Barnardos and BBH Dublin release heartbreaking film as part of 'Because childhood lasts a lifetime' campaign

Children’s charity Barnardos is releasing a thought-provoking film, created by BBH Dublin, to highlight the challenges some children in Ireland face.

Barnardos know that understanding a child’s issues takes time and work. It’s not a quick fix.

This forms the basis of the new film, which follows a young boy recounting a childhood birthday. It begins with him telling a story of a perfect day, surrounded by friends, family, presents and a huge cake topped with candles. The story is then retold again and again. With each blow of the candle, more of the facade is chipped away to get to the truth; that his birthdays weren’t very special. The story ends with the boy, now in his teens, opening up about his real childhood experience to a Barnardos keyworker leading up to the enduring line ‘Because childhood lasts a lifetime’.

BBH Dublin worked closely with Barnardos to capture the reality of the healing process on film, and how it’s an ongoing journey that requires continued support.

With support systems stretched and children facing unprecedented challenges post-pandemic, from mental health struggles to enforced deprivation, early intervention is more important than ever. Without those interventions, a child may never move past the first scene.

Sean Bergin, fundraising manager at Barnardos Ireland, said, “Birthdays are a universal experience which generally connotes feelings of joy and happiness. This is a stark contrast to the reality of childhood for many children in Ireland. BBH Dublin nailed the storytelling to highlight the positive impact Barnardos can make when able to intervene early.”

Credits

AGENCY CREDITS:
Campaign Title: Change Their Story
Client: Barnardos
Advertising Agency: BBH Dublin
CEO: Karen Martin
Executive Creative Director: Felipe Serradourada Guimaraes
Creative Leads: Sam Caren and Aubrey O’Connell
Creatives: Simran Sidhu and Katy David
Strategy Lead: Simon Gregory / Darius Pasalar / Bethan Wotton
Business Lead: Amy Crowe
Account Director: Ciara Burke
Production Lead: Evonne O’Rourke
PRODUCTION CREDITS:
Director: David Leon
Production Company: Iconoclast
Producer: Sorcha Bacon
Managing Director & Executive Producer: Jean Mougin
Managing Director & Executive Producer: Guy Rolfe
Head of Production: Beatrice Warren
Production Manager: Chanel Parkinson
Director of Photography: Nick Morris
Production Designer: Shaun Fenn
Costume Designer: Florence Jones
Makeup Artist: Billie McKenzie
Editor: Matt Gabzdyl
Edit Producer: Nikki Porter @Final Cut
Sound: Factory Studios
Sound Design & Mix: Jon Clarke
Audio Producer: Ciara Wakley
Colour: Matt Turner
Colour EP: Ollie Ireland @No.8
Online: Gabha Studios
2D Lead: Daniel Morris
VFX Producer: Dafydd Upsdell