Greenpeace France's Felt Animation Reveals the Stark Reality of Air Pollution

Greenpeace France and its agency 84.Paris are addressing air pollution with a new animated film directed by Anna Mantzaris, who recently worked alongside Wes Anderson on 'The Island of Dogs'.

'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 or scarf is effective against air pollution.

"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 three quarters of young children are exposed the dangers of air pollution: asthma, premature births, cardiovascular problems, cancer... We must tackle the causes of the problem, starting with road traffic," explains Sarah Fayolle, head of the transportation and climate at Greenpeace France.

Produced by Passion Animation Studios and directed by Anna Mantzaris, 'The Handmade Gift' uses stop motion animation to convey the story. The film’s production required over 80 hours of shooting on three 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, without adopting a moralising 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," explain Olivier and Hervé Bienaimé, co-presidents and creative directors of 84.Paris.

Anna Mantzaris, director of the film, says: "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 one which brings a resolutely enchanting result that arouses curiosity and touches the audience."