Who would have thought that an unsophisticated gift like a paper plane would inspire a little girl to work on achieving her life goal? Based on the story of a Malaysian female fighter pilot, Digi Telecommunications built the “Wind Chaser” campaign, centered around the adventures of a little girl who sees the real potential a simple paper plane holds.

Developed with the creative help of Naga DDB Tribal agency, the brand’s 2020 Christmas spot focuses on the power of love and the great things we can achieve in life when someone close to our hearts loves and believes in us unconditionally. During this week’s #ThrowBrandThursday column, we are bringing to our readers’ attention Digi’s heartwarming Christmas gift — a message about love and the important role it plays for someone who chases their dreams.

Disrupted by the pandemic, most of us celebrated the 2020 holiday season from apart. While COVID-19 “built” invisible walls between us, our will to be closer to our family grew stronger and stronger. As in other parts of the world, Malaysians stayed indoors too — which only provided them the perfect environment to reconnect with their dearest ones. Amongst the things they rediscovered was the power of love and how it can positively influence someone in their fight for their dreams to turn into something tangible.

The brand brings its message to life via a four-minute-long video, in which we see a father bonding with his daughter around Christmas time. But little did the man know that his simple gift, an ordinary paper plane, would turn into the girl’s life goal. Combining animation with heartwarming moments, Digi follows the girl as she works on making her dream come true. But when she thinks that it’s best to give up, her father’s love convinces her to pursue her dream and take her aspirations to new heights (literally!).

Bernard Lee, Digi’s Head of Marketing Services, said: “Through this difficult year, it is heartening to see Malaysians rallying together to show support whether it is as simple as supporting a local business or offering emotional support to those who may be going through a tough time. Let us find a renewed hope in the coming year and continue to inspire the next person to stay motivated to soar to greater heights and let their dreams take flight. On behalf of Digi, we would like to wish all Malaysians a Happy Holiday Season and may the New Year bring health, happiness, and prosperity to everyone.”

“The heart of this story carries a universal truth that many of us can relate to. As we follow the story through the girl’s dream sequences, we see the pivotal moment when the dad’s acceptance sets her on her way to achieving her dream. By crafting the dreams in varying art styles, we aimed to also widen the appeal of the story. Together, the team took this over the finish line. You could call it divide and conquer, but finally putting the components together brought the magic to life. And we have Director’s Think Tank to thank (pun intended) and a host of other partners for spurring us on, to produce a great story of inspiration. One female fighter pilot’s story is a reflection of our love and encouragement towards one another, in a year that has brought many challenges. Never stop chasing the skies,” continued Naga DDB Tribal’s Creative Director, Ellison Fernandez.

The “Wind Chaser” encourages Malaysians to share their love and joy with the ones close to their hearts, “because behind every dream come true is the unconditional love of the ones that matter the most — our family.” This holiday season — and not only — let’s gift our dearest ones the greatest present we can give and show how much we believe in them, their dreams, and their aspirations.

Merry Christmas!

Credits:

Client: Digi Telecommunications

Head of Marketing Services: Bernard Lee

Head of Marketing Communications: Lo Wei Tzen

Head of Brand & Engagement: Adeline Koh

Senior Marketing: Kuah Vi-Vien

Agency: Naga DDB Tribal

Creative Director: Ellison Fernandez

Creative Group Head: Shireen Ang

Art Director: Yeo Lee Kee

Eng Copywriter: Audrey Wong

BM Copywriter: Ain Nabilah

Business Unit Head: Jessey Chew

Brand Director: Iris De Souza

Brand Manager: Haithal Asrar

Brand Executive: Sita Subbiah

Project Manager: Ivy Chai

Head of AV: Sharon de Silva

AV Producer: Chris Lau

Production House: Directors Think Tank

Film Director: Rajay Singh

Co-Director: Chevie Law

2D Animation Director: Yuer & LimLin @ DTT Post

Claymation Director: Aiden Whittam @ DTT Post

Graphic & 3D Director: Nicholas Lai @ MOOG Studio

Executive Producer: Tek Nam

Producer: Shuying

DOP: Julian Oh

Editor: Affandi

Production: Subash (PM), Yuji (PA)

Art Dept: Ray Tan @ Something Reel

Post: DTT Post

Audio: TwoAM

Wardrobe: Wardrobe Room