How Wander Stood Up to Gold Mining Goliaths for Oxfam

“Be David” is an inspiring long-form PSA crafted by Creative Collective Wander in collaboration with Oxfam America. Using its signature Syncopated Storytelling, Wander created an information-rich narrative that blends enthusiasm and a touch of humor to activate viewers to champion for change with Oxfam America. In other words: find their inner David.

The “Be David” project highlights the story of Ghana’s Joanna Manu, who attended a training session sponsored by Oxfam America and stood up against land threats and environmental hazards wrought by an open pit gold mining company. The larger message - that we all have inner power to influence and make change – is deftly conveyed with Wander’s Syncopated Storytelling℠ approach using quick cuts, graphic design, and unexpected imagery to punctuate the film’s voice-over narration with warmth and humor. 

“Joanna Manu is emblematic of how people can create real change if they have access to information and can exercise their rights,” says Oxfam America’s Creative Director Jane Huber. “Our hope is that ‘Be David’ will close the distance between Oxfam’s beneficiaries and American viewers and that it will inspire people to join our community to become activists in their own right. We knew Aaron Weber and the Wander collective were the ideal partners to help bring this story to life,” she continues. “Aaron is a great creative force, and he brings so much to the work. He listens beautifully and understands how to translate our goals into a successful call to action.”

“I was honored to have a chance to tell Joanna’s story while also encouraging the next generation of activists to get involved,” notes Wander Creative Director Aaron Weber. “The team at Oxfam America is a dream client on so many levels.” 

A leading producer of creative content, Wander’s Syncopated Storytelling℠ approach first debuted with the Rainforest Alliance - Follow The Frog brand film that was awarded with 2013 Cannes Lions, a TED Ads Worth Spreading, AICP Next, and many other honors. The collective has since gone on to create nationally and internationally recognized branded content and PSAs for LinkedIn, American Museum of Natural History, and Coexist.

“Syncopated Storytelling evolved organically to fulfill the needs of our clients who often have a complex or multilayer message,” explains Weber. “Through the rapid editorial style paired with a fast paced voiceover we are able to jam a ton of information into a short piece while keeping our audiences engaged, informed, and even entertained. And when the technique is used to further a great cause it is very, very gratifying.”