The short film, with animation by Passion Pictures, tells the harrowing tale of a mother and daughter experiencing domestic abuse, seen through the eyes of a young girl; campaign aims to pressure the UK government to re-evaluate funding for support services.
Women’s Aid, a UK charity working to end domestic abuse, has launched the campaign, “The Monster Who Came to Tea,” aimed at pressuring the government to re-evaluate funding for domestic abuse support services.
At the heart of the campaign is the short film The Monster Who Came to Tea, directed by Guy Manwaring and produced by Merman Branded, with a score by composer Stuart Hancock. The film transitions from live-action to animation, created in collaboration with Passion Pictures and Tulips & Chimneys. Anne-Marie Duff (Bad Sisters) narrates. You can watch the short below.
Inspired by a children’s book, the film tells the harrowing tale of a mother and daughter experiencing domestic abuse, seen through the eyes of a young girl. The “monster” is not a fictional creature after all, but a father, exposing a familiar harsh reality. The project was created by Women’s Aid’s agency of record, House 337.
“Countless women and their children live in fear every day and this must change,” said Farah Nazeer, Chief Executive, Women’s Aid. “We’re calling on the government to take urgent action and provide adequate funding for the lifesaving domestic abuse services that support those fleeing abuse. By signing our open letter, you can show your solidarity with women and their children fleeing abuse, and spark change this International Women’s Day. ‘The Monster Who Came to Tea’ is not a story anyone would choose to read to their children, but sadly for many, this tale is not fiction. The Government’s pledge to halve violence against women in a decade will require tangible actions and not empty words.”
The film will be distributed across social media and cinema, with screenings in Pearl & Dean cinemas across the UK. It will be supported by out-of-home (OOH) activations that emulate a classic book launch.
“Creativity has the power to shine a light on critical issues,” added Josh Green, Chief Creative Officer, House 337. “By reimagining a beloved children’s book, we hope to create an emotional and lasting impact that compels both the public and policymakers to take action.”
Women’s Aid has also created lesson plans for schools to help educate children and young people about how to spot the signs of unhealthy relationships. The lesson plans are currently being rolled out in partner schools as part of the PSHE curriculum, with the ambition of being available for schools to download more widely later this year.
Women’s Aid calls on the public to sign an open letter to Keir Starmer, urging the government to prioritize funding for specialist domestic abuse services in the Spring Spending Review. Alongside the letter, a copy of the book will be sent to Downing Street as a powerful statement on the need for systemic change.
Watch the short film now:
Source: Passion Pictures
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
