Heart-tugging, tear-inducing magical Christmas films underline the importance of Christmas – that it’s a time when people reunite and spread joy. Air Canada has a tradition of magical Christmas films, and while innovative is never going to be a descriptor for them, they matter.

This year’s Air Canada holiday film is utterly enchanting – the story of a Christmas ornament’s determination to reunite with his most loved after they are places on separate branches of the Christmas tree. Every human feeling is stuffed into the film – suspense, action, heroism, despair, humour, helpfulness, drama and ultimately, love. And yes, Air Canada plays a pivotal role.

“We continue our tradition of combining whimsical animation with modern renditions of beloved Canadian songs to tell a story about being together over the holidays,” stated Andy Shibata, vice president, brand at Air Canada. “So many of our customers travel great distances and our Air Canada colleagues all feel a shared sense pride for our role in these journeys. That is the essence we wanted to capture in this holiday spot.”

The film uses latest CGI technology with hand-painted brushstrokes for its creative storybook-style visuals. The story’s emotive power is amplifed by the voice of Montréal singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin, sings the ’90s hit Une Chance Qu’on S’a by Montreal’s Jean-Pierre Ferland in the French spot, and Bryan Adams’ 1991 classic, Everything I Do (I Do It For You), in the English spot.

FCB handled strategy and creative, with animation by Hornet, audio by Cult Nation and OSO, Mindshare. The spot is available in 90-, 60-, 30- and 15-second versions, on both paid and organic social media, Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment system, television and cinemas across Canada.