Disney’s “A Wish For The Holidays” ad, shot in South Africa and featuring diverse stories and languages, unites the world in the power of holiday wishes.
Johannesburg, South Africa (02 November 2023) – Disney, the beloved entertainment giant, has embarked on a heartwarming holiday campaign, “May Your Wishes Come True,” to commemorate its remarkable 100-year journey.
This year’s celebration revolves around the enduring theme of wishes, and Disney is inviting the world to join in the magic of togetherness during the festive season. As part of this extraordinary campaign, Disney has released its first-ever live-action festive advertisement titled “A Wish For The Holidays,” drawing inspiration from the upcoming Walt Disney Animation Studios’ movie, “Wish.” This enchanting ad is set to captivate audiences in more than 50 countries, reminding us all of the power of wishes.
The ad, directed by the Grammy Award-winning Nigerian/British director, Meji Alabi, showcases the breathtaking landscapes of Cape Town, South Africa. With scenes representing six diverse geographical locations and languages, it tells the touching stories of families and friends from around the world who share a universal wish—to be with their loved ones during the Holidays while cherishing their unique festive traditions.
Director Meji Alabi shared his profound experience while creating this heartwarming ad: “I feel lucky to have collaborated with such a diverse group of people on Disney’s Holiday campaign this year. There were so many stand-out moments for me during the filming, but I think the most memorable was watching the South African kids’ choir sing their lines. It truly gave me goosebumps.”
One of the highlights of the advertisement is the globally recognized song “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella, thoughtfully rearranged to enable multiple performers to come together with one united voice. The English-language voice of Asha and Academy Award-winning actress and singer, Ariana DeBose, delivers the opening line in the English version, while voice actresses from various regions sing it in their respective languages.
The ad has been skillfully produced by Ridley Scott Associates, with contributions from teams across the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. It was developed in collaboration with the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products’ internal advertising agency, Yellow Shoes.
Joss Hastings, VP Global Marketing, Disney Consumer Products, Games & Publishing, emphasized the campaign’s universal appeal: “Holiday traditions may look different around the world, but however and wherever you’re celebrating, we all share the wish to be with the ones we love during this special time of year. Inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new movie ‘Wish,’ the advertisement brings voices from around the world together as a global choir for a powerful rendition of the iconic ‘A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes.’ We hope fans enjoy the new twist on a Disney classic as we celebrate 100 years of storytelling and the integral role that music has played.”
The global premiere of the advertisement coincides with the recent unveiling of a co-branded celebratory aircraft livery in collaboration with LIFT Airlines, marking the beginning of the “May Your Wishes Come True” campaign. The Disney-themed plane is now connecting customers on routes between Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, promising many surprises along the way. Travelers are encouraged to share their pictures on social media using the hashtag #DisneyandLIFT and tagging @DisneyAfrica and @LIFT__SA.
Luke Roberts, General Manager, Consumer Products, Games, and Publishing at The Walt Disney Company Africa, expressed his excitement about the locally-shot advert and continued partnership with LIFT Airlines: “Following the collaboration with LIFT Airlines, what better way to continue the launch of our biggest retail campaign to date in South Africa than with this locally-shot advert. Inspired by the universal truth that they wish to be together during the holidays, we look forward to celebrating with South African families and fans throughout the festive period.”
This holiday season, Disney’s “May Your Wishes Come True” campaign offers the perfect opportunity to delight your loved ones with Disney-inspired gifts. The campaign will feature innovative products across multiple categories, including toys, apparel, jewelry, technology, and consumables. It will also introduce brand-new products from the movie “Wish,” including Lego sets and figurines, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
South African shoppers can look forward to various activations at shopping malls nationwide, featuring Disney-plush-adorned Christmas trees. Proudly presented in association with VISA and Investec, with support from Toys R US, these trees will allow visitors to give back through donations to Reach for a Dream, spreading the holiday spirit and making wishes come true for those in need.
With the promise of much more to come, this festive season is destined to be an unforgettable one as we all come together to wish for a holiday filled with love, joy, and togetherness. Disney’s 100th-anniversary celebration is a testament to the enduring magic of storytelling and the cherished role that music plays in our lives.
As we embark on this heartwarming journey, may your wishes come true, and may the holiday season be a time of enchantment, unity, and shared dreams.
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