Passion Pictures' Christmas Film Has an Important Message About Elderly Loneliness

UK national charity Re-engage and Passion Animation Studios have unveiled an animated film, highlighting the challenges of loneliness among older people at Christmas.

For many of us, Christmas is undoubtedly the most wonderful time of the year. But for over half a million older people, the season is not something to look forward to. Re-engage, the only charity committed to tackling loneliness amongst over-75s, and Passion Animation Studios beautifully depict the silent suffering of those with no choice but to spend the season alone.

The film tells the story of Stella, an older woman spending Christmas on her own but who finds a friend in a surprising way.

Passion Animation Studios is the team behind many classic animated Christmas films for big brands including McDonald’s, Sainsbury’s and last year’s viral success for Iceland, ‘There’s a Rang-Tan in my Bedroom’.

This year, while developing the story with BAFTA nominated director Izzy Burton and partnering with Re-engage, it became clear that the story had gone beyond season’s greetings and developed an important message to be shared over the Christmas period. The emotional film shows just how important it is to reconnect with people at this time of year, and how even a small gesture can make a big difference.

The film features stunning hand painted backgrounds, characters and uses traditional 2D cell animation techniques. 'Stella' is also brought to life through original music and sound composed by Mcasso Music.

For older people, factors such as bereavement, lack of mobility or support means many can go up to four or five days a week without speaking to anyone. Isolation can worsen over the holidays, as long winter nights and reduced transport services make it almost impossible to leave the house.

Community Christmas, the 2019 Christmas campaign from Re-engage, aims to ensure that no older person is alone on Christmas Day. The charity aims to actively match over-75s to events in their area on Christmas Day, to ensure that more older guests are able to enjoy the festive season.