STORIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT SECTOR IN SOUTHEAST ASIA and beyond.
With over 15 years of experience producing photo and video content for NGOs and international humanitarian organizations. I’m based in Bangkok (Thailand), but I’ve worked in more than 30 countries, telling stories of resilience, equity, and change.
My assignments have ranged from documenting Syrian refugees in Jordan and LGBTQ+ activists in Colombia to covering gang violence prevention in Honduras, El Salvador, and Jamaica.
I’ve reported on climate action in Cambodia, China, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the UAE, and worked extensively across Asia on healthcare and reproductive rights projects. I’ve also documented the Zika crisis in Peru and the Dominican Republic, and explored labor rights and the impact of COVID-19 on garment workers in Cambodia.
Clients include USAID, UNICEF, WWF, UNEP, the Obama Foundation, UN WOMEN, and many others.
Interested in WORKING TOGETHER?
UNEP - RESTORING MARINE ECOSYSTEMS IN UAE
The Arabian Sea is among the hottest on the planet, and climate change has been driving mass die-offs of coral reefs.
At the same time, scientists noticed that some species seem to be more resilient than others. This has kicked off a drive to restore coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass off the coast of Abu Dhabi – an important home to vulnerable species like the Dugong.
USAID ETHIOPIA - ABERU’S SAVINGS PLAN
In December 2018 I travelled to Ethiopia and documented the life of Aberu Mamo.
With USAID's support, villages like Aberu's are becoming more resilient to recurring drought, helping break the cycle of crisis and reduce the need for emergency food aid.
Through the Feed the Future GRAD project, USAID trained farmers like Aberu to diversify income, leverage loans and increase savings. "The money saved can be used to pass the worst time," Aberu says.
OBAMA FOUNDATIOn VIETNAM - KEEP PEDALING FORWARD
In rural Vietnam, two wheels can change a girl's future.
A film I shot for Michelle Obama and her Girls Opportunity Alliance, launched to celebrate International Day of the Girl, highlighting the incredibile work that Rock Paper scissors children fund does in Vietnam.
PHOTOGRAPHY FOR DEVELOPMENT
With my photography, I’ve helped development organizations shape compelling communication campaigns by capturing powerful, human-centered visuals that drive engagement and empathy.
From documenting climate adaptation efforts in drought-prone communities across Southeast Asia, to illustrating the daily resilience of farmers involved in sustainable agriculture projects in Cambodia, my work brings visibility to the often unseen stories behind development.
I’ve also extensively covered healthcare and education programs—from maternal care in remote provinces to inclusive schooling for children with disabilities—collaborating with partners to build campaigns rooted in dignity, local identity, and real-world impact.
AUSTRALIA’s LOST SHELLFISH REEFS
Australia is leading one of the world’s most ambitious marine restoration efforts through its Shellfish Reef Building Program. While coral reefs often dominate headlines, shellfish reefs—formed by oysters and mussels—are equally vital. These “ecosystem engineers” filter water, boost fish stocks, and protect coastlines.
With support from The Nature Conservancy, the Australian Government, and local communities, the program has already restored over 60 hectares of reef across all six southern states, aiming to recover 30% of the country’s lost shellfish reefs by 2030.
Photo by Todd Brown for UNEP
USAID EGYPT - PRESERVING THE PAST, CREATING THE FUTURE
USAID is partnering with the Government of Egypt, Takween Integrated Community Development, and local businesses to bring historic Esna back to life, creating jobs and increasing incomes.
I’m Thomas Cristofoletti, an award-winning documentary cinematographer and photojournalist based in Bangkok (Thailand), working across Cambodia, Southeast Asia, and internationally.
My work focuses on investigative and environmental storytelling, documenting issues related to climate change, development, and human rights for international media outlets and development organisations.