US Creative Work of the Week: Day One warns teens of dating abuse
While many were celebrating love over Valentine's Day, one organization called attention to the darker side of romance.
Day One, an organization dedicated to reducing the prevalence of sexual abuse and violence as well as supporting and advocating for those affected by it, and BBDO New York released an animated film during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February warning teens of dating abuse. The short film, called ‘Sunshine,’ looks at a disturbing teen relationship that seems innocent at first glance, but abusive when examined more closely.
The film opens with an intentionally clichéd love at first sight romance where the two main characters quickly fall for each other, set to the upbeat classic song ‘Walkin’ on Sunshine’ by Katrina and the Waves. As the film progresses, however, warning signs creep in, with the man becoming more controlling and possessive of his date, keeping tabs on the clothes she wears, the food she eats and the people she associates with, which causes alienation. By the end, the sweet, happy vibe of the song takes a darker twist.
The film is meant to highlight the fact that not all abuse is physical. Emotional and verbal abuse is often even more insidious and difficult to separate from devotion, which is succinctly captured in the film’s final line: don’t confuse love and abuse.
For its honesty, engaging animation and important message, our readers voted 'Sunshine' as US Creative Work of the Week. See the film by clicking on the Creative Works box below.
To vote for next week’s US Creative Work of the Week, visit our latest US Creative Works here. To keep up to date with all the advertising, design and creative projects from around the globe, visit our Creative Works homepage.
