The Global Search for Education: Mama CHIA: Love, Hope, and Education in Vietnam
This month, audiences can screen Mama CHIA, a heartfelt short documentary directed by Amelia Purvis, produced by Isabella Galvez, and featuring cinematography by Sydney Villa and editing by Jessica Lee. The film transports viewers to the heart of Vietnam, where the NGO Children’s Hope in Action (CHIA) is creating lasting change. This film is curated for Planet Classroom by Actuality Abroad.
Through education, healthcare, and emotional support, CHIA uplifts vulnerable children with the love and care of a nurturing mother. At the core of Mama CHIA is a universal story — one of hope, resilience, and the power of community-driven compassion to transform lives.
The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome director Amelia Purvis to discuss the creative journey behind the film and the message it hopes to share with global audiences.
Amelia, how did you approach the balance between portraying the challenges these children face and the hope and love at the heart of CHIA’s work?
We were very intentional about avoiding the overly sentimental “sad children, please donate” approach you sometimes see in nonprofit campaigns. The kids we met were strong and full of gratitude — resilient, not helpless. Our goal was to show the value of sponsorship while spotlighting the incredible work CHIA is already doing. It was about hope and love, not pity. That tone guided everything — from how we filmed to how we structured the story.
What lasting message or emotional impact do you hope audiences take away from Mama CHIA?
That mothers around the world — whether in Vietnam or anywhere else — will do anything for their children. We wanted to highlight that universal bond. It’s a tribute to the quiet strength and dedication of women who nurture and uplift children in every community.
What guided your decisions about who to feature and what to include during your time in Vietnam?
We actually had a really compelling secondary storyline we had to leave out. It followed a family supported by CHIA whose child had just started college. When their motorbike was stolen — a crucial form of transportation — a volunteer managed to repair a donated bike and gave it to the student so he could keep attending school. It was beautiful, but too complex to fit into the final cut.
We ultimately decided to focus on the relationship between a mother and daughter. It’s a simple, universal narrative that resonates across cultures, and it allows us to deliver a clear and powerful message.
How did you first connect with CHIA and decide to tell their story?
CHIA had already been in touch with Actuality Abroad before our team arrived in Vietnam. Robin reached out and invited them to participate. The relationship was based on mutual exchange — CHIA welcomed us in, and we provided our filmmaking services pro bono.
It was a great fit. Their openness and the impactful nature of their work made it clear that their story needed to be shared.
Thank you, Amelia!
C.M. Rubin and Amelia Purvis
Mama CHIA is now streaming on Planet Classroom’s YouTube Channel. This film is curated by Actuality Abroad.