Zulu Alpha Kilo’s documentary film for Whirlpool Canada is built with all the current emotional triggers – the Syrian refugee crisis, acceptance, diversity and prejudice-free children.

There are moments in which you know you are being led as a viewer. The film makes the impact it intends to nonetheless.

Through its story of acceptance about the Al-Salihi family, Whirlpool reveals the ways in which school lunches can introduce children to new foods from different cultures.

“At Whirlpool, we believe it’s the little things that make the world of difference,” stated Michelle Domet of Whirlpool Canada.

“School lunches are something we do day-in and day-out and Sama’s experience shows how it’s not just nutrients and fuel for the day that lunch provides, but emotional comfort as well. It’s amazing to see how open children can be and how food can bring people together.”

Sama Al-Salihi arrived in Canada in 2014 with her family, all of them refugees from war-torn Syria. School lunches were a problem at first. She preferred eating traditional foods but the difference between her food and that of her classmates was daunting to her.

Zulu Alpha Kilo’s and Whirlpool partnered with food and lifestyle expert, Emma Waverman, to follow Sama as she shared her favourite Syrian foods, like uzee, fatayer, and grape leaves, with her classmates for the first time.

The idea came from a Whirlpool Canada survey, which found that 70% of Canadians agree giving children an opportunity to try dishes from different cultures is a good way to encourage mutual understanding and respect.

The film was made by content studio, zulubot, and documentary director, Katie Dellamaggiore. Hill+Knowlton Strategies managed the public relations support for the campaign.

Credits:

Creative agency: Zulu Alpha Kilo

Chief creative officer: Zak Mroueh

Copywriters: Kaidy Wong, Nick Doerr

Art directors: Jamie Mageau & Guilherme Bermejo

Strategist: Heidi Philip

Producer: Pam Portsmouth

Account managers: Leo Maia & Lisa Pervochenkova

Production company: zulubot

Director: Katie Dellamaggiore

Producers: Marc Milliard, Kevin Corvetti @ Jackie Pal

DOP: Brett Van Dyke

Audio post production: berkeley inc.

Editing: Rod Christie @ zulubot

Compositor: rod christie

Colourist: Jason Zukowski @ Red Lab

Audio post production: Berkeley Inc.

Media agency: Cossette Media