The Silent Army is a recut, international version of the 2008 Dutch drama film Wit Licht (Dutch: Wit Licht meaning White Light)[2] directed by Jean van de Velde about the hardships of child soldiers in Africa.

When his wife (Ricky Koole) suddenly dies, he is left to take care of his son Thomas (Siebe Schoneveld) on his own.

The idea for the film originated with singer Marco Borsato, who is an ambassador for the non-profit organisation War Child Holland.

Van de Velde wrote the screenplay and asked Borsato to take on the lead role.

Rissient cut out many Dutch scenes, took away the music, changed the ending and made the movie more suitable for arthouse audiences.

Its natural beauty and the abandoned airport on the top of a local mountain were the main reasons this location was chosen.

"[8] Borsato also released a single and an album and he performed in a series of concerts in Gelredome, all carrying the same name as the movie.