UNHCR - A Thread of Hope

A mixed media animated film for MADE51 and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency - telling the story of refugee craft and resilience with voiceover by Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

Some projects matter more than others, and this is one of them.

A Thread of Hope was commissioned by Brand Opus for MADE51, the UNHCR initiative that connects refugee artisans with global markets. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, works to protect the rights and futures of refugees and displaced communities worldwide - and MADE51 is one of the ways it does that, turning extraordinary craft into economic opportunity.

Hocus Pocus Studio was brought in to work alongside director Troy Browne, whose distinctive mixed media style was the perfect fit for a story this personal and this important. The collaboration was a genuine pleasure - Troy's vision was clear and the creative process was smooth throughout.

The result is a film that carries real emotional weight. Voiceover by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, music by Bat for Lashes, and Troy's layered visual language combine to create something that stays with you. We're proud to have been part of it.

Visit the MADE51 website to discover the craftsmanship behind the project. For more examples of social impact animation, see our social impact work.

Credits

Client: MADE 51 / UNHCR
Agency: Brand Opus
Client Director: Gill Creedon
Creative Director: Ian Ritch
Written by: John Matthews
Producer: James Baines
Post Producer: Anneliese Guy
Business Director: Daniel Wegrzyn
Photography: Road2Films

Director: Troy Browne
Animation Producers: James Murphy, Miles Paulley
Design: Troy Browne, Theresa Hilsden, Tom McCarten
Animation: Troy Browne, Tom McCarten, Justin Lowings, Rob Millington

Voiceover: Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Music: Bats for Lashes ‘At your feet’
Sound design & mix: Pitch & Sync