Australian Federal Police tells grieving families to hold onto hope for Missing Persons Week
The Australian Federal Police has told grieving families to hold onto hope in a campaign which highlights the constant uncertainty those left behind face.
Based on a true story the Common Ventures campaign features a little girl crying because their car has broken down in the middle of nowhere.
She explains to her dad how she gets teased at school for having a car which always breaks down.
Replying to his daughter, the dad explains they must drive the old car incase Maddy, their missing daughter and sister, recognises the car and comes home.
Eileen Fahey, father of missing son Anthony Fahey, said his family is struggling to sell their house for the fear his son comes home to find someone else living there.
“How will he find us, how will he feel, what will he do?
“I also worry that, if we sell, I won’t have the memories of him being in the house. I’m afraid that I’ll forget the image of him sitting at the end of the bench and the sound of his voice. It’s all tied up in the house – how can I leave it?”
Neil Gaughan, deputy commissioner at the Australian Federal Police, said the ad highlights the real-life grief for many Australian families.
“This film echoes the real life grief of so many Australians who live in constant uncertainty, not knowing if or when their loved one will come back.
“The most heartbreaking thing we found when learning about Missing Persons Week, was the debilitating effect it has on the families left behind.
“They are left in limbo. They can’t move through the grief, and their life is essentially put on hold.
Credits:
- Client: Australian Federal Police
- Brand lead: National Missing Persons Coordination Centre
- Creative & Production Company: Common Ventures
- Director / Creative Director: James Crawley
- 1st AD: Adam Wareham
- Cinematographer: George Tyler
- Executive Creative Director: Brian Merrifield
- Producer / Account Manager: Lisa Pizarro
- Copywriter: Daniel Nutman
- Junior Creatives: Lucy Karsai & Dillon Harré
- Talent: Alan Dukes & Ruby Burke
- Music & Sound Design: Rumble Studios
Abigail Dawson was Mumbrella's senior content journalist covering event content. She left Mumbrella to move into an agency role in 2020.
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