UNICEF has launched a global initiative called #actofhumanity that focuses on raising awareness of the refugee children who have had to flee their war-torn countries for safety. As a companion-piece to the initiative, UNICEF worked with agency 180LA in co-developing a series of true, short animated stories called “Unfairy Tales”. These short films tell the stories of three different Syrian refugee children on their journey to safety. They have been animated in the style of a fairy tale with the purpose of driving home the sentiment that some stories were never meant for children.
Bubba’s was approached to animate the story ,“Mustafa Goes For A Walk”, in collaboration with Gilles+Cecilie Studio. 180LA was looking for each film to begin like sweet kids’ tales then take a dramatic turn when you discover the children are fleeing for their lives. With this direction, we took inspiration from some of our favorite Saturday morning cartoons growing up. We worked to design a style reminiscent of that fun, colorful world and shifted the tone drastically when the true reality of the story comes to light.
“Unfairy Tales” received many honors for the huge impact it has made around the world.
Along with our partners at 180LA and Gilles+Cecilie Studio, Bubba’s was recognized at The Cannes Lions Festival, earning a Grand Prix Lion in the Good category, a Gold for Cyber, a Silver for Film Craft and two Bronze for Film & Entertainment. Bubba’s also received one Gold for Branded Entertainment: Online Series and another Gold for TV/Cinema/Online Film: Public Service/Social Welfare Campaign at the London International Awards, in addition to joining The One Club with a Bronze Award in the 2017 Branded Entertainment: Online / Short Form – Campaign category, and receiving a D&Ad Wood Pencil award: Creativity for Good.
It was an honor to have been a part of this campaign and work with UNICEF in their efforts to help raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis refugee children are facing around the world. We are happy to report Mustafa and his family are safe and living in Germany today. You can help migrant children like Mustafa everywhere by donating to UNICEF today.
