The ad is directed by Grammy Award-winning Nigerian / British director Meji Alabi and was shot entirely in Cape Town, South Africa, and features scenes representing six geographical locations and languages.

It tells the stories of families and friends worldwide who are united by a universal wish to be together with their loved ones during the holidays, recognising a range of festive traditions.

Alabi says, "I feel lucky to have collaborated with such a diverse group of people on Disney's Holiday campaign this year. There were so many stand-out moments for me during the filming, but I think the most memorable was watching the South African children's choir sing their lines. It truly gave me goosebumps."

The ad includes the globally recognisable song A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella, rearranged to enable multiple performers to come together with one united voice. English-language voice of Asha and Academy Award-winning actress and singer Ariana DeBose delivers the opening line in the English version, and voice actresses in markets around the world sing it in other languages.

The ad has been globally produced by Ridley Scott Associates across the United States, the United Kingdom and South Africa and developed in collaboration with the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products internal advertising agency Yellow Shoes.

Joss Hastings, VP of global marketing at Disney consumer products, games and publishing, says, "Holiday traditions may look different around the world; however and wherever you're celebrating, we all share the wish to be with the ones we love during this special time of year."

"Inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios' new movie Wish, the advertisement brings voices from around the world together as a global choir for a powerful rendition of the iconic A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes. We hope fans enjoy the new twist on a Disney classic as we celebrate 100 years of storytelling and the integral role that music has played," adds Hastings.

According to Disney, the global premiere of the advert comes hot on the heels of the recent unveiling of a co-branded celebratory aircraft livery in collaboration with LIFT airlines to kick off 'May Your Wishes Come True'.

With a host of surprise elements for customers planned, the Disney-inspired plane is currently serving customers and routes between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Travellers are encouraged to share their pictures on social media, using the hashtag '#DisneyandLIFT' and tagging @DisneyAfrica and @LIFT__SA, Disney adds.

"Following the collaboration with LIFT airlines, what better way to continue the launch of our biggest retail campaign to date in South Africa than with this locally-shot advert," says Luke Roberts, general manager of consumer products, games and publishing at The Walt Disney Company Africa.

"Inspired by the universal truth that they wish to be together during the holidays, we look forward to celebrating with South African families and fans throughout the festive period," Roberts adds.

Disney says that this holiday season, its 'May Your Wishes Come True' will offer the perfect opportunity to stock up on those gifts for every member of the family — bringing stories and characters to life through innovative products across multiple categories: from toys and apparel to jewellery, technology and consumables, including brand-new products from the movie Wish, including Lego and figurines.

South African shoppers can also look forward to various activations at shopping malls nationwide, including Disney-plush-adorned Christmas Trees. Proudly presented in association with VISA and Investec, with support from Toys R US, the trees will feature the opportunity for visitors to give back through donations to Reach for a Dream, Disney concludes.


For more information, visit www.disney.co.za. You can also follow Disney South Africa on Facebook.