Animation highlights loneliness for the elderly at Christmas

London's Passion Animation Studios has teamed up with national charity Re-engage to create an animated film highlighting the challenges of loneliness among older people at Christmas.

For over half a million older people in the UK the festive season is not something to look forward to, and Re-engage, the only charity committed to tackling loneliness amongst over-75s, alongside Passion have beautifully depicted the silent suffering of those with no choice but to spend the season alone. The film, directed by Izzy Burton, tells the story of Stella, an older woman spending Christmas on her own but who finds a friend in a surprising way. 

For older people, factors such as bereavement and 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.

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.