Johnnie Walker "Ode to Lesvos"

How does a brand that sells whisky delicately shine a light on the best of humanity in a place of tragedy? By giving those who champion progress and inspire us all to believe in a better tomorrow a platform on which to share their message. In 2016 — rough year for the world by any standard — a handful of people in a small village on the island of Lesvos was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Recognized for their tremendous help and effort as hundreds of thousands of desperate Syrian refugees arrived on their doorstep. We invited award-winning, director, Talal Derki, to tell the inspiring story of a few unlikely heroes from a Syrian point of view and he created an ode to the incredible people of Lesvos.

The project was launched on World Peace Day, and what started as a humble documentary spurred massive global conversation. The film was viewed 54 million times. The Guardian picked up the story. Along with Doctors Without Borders, Mercy Corp, and the United Nations. The film was also shown at film festivals across Europe, including Agean Doc, where it was received with a standing ovation, and a request for an encore. It was Awarded a Pencil at the D&AD 2017.

My Role: Executive Creative Director
Executive Creative Director / Writer: Martin Peters
Chief Creatives: Mike Byrne / Richard Mulder
Creative Director: Ross Cavin / Chris Adams
Editing: Govert Janse
Director: Talal Derki
Agency: Anomaly Amsterdam

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