Anna Maxwell Martin stars in ‘Santaland’ short film to reveal the harsh reality for children living in poverty
With one in three children across the UK living in poverty (31%), Action for Children is urging the public to become a ‘Secret Santa’ to help spread the magic of Christmas
Award-winning actor and charity ambassador Anna Maxwell Martin stars in a new short film by Action for Children, poignantly highlighting the devastating reality that children living in poverty will face this Christmas.
The film titled ‘Santaland’ takes place in a nostalgic, makeshift Christmas grotto. Anna plays a busy elf at the end of her shift and is unexpectedly stopped by a curious six-year-old girl, Lily, who has missed the chance to visit Santa in person.
Full of childlike wonder, Lily bombards the elf with some big questions about Santa, keen to understand whether he will encounter any challenges when making the trip to deliver her present on Christmas Eve.
The film sees the Motherland star step into a recognisable disarming and comedic performance. What begins as a heart-warming exchange of questions turns into a devastating blow when the elf begins to understand the reality of Lily’s situation, as it becomes apparent that her family can’t afford to celebrate Christmas.
Lily represents one of the 4.5 million children in the UK growing up in poverty; the highest number since current records began, with 100,000 more children in poverty last year than the year before .
The film asks members of the public to become a ‘Secret Santa’ for a vulnerable child. By donating to Action for Children, you could give the essentials of warm clothes, a hot meal, or a Christmas present for a child who wouldn’t otherwise get one.
I wanted to collaborate with Action for Children on this special film to shout about the shocking levels of poverty across the UK which are shattering childhoods. It’s easy to think that poverty happens elsewhere, but it’s affecting children in every community; a child that’s going without breakfast or dinner, without a warm coat or might be feeling a lot of shame. For many, Christmas is just another day of empty cupboards and wondering why their friend got presents and they didn’t. Childhood is short. Children only get a few chances to make magical memories. That’s why we need your support now.
Actor and Action for Children ambassador Anna Maxwell Martin
We are very grateful to our ambassador, Anna Maxwell Martin for lending her voice and acting talent to help shine a light on the devastating reality facing children and their families in poverty. At Christmas, our frontline workers witness children sleeping on cold, hard floors with only a blanket, and they take calls from desperate parents in tears because they’ve skipped meals so their children can eat. Action for Children is often the last lifeline for families with nowhere else to turn, and without the generosity of public donations, we simply couldn’t continue this vital work.
Locks Farmer, Managing Director of Income and Engagement at Action for Children
To help inform the film script and production, Action for Children and creative agency Studio Yes collaborated closely with the charity’s frontline services across UK who support families just like Lily’s this Christmas.
Until 3 December, our charity partner Nationwide Building Society will match donations up to a total of £200,000, meaning every £1 you donate will be worth £2.
Children in your community need a Secret Santa like you. Your gift could help children like Lily feel the magic of Christmas. Make a donation today.
