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Save Ralph has won the Cannes Lions Festival’s prestigious Grand Prix for Good award. Humane Society International (HSI) created the stop-motion mockumentary-style film about cosmetic animal testing.
Every year, the Cannes Lions Festival honors the creative communications industry for five days. Split into several categories including Engagement, Entertainment, and Good, the awards are dedicated to new ideas “shaping the next wave of creativity.”
The Cannes Lions Festival created the Grand Prix for Good award especially for non-profits and charities.
Starring Taika Waititi, Zac Efron, Olivia Munn, and more, Save Ralph follows a rabbit named Ralph. He speaks with HSI about his experiences with cosmetic animal testing.
Ralph has sustained several injuries due to animal testing. At the beginning of the film, he is partially blind and deaf. By the end, after scientists inject a chemical into his other eye, he is completely blind.
‘Unnecessary cruelty’
Save Ralph’s executive producer Donna Gadomski, who also works as HSI’s senior director of external affairs, said she was “absolutely ecstatic” to receive the Grand Prix for Good award.
She added: “This prestigious recognition by the Cannes Lions jury is an honor. [It’s] a testament to Ralph’s powerful message that testing cosmetics on animals is cruel and needs to stop.”
Andy Gent worked as a set designer and puppet maker on the film. He added that Save Ralph was “one giant leap forward for animal testing kind.”
While a number of countries have banned cosmetic animal testing, the practice still persists in several industries.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, it’s estimated that more than 50 million animals undergo experiments in the US every year.
“We are very grateful to Cannes Lions for this high-profile opportunity to keep the issue in the global spotlight,” said Gadomski. “We hope that it adds momentum to our efforts to end this unnecessary cruelty.”
