Academic Documentary Filmmaking: Young Translators – How creative professionals and other adults can help
In the world of academic documentary filmmaking, some of the most compelling stories are those hidden in everyday life.
My latest project, Young Translators – How Professionals and Other Adults Can Help, created for University College London (UCL), explores the experiences of child interpreters who help their families bridge language and cultural barriers.
These young people play an essential role, translating conversations and documents in a range of situations—from medical appointments and school meetings to everyday errands. Through the lens of academic documentary filmmaking, I wanted to shed light on the personal challenges and quiet resilience of these young individuals.
“Without me, they would have been struggling because they wouldn’t know what they’re being told.”
Despite how vital they are, child interpreters often remain invisible in broader conversations about migration and integration. That’s where academic documentary filmmaking becomes crucial, giving voice to these hidden narratives and inspiring deeper understanding.
The Research Behind the Film
The film draws on significant research from UCL’s Institute of Education, led by scholars such as Dr. Sarah Crafter and Dr. Humera Iqbal. Their work focuses on child language brokering, the term used to describe the work that child interpreters perform daily.
These researchers have found that while child interpreters develop impressive linguistic skills and maturity, they can also experience stress and emotional strain, particularly when managing serious or sensitive conversations between adults. Academic documentary filmmaking offers an effective way to bring these complexities to light and create materials that can inform both professionals and the public.
One professional in the film shared:
“Children are very competent—it’s often just not seen or recognized. Yet if we look at children translating for families, we can see an incredible level of capability.”
Beyond storytelling, the research has led to practical tools, including guides for schools and professionals working with child interpreters. These resources helped inform my approach to this academic documentary filmmaking project, ensuring the film could act as both an engaging narrative and a practical guide.
Emotional Complexity
Translating for family is not simply about converting words from one language to another. Child interpreters often shoulder emotional burdens, relaying sensitive or complex information between adults. This dynamic can place young people in situations that feel overwhelming.
“I can’t translate every single word in just one second because I need time to think about the word.”
Some young people take great pride in helping their families, while others feel anxious or self-conscious about language skills. Capturing these mixed emotions was central to my work in academic documentary filmmaking, aiming to show both the strength and vulnerability behind the role.
One participant reflected:
“After that moment, I’m feeling very proud of myself. I do feel proud to translate for my family because that means I’m progressing on learning how to speak English.”
Community Support and Broader Perspectives
While creating the film, I discovered community efforts designed to support child interpreters. Across the UK, some schools run Young Interpreter Schemes, offering training to students so they can help peers and families manage practical language challenges. These programs build confidence and promote understanding between cultures, themes highly relevant to academic documentary filmmaking.
A PhD study from the University of Reading found that acting as an interpreter can enhance empathy, identity development, and language skills in children—especially when proper support is in place. However, researchers caution that young people should not be expected to handle situations involving legal complexities or emotionally charged topics.
Internationally, similar patterns emerge. Studies from the U.S., Canada, and Europe reveal that while language brokering can empower child interpreters, it can also generate stress if left unsupported. These nuances are precisely the kinds of stories academic documentary filmmaking is uniquely positioned to tell.
How Adults Can Support Child Interpreters
Despite the presence of professional interpreting services, many families continue to rely on their children for everyday communication. My film highlights practical ways professionals can help:
- Be Patient: Use clear, simple language and allow time for processing and translating.
- Consider Power Dynamics: Understand that children may feel intimidated when translating between adults, especially those in authority.
- Seek Consent: Always check if the child is comfortable translating. Some topics may be too sensitive.
- Create Supportive Spaces: Schools and community services should build environments where young people feel respected and safe.
“It’s always good to ask them because they know best and can tell you if they want or don’t want to do it.”
Pride and Identity
Despite the challenges, many child interpreters express pride in their roles:
“I’m really proud of where I come from and I’m really proud of my language.”
This pride—and the identity it shapes—is why I believe academic documentary filmmaking is such a vital tool. By sharing these stories, we can foster empathy, recognition, and meaningful support for young people who contribute so much to their families and communities.
Through academic documentary filmmaking, we can illuminate experiences that might otherwise remain unseen. Young Translators – How Professionals and Other Adults Can Help aims to do exactly that, offering a glimpse into the remarkable work of child interpreters and the importance of creating systems that help them thrive.
See More:
If you’d like to explore more films on social and community topics, visit my academic films here.