WaterAid brings a new angle to the global conversations around Mars with a thought-provoking animated film looking at the search to find water here on Earth. The release of โThe Girl Who Built A Rocketโ coincides with three Mars missions going into orbit, and is the launch film for an ongoing campaign, by creative agency Donโt Panic, that looks to explore new ways to engage the public in the global water crisis. To increase consideration for the charity, the ad does not have a donation ask but instead directs viewers to the WaterAid website and other online assets, to find out more about the importance of the charityโs work. The animated short film was produced by Nexus Studios and directed by student BAFTA shortlisted rising star, Neeraja Raj, with sound design by String and Tins, and distributed by WaterAidโs media agency The Kite Factory. The film also features a specially composed soundtrack of David Bowieโs iconic Life on Marsโwhich is 50-years-old this yearโand includes a voiceover by award-winning journalist and newsreader Sir Trevor McDonald.
The touching film tells the story of Fara, a little girl from Madagascar, who dreams of being an astronaut. She attempts to fly from her home on the โGreat Red Islandโ to the โRed Planetโ in a homemade rocket in order to collect water for her family, after hearing a news report saying water has been found there.
Sir Trevor McDonald said: โI have reported on some extraordinary feats of human endeavor over my long career as a journalist and newsreader; and yet something as apparently simple as ensuring everyone everywhere has access to clean water, still evades us. I was astounded when I learned that a staggering 785 million people worldwide do not have clean water close to home. Itโs something we all take for granted in this country โ and is even more important in the middle of a pandemic. So, I am honored to add my voice to this charming animation and support WaterAid in its mission to make clean water, sanitation and good hygiene a part of normal life, wherever you are.โ
Director Raj said, โThis is a heartfelt tale based on real-life humans and their very real struggles. We approached it with honesty and humility and chose to tell it through the visual language of traditional 2D animation to achieve an emotional vibrancy that is unique to the mediumโ.
To ensure the authenticity in the portrayal of Madagascar, WaterAid worked closely with one of its Voices from the Field communications specialists, Ernest Randriarimalala who served on the ad development team and advised on all aspects of the film, from Madagascarโs landscape to details of the charactersโ appearances. The animation also provided the opportunity to create innovative storytelling at a time when travel has been restricted due to the pandemic.
One in 10 people globally have no clean water close to home; in Madagascar, almost half the population lacks access to this basic human right. Having clean water close to home can help reduce the spread of disease and enable people to go to school or earn a living. It also helps communities better endure natural disasters.
The film will be aired on TV through an exclusive partnership with U.K.โs Channel 4. โThe Girl Who Built A Rocketโ is the first time the international charity has used animation for TV.