Disney has kicked off its 2020 Christmas campaign, From Our Family To Yours, with a new animated short film which tells the touching story of a grandmother, her granddaughter and the family traditions that connect them through the years.
From Our Family To Yours will also make its Disney+ debut on Friday, November 13, in Australia and New Zealand.
The animated short forms part of a rich multi-platform campaign, which aims to celebrate family traditions and experiences that connect generations and make lifelong memories by weaving in a little Disney magic.
The storyline of From Our Family To Yours was inspired by the themes of traditions, family togetherness and nostalgia.
Starting in 1940, it introduces two new characters – a grandmother, Lola, and her granddaughter - to the audience, alongside a very familiar friend - Mickey Mouse, in toy form - gifted to Lola as a young child by her father.
With each passing year, Lola’s Mickey plush toy reminds her of her childhood and the short evolves into a present day, showing the connection she has to her granddaughter, which ultimately goes on to inspire Lola’s granddaughter to throw a festive surprise for her on Christmas morning.
The animated short was created by Disney, in partnership with Flux Animation Studios in New Zealand, and is accompanied by the emotive vocals of UK artist, Griff, who performs the title track Love Is A Compass.
“We are delighted to share our beautiful Christmas campaign From our Family to Yours and are proud to partner with Make-A-Wish here in Australia and New Zealand," says Kylie Watson-Wheeler, senior vice president and managing director of The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand.
“The story of Lola and her family is certainly heart-warming and we hope it inspires people to create meaningful memories with their families this Christmas - something that has never been more relevant than in 2020."
From Our Family To Yours also celebrates Disney’s long-standing relationship with Make-A-Wish in Australia and New Zealand, supporting the charity’s mission to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
As part of the campaign, Disney fans will be able to purchase a limited-edition vintage Mickey Mouse plush toy, as featured in the short, online with 25% of the total price donated to Make-A-Wish in Australia and New Zealand.
The Vintage Mickey plush toy also features a stitched ear, as a nod to the plush featured in the short.
Lola's favourite toy gets broken and then mended by her granddaughter, showing that the traditions and spirit of Christmas has passed through each generation.
As part of the international component, fans can also 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 USD$1to Make-A-Wish and up to USD$100,000 globally.
From Our Family To Yours is also supported across the network of The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand with key retail partners both in-store and online and live event sponsorships coming together to bring Christmas stories and characters to life through innovative products and experiences.
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