The Best Work You May Never See: Nexus' Neeraja Raj Directs "The  Girl Who Built A Rocket" for WaterAid

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 “The Girl Who Built A Rocket” coincides with three Mars missions going into orbit, and is the launch film for an ongoing campaign, by creative agency Don’t 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 charity’s 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 WaterAid’s media agency The Kite Factory. The film also features a specially composed soundtrack of David Bowie’s iconic Life on Mars--which is 50-years-old this year--and 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 “Great Red Island” to the “Red Planet” 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: “I 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. It’s something we all take for granted in this country – 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.”  

Director Raj said, “This 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 medium”.

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 Madagascar’s landscape to details of the characters’ 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.’s Channel 4. “The Girl Who Built A Rocket” is the first time the international charity has used animation for TV.