180LA launches New Films To Support UNICEF’s 70th Anniversary

Two new global films that tell the stories of refugee children launch this week by 180LA to support UNICEF’s commemoration of 70 years of work for children. The animated films - an extension of the award-winning Unfairy Tales series - are intended to help break down discrimination and encourage viewers to feel empathy for the millions of children across the world who are living as refugees. 

Unfairy Tales: The Next Chapter - Mustafa and Unfairy Tales: The Next Chapter – Malak are follow-up films to the original, award-winning animated films released in March 2016 that feature true stories of child refugees Malak and Mustafa. Their harrowing journeys from Syria, the horror they fled and the challenges they faced when they reach the end of their journeys serve as reminders that acts of kindness and a helping hand are paramount to the successful transition of children in their new communities. 

Mustafa, whose story was featured in the original film that launched in March 2016, took to the stage last week at UNICEF’s 70th anniversary event at the United Nations in New York as he described the challenges he faced and his hopes for the future. The event was broadcast live on UNICEF’s Facebook page.

More than half a billion people have heard the stories of Malak and Mustafa through earned media across 176 countries, widening exposure and perspectives to the issue. The campaign has garnered more than 30 awards around the world, including the prestigious Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Good. 

The films will launch on UNICEF’s social channels, including Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat. The series forms part of UNICEF’s #actofhumanity global initiative encouraging people to show acts of humanity towards refugees and migrant children and young people.

“Many people were touched by these films and wanted to know what happened to the children featured in the campaign,” said Eduardo Marques, Executive Creative Director at 180LA. “We’re happy to share they’ve found new homes in Germany, but we all need to be reminded that these kids need to be welcomed into their new community and no act of kindness is too small.” 

“Unfairy Tales tells the heartbreaking story of these children and the other millions of children who are affected by war, what they endure and the challenges they face in their new communities,” said 180LA Executive Creative Director Rafael Rizuto. “While these worlds of wonder can bring delight to young audiences, there are some stories never meant for children.” 

“Nearly 50 million children are on the move – 28 million of them forced to flee their homes because of conflict. These children and their families are looking for stability, and a place to call home,” said UNICEF Director of Communication Paloma Escudero. “Across the world, people are showing acts of humanity to migrant and refugee children, welcoming them into communities and schools. These small acts of kindness can make all the difference to individual lives and we encourage more people to show empathy towards children on the move.” 

The campaign was conceived and directed by ad agency 180LA. The films were produced with pro bono help from animation houses Consulado, House of Colors, Bubba’s Chop Shop and Gilles+Cecilie Studio, along with Media Monks, which produced interactive e-books and Circle of Sound and Therapy Studios on sound/music.

 As part of the White House call to action, 180LA was one of  51 companies that committed upwards of $650 million in the education, employment and enablement of 6.3 million refugees across 20 countries, just a portion of the roughly 21 million who have crossed international borders, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).