Disney Features Filipino Family in Their New Christmas Ad

Published November 9th, 2020 - 10:57 GMT
Luciano Manzo, President and CEO at Make-A-Wish International, revealed partnering with Disney has helped to grant the wishes of many children across the world. Pictured: Disney's animated campaign  (Twitter)
Luciano Manzo, President and CEO at Make-A-Wish International, revealed partnering with Disney has helped to grant the wishes of many children across the world. Pictured: Disney's animated campaign (Twitter)
Highlights
He features as a much-loved toy, gifted to Lola as a young child by her father in 1940.

Disney today announced the launch of its new Christmas advert, a three-minute animated short telling a touching story of a grandmother, her granddaughter and the family traditions that connect them through the years.

As part of Disney's festive retail campaign, 'From Our Family To Yours', the advert marks the 40-year partnership with children's charity, Make-A-Wish. 

The heart-warming storyline is inspired by the themes of traditions, family togetherness and nostalgia, and introduces two new characters – a grandmother, Lola, and her granddaughter - alongside familiar friend Mickey Mouse.

He features as a much-loved toy, gifted to Lola as a young child by her father in 1940.

With each passing year, Mickey comes to symbolise Lola's childhood and a present day connection to her granddaughter, ultimately inspiring a festive surprise on Christmas morning.

Disney fans will be able to purchase the limited-edition vintage Mickey Mouse soft toy featured in the ad from The Disney Store and ShopDisney.co.uk, benefiting Make-A-Wish organisations.

The story is accompanied by the emotive vocals of UK artist and Ivor Novello Rising Star nominee, Griff, 19, who performs 'Love Is A Compass', written by songwriting/production team, PARKWILD. 

The charity track will also be available for sale and download from 9 November. For every download before 31 December 2020, 100 per cent of the proceeds from the retail price will be donated to Make-A-Wish.

To celebrate the theme of festive family traditions, Disney is encouraging fans to head to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to share their own past and present festive memories using #LoveFromDisney. 

For each special memory shared, Disney will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish (up to $100,000).

Tasia Filippatos, SVP Disney EMEA said: 'Christmas is a time for giving and giving back, and we're delighted to debut this festive ad campaign supporting our long-term charity partner Make-A-Wish. 

'Our goal was to tell a universal story that inspires through the themes of family, love and special holiday traditions. We hope that Disney fans enjoy the short.'

UK artist Griff, who performs 'Love Is A Compass' said: 'I was excited to get involved in Disney's Christmas campaign, in support of Make-A-Wish. 

'The lyrics of the track and the storytelling in the advert are powerful, and important. The theme of family and loved ones are so front of mind for many of us – especially this Christmas.'

Luciano Manzo, President and CEO at Make-A-Wish International said: 'Our 40-year partnership with Disney has already helped grant so many wishes for children across the world and we're really excited to be part of this Christmas campaign. 

'The festive season is such a meaningful time for so many families to celebrate special memories, and it's wonderful to have the opportunity to grant even more life-changing wishes with Disney's support. We hope audiences love the animated short and get involved.'

The advert was developed and produced by Disney EMEA's in-house creative team, led by Angela Affinita, Director of Brand Marketing and Creative, in partnership with Flux Animation Studios. 

'From Our Family To Yours' premieres on 9 November, with the single, limited-edition vintage Mickey Mouse soft toy, and social media campaign launching simultaneously.

This article has been adapted from its original source.

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