Director Rodrigo Garcia Saiz of Central Films teamed with ad agency Montalvo to take viewers on the harrowing journey of migration in this heart-wrenching short film, Odyssey, commissioned for the Mexico City Museum of Memory and Tolerance.
Odyssey tells the touching story of a migrant and the adversities he faces to reach the U.S. His seemingly eternal journey through the desert takes a surprising turn when, instead of reaching the United States, he returns home to Mexico, with an unexpected twist.
The three-minute film showcases the daily challenges that thousands of migrants face and aims to commemorate their journeys when they end tragically. Dedicated to these individuals, the film portrays migration as a global issue where people risk everything in pursuit of a better life. Many migrants never reach their destination, and some perish along the way. For many from Mexico, this leaves the Day of the Dead as the only opportunity for them to return home, a day when departed souls reunite briefly with their living family members.
CreditsClient Mexico City Museum of Memory and Tolerance Agency Montalvo Checho Diaz Infante, creative director/copywriter/art director; Pepe Montalvo, Tino Velez, creative directors; Carlos Meza, copywriter/art director; Juan Pablo Osio, producer. Production Company Central Films Rodrigo Garcia Saiz, director; Mauricio Francini, Eduardo Trujillo, exec producers; Luis Gerardo Gutierrez Alanis, producer; Raul Senties Tablada, 1st AD; Manuel Gonzalez Silvestre, art director; Jose Casillas Contreras, DP; Viviana Lopez Rothfuss (Izbe Rodriguez), wardrobe stylist; Jorge Hernandez, editor; Leonel Perez, post producer. Color Grade Urbano Audio Design Bernardo Bravo Music Ramiro Del Real Postproduction Patricia Guerra, postproduction coordinator; Armando Ortiz, online.
The Best Work You May Never See: Ad Council, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, GSD&M, Director Andre Muir Show Us “The Bravest Thing”
As Suicide Prevention Month begins, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Ad Council teamed with agency GSD&M to roll out PSAs for their national campaign: “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” The initiative, which started in 2021, urges Veterans who are facing challenges to visit VA.gov/REACH, a comprehensive website that helps them access the many resources available.
The PSAs, including this one titled “The Bravest Thing,” were directed by Andre Muir of production house SMUGGLER. “The Bravest Thing” acknowledges that it can be hard for Veterans to reach out if they’re struggling--but in the eyes of their loved ones, seeking help is an act of bravery. By featuring Veterans alongside their friends and family, the film encourages Veterans to open up if they’re struggling and reminds everyone that they can play a role in supporting Veterans in their lives.
“When a Veteran is ready to reach out, VA is ready to provide services and support. One of the bravest things Veterans can do is ask for help,” said Dr. Matthew Miller, executive director, VA Office of Suicide Prevention. “These new messages are powerful and compassionate additions to the ‘Don’t Wait. Reach Out.’ campaign that features the voices of loved ones, underscoring the vital role that family and friends play in supporting Veterans. We all play a role in suicide prevention and this call to action engages community and connections, which are crucial in preventing Veteran suicide. Through this campaign, we can spread hope that Veterans, and all of us, can overcome crises and difficult life challenges.”
6,392 Veterans lost their lives to suicide in 2021, according to the latest data from the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.... Read More