Act 2022, and sector guidance including Bond’s Putting the people in the pictures first.

Questions about this policy can be sent to dennis@afrovostudios.com. Read more in our field guide to ethical storytelling.

Last updated: 29 September 2026.