The Comfort Dogs of Uganda

Director's Statement

In 2002, I was an early career photojournalist in Northern Uganda, documenting the atrocities of the Lord’s Resistance Army. The children abducted and forced to fight by rebel warlord Joseph Kony became more than a story to me. It’s rare to return to an assignment that affected you so deeply. But 20 years later, that opportunity came when I discovered The Comfort Dog Project (CDP). It felt like coming full circle. What happens to child soldiers after war ends often remains untold, and they had a compelling story to tell. The CDP helps them rebuild their lives through a remarkable form of therapy: being partnered with rescued dogs who’ve experienced trauma of their own. The dogs are the quiet heroes, and I wanted them to be central in the film. Their companionship unlocks healing that traditional counselling alone can’t reach. It’s a connection that is only deepened by understanding the science behind it all. Many of these young adults were never fully accepted back into their communities. They’ve struggled with stigma and unhealed trauma. That’s why I felt it was important to include photographs I had taken in 2002 - to show the faces of the children they once were and the journey they’ve made. Filming took place over two trips, using a minimal setup: a Canon R5, gimbal, and slider. Accompanied by Francis - a community psychologist, translator, and leader of the Comfort Dog Project- we sought to create a safe and empathetic environment. What emerged was a story of resilience, healing, and the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs. My hope is that this film brings visibility and support to The Comfort Dog Project - and helps audiences discover what I did: that kindness, connection, and the unconditional love of a dog can be transformative.