Chris Fowles’ knack for emotive storytelling & directing performance is on full display in his latest film for The Salvation Army and the Lerma Agency. The film showcases the burden eldest children and parents take on to support their families, whilst highlighting that such mental weight can be eased with the support of Salvation Army..

Poverty is an extremely urgent issue, on both sides of the Atlantic. In the US, 5.4 million children provide care and support to their family, many living below the poverty line. Parentification of older children left to care for their younger siblings often matures them too quickly, leaving their childhood and friends behind to aid their overworked parents.

Yet with the help of agencies like the Salvation Army, hard working families are able to receive hot meals and mental support. In the UK alone, the largest food bank had 35 locations in 2010, and now has over 1,300, providing widespread assistance year round and especially leading up to the holidays this time of year.

Lerma had this to say about the project: “We’re so proud to share this year’s Christmas spot for The Salvation Army. Ana and her family’s story is one that thousands of people across the United States relate to. One in five children in the US will wake up hungry on Christmas morning. Together, we can change that.”

Director Chris Fowles had this to add: “We had the most wonderful team on this from start to finish - everyone gave it their all and I’m so proud of the final product. Including our lead Alynna who had never acted on camera before - and had to wear winter coats in 40 degree July weather.”

Credits:

Director: Chris Fowles

Production Co: CoMPANY Films

Executive Producer: Ron Cicero

Executive Producer: Richard Goldstein

Producer: Bo Clancey

1st AD: Jeremy Haak

Agency: LERMA

CD: Katie Bernet

CD: Amanda Jackson

ACD / Art Director: Kirstin Mullins

Writer: Brooke Boulter