AKQA Christmas Card: Little Wings

AKQA, the leading design and innovation company, today launched its annual Christmas card, Little Wings which this year was inspired by the Ukrainian folk song Shchedryk, more commonly known as Carol of the Bells. AKQA worked with award-winning production designer and artist Mariia Shub and brother, animation director Rodion Shub, both of whom were displaced to the UK with Mariia’s two daughters, to bring the story of Little Wings to life. The stop-motion animation Christmas card aims to spread hope, and awareness of the lives that have been impacted by the war in Ukraine, this Christmas. Little Wings is the story of Shchedryk, and was originally written by Mykola Leontovych over one hundred years ago as a traditional Ukrainian folk song heralding the coming of spring. Shchedryk’s original well-wishing lyrics tell the tale of a swallow flying between households, proclaiming the plentiful year that the family will have, inspiration for the tale of Little Wings. The song’s title is derived from the Ukrainian word ‘shchedryj’, meaning ‘bountiful’. Accompanied by the Shchedryk melody, AKQA’s Little Wings inspired Christmas card follows a lonesome swallow’s adventure to guide carol singers to a family in need of renewed hope. The allegorical handcrafted animation uses Ukrainian culture and creativity to inspire hope and joy in all. Kyiv Children's Choir Shchedryk, one of Ukraine's most recognised youth musical ensembles, provides the soundtrack, led by artistic director and chief conductor, Marianna Sablina. The film features sound design by composer, producer and international DJ, Damon Baxter (also known as the Deadly Avenger).