The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It is intended to honor exceptional individuals, groups of people and institutions who combat intolerance, fanaticism and oppression. Like Andrei Sakharov himself, winners of the prize have demonstrated courage in the defense of human rights and freedom of expression.
To drive greater awareness about this prize, its laureates and the efforts done by the European Parliament to stand up for human rights, the Ogilvy/VO Communication consortium was asked to develop an activation that would engage citizens.
Ogilvy created a film visualizing the emotion and bravery of three former winners of the Prize. The film closes with the message: ‘They took a stand for humanity. Will you?’, citizens are intrigued to think about their point of view and inspired to act via Facebook.
Although the film had to reflect situations in 3 very different parts of the world, it was entirely shot in Belgium.
VO Communication created the Facebook app (accessed via the European Parliament’s Facebook Page) where people can take a stand themselves by dropping a virtual pin for humanity. In addition, people can visit the ‘Sakharov’ Experience exhibition at the Parlamentarium in Brussels to learn more about the Prize and its winners.
