The novel was the first in a project initiated by the Netherlands Refugee Foundation to link Dutch writers with forgotten refugee groups. And although Karel managed to finish his book before he died, his further plans to provide refugees with digital cameras were left unrealised.

In March 2008, Karin returns to Mae Sot determined to realise Karel’s plan. Along the way she retraces the steps he took researching ‘The Invisible Ones’. The film weaves these emotional scenes, together with radio broadcasts recorded by Karel during his stay, and passages from his book, to provide a powerful insight into the complex issues facing the Burmese people.