I’m not crying, you are! Disney has just released its 2021 Christmas Advert “Stepdad” and it features the incredibly talented Loyiso!!!!
Johannesburg, South Africa (03 November 2021) – Disney has today released a magical new festive advert to mark the start of the Holiday season. “The Stepdad” is a three-minute animated tale about family togetherness and the power of storytelling.
A sequel to last year’s ‘Lola’, which celebrated festive traditions passed down through generations, the short film premieres on Wednesday 3rd November 2021, across TV and Digital plus Disney’s own channels in 45 countries across Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Asia. It forms part of Disney’s festive retail campaign, ‘From Our Family To Yours’ that hits retailers nationwide this month.
Watch the 2021 advert below:
Following Disney’s 2020 debut consumer products Christmas advert, which secured more than 106 million views, this year’s instalment features a grown-up Nicole, the granddaughter from ‘Lola’, and her two children Max and Ella, as new stepdad Mike moves into their family home.
At the heart of the story is a very special storybook – a precious item belonging to son Max from his birth father. The book celebrates how the power of storytelling can deepen family bonds, and the magic that reading together creates as stories from Disney and Pixar lift off from the pages igniting the family’s shared imagination and wonder.
Viewers will see the family navigate an emotive journey as they enjoy combining existing festive traditions with new ones in the run up to Christmas.
Exclusively for the South African version, local singer/songwriting sensation Lloyiso performs an emotive rendition of original track ‘Love Runs Deeper’ – penned for the advert, which provides a musical narrative to the film through the eyes of Mike in lieu of any dialogue.
Tasia Filippatos, SVP Disney EMEA said: “Reading together can be a truly magical experience and our advert celebrates this age-old tradition and the wonder and imagination it inspires. We hope the story will resonate with anyone who has seen the magic ‘lift off the pages’ of a book through the eyes of a child.”
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Lloyiso, who performs ‘Love Runs Deeper’ for the South African version of the advert said: “I was thrilled to get involved with Disney’s Christmas campaign. I was immediately taken by the lyrics of ‘Love Runs Deeper’ and it’s powerful, emotive message within a story that celebrates family, traditions and love. I can’t wait to share this wonderful story with South African families this festive season.”
‘From Our Family To Yours’ is Disney’s largest festive retail campaign to date and will offer the perfect opportunity to stock up on those gifts for every member of the family – from stocking fillers, toys, apparel, books and so much more – featuring the very latest and greatest from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. In addition, ten malls across the country will be getting into the spirit of the season, showcasing Disney-inspired Christmas Trees in support of The Smile Foundation.
You can also watch last year’s advert to see the connection:
To celebrate the theme of festive family traditions, Disney is encouraging fans to head to social media to share their own past and present festive memories using #DisneyChristmasAd and #FromOurFamilyToYours
Luke Roberts, General Manager of Consumer Products Commercialisation, Disney Africa said: “We are excited to be bringing ‘From Our Family to Yours’ back to South African consumers for a second year this Festive Season. A perfect way to kick off the campaign, this ad encapsulates the magic of this time, combining the themes of strengthening family bonds and creating new family traditions, with the magic of Disney storytelling.”
The advert was developed and produced by Disney EMEA’s in-house creative team, led by Angela Affinita, Director of Brand Marketing and Creative, in partnership with Flux Animation Studios in New Zealand.
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