Toy Soldiers (2010 film)

Toy Soldiers is a British documentary for BBC by John Walsh. of Walsh Bros Ltd. For the first time on television children reveal what life is like when a parent goes off to war and was commissioned as part of the BBC's look at children in conflicts and war zones entitled the Army Zone.[1] "The child's voice has rarely been heard on this subject before. The goal of this film is not just to give a voice to this story but to challenge perceptions of children whose parents go to war."[2][3]

Toy Soldiers
Directed by	John Walsh
Narrated by	Gareth Gates
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Original language	English
Production
Executive producer	Roger James
Producer	John Walsh
Running time	30 minutes
Production company	Walsh Bros Ltd.
Distributor	BBC
Release
Original release	December 6, 2010 (2010-12-06)

The film looks at how they try to maintain normality as their lives are interrupted by a conflict that they might not understand, taking place in a country they may never have heard of. For some a return is around the corner, for others a loss will affect the rest of their lives. It is narrated by Gareth Gates. The documentary uses animations, the children's own artwork, and interviews. The film was praised by Dr Geraldine Walford for challenging perceptions around the topic of childhood grief: "good to see this sensitive and crucially important topic being opened up for people to learn from."[4] Walsh discusses it on the BBC Radio 4 Today Programme.[5]