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 Australian Federal Police (AFP) has launched Missing Persons’ Week with an ad that illustrates the profound heartache of losing a loved one.
The spot, by Common Ventures, is inspired by the true story of Eileen Fahey, whose son Anthony went missing in 2013.
“While we are currently endeavouring to sell our house, it’s upsetting because what if Anthony comes home and someone else is living here? How will he find us, how will he feel, what will he do?”, Fahey said.
“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?”
In the AFP campaign, a family holds on to the "crappiest car" in the hope that their lost daughter may one day recognise it and be found.
AFP Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan said he hoped the short video let the public know that they could play a critical role providing support to police during these harrowing investigations.
“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,” Gaughan said.
As part of the 30th National Missing Persons’ Week, the AFP and state and territory police forces are profiling 30 long-term missing people from around the country on social media and outdoor advertising.
“It’s important that we raise awareness of this issue, including the reasons why people go missing, the social and financial impacts, and how the community can get involved,” Gaughan explained.
“This might mean taking an interest and sharing our social media posts, or sharing a photo of an outdoor advertisement. After all, the community is our eyes and ears in these cases, helping police find the many thousands of people who go missing each year.”
Anyone with information that could assist the police in missing persons cases are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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
