84Paris and Greenpeace unveil a Christmas story with an unexpected message

Cristina Blanaru Ads, Creativity, CSR

After 5 years of collaboration, Greenpeace has again entrusted 84.Paris for its end-of-the-year communication. For the first time, the NGO and its agency are addressing air pollution through a 1m30s film by directed by Anna Mantzaris, who recently worked alongside Wes Anderson on his first long-form animation “The Island of Dogs”.

This year recounts a modern, emotional Christmas story with a surprise twist. This seemingly heart-warming story about a little girl and her bear reveals an unexpected message that will make you want to watch it again: we must mobilize against the dangers of air pollution.

Air pollution is the cause of nearly 48,000 deaths in France and 5.5 million globally each year (Source: Agence nationale de santé publique), making it the 3rd leading cause of death in France, and the 4th worldwide.  Many are aware and increasingly concerned but rather than reacting, have simply accommodated their lifestyle to it, foregoing outdoor activities such as biking, jogging, even family strolls, on high intensity days. (Source: OpinionWay for Generali – Les Français et la qualité de l’air / September 2017).

For this new opus in the Greenpeace x 84.Paris saga the agency is breathing new life into the NGO’s traditional year-end communication.

“The Handmade gift” tells the story of a little girl who, learning about the grave effects of air pollution, worries for her teddy bear’s health.  Determined to protect him, she makes him a Christmas gift – a hand-made face mask, surprising, and worrying, her family. The film ends with the message that no mask, no scarf can be an effective protection, and that, in France, 75% of young children breathe air that’s harmful to their health.

Far from the charm of the felt characters in this video, air pollution has serious consequences on human health and particularly that of children (today in France, at least ¾ young children are exposed the dangers of air pollution (1): asthma, premature births, cardiovascular problems, cancer… There is protection that’s fully effective against air pollution. We must tackle the causes of the problem, starting with road traffic (2)

Sarah Fayolle,

Head of the Transportation and Climate Greenpeace France

Produced by Passion Animation Studios in London, and directed by the Swedish Anna Mantzaris, graduate of the Royal College of Art, “The Handmade Gift” uses stop motion animation to convey the story. The film’s production required over 80 hours of shooting on 3 sets simultaneously, using handmade puppets and props.

With this film, we wanted to write a story that respects the spirit and codes of Christmas stories while integrating a message of awareness, which people must own up to, without adopting a moralizing discourse. This Christmas story offers a double reading: at first, it seems touching and positive, and seems to be about protecting ourselves against cold temperature. But the shock at the end reveals a more dire problem, for which we have no effective solution, air pollution

Olivier and Hervé Bienaimé,

Co-presidents & Creative Directors 84.Paris

Stop motion has an almost magical dimension. We have the possibility of bringing characters and objects to life on screen, and the stories that can be told are limitless. It is a very meticulous process but which brings a resolutely enchanting result that arouses curiosity and touches the audience.

Anna Mantzaris,

Director of the film

The film, launched on December 10, is available online and will air on a large screen at a Parisian Christmas market near the Jardin des Tuileries.

Credits :

Brand : Greenpeace France

  • Brand Management : Clément Schmitt, Cécile Génot, Ghislain Gardarin

Agency : 84.Paris

  • Creative Directors : Olivier Bienaimé, Hervé Bienaimé
  • Strategic Planners : Nicolas Camillini, Lucie Dominique
  • Art Director : Léo Sattin
  • Copywriter : Julien Sipra

Studio de production 84.Paris : Martin Dhote, Jérémy Godineau

  • Agency Management : Arnaud Depaul, Gwenaëlle Argat , Shirley Halimi
  • Agency Producers : Mickael Ligier, Pierre Otmanine, Milena Tarriere
  • Director : Anna Mantzaris
  • Music: Attention O Chiens

Production Studios : Passion Animation Studios, Yamination

84.Paris is an independent advertising agency that helps brands communicate with new generations. The agency, which counts a team of 35, has received several Cannes Lions including the 2016 Digital Craft Grand Prix (Because Collection), 1 gold and 3 silver, and continues to emphasize its creative positioning.

84.Paris works with, among others, Ubisoft, Facebook, Google,  Louis Vuitton, BMW, Nokia, Diesel, Comme des Garçons, Greenpeace and Action Against Hunger. The agency helps brands with strategic positioning, delivering innovative campaigns across all points of contact (social media, retail, TV, press).