A Canvas of Change: The Animated Story of United Way of Chennai

Across many parts of India, access to healthcare, education, clean water, and steady livelihoods still feels uncertain. Women, transgender people, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous communities keep running into quiet walls of bias. Lakes and ponds that once held a village together now sit ignored. These were the truths that set the tone for the film we made with United Way of Chennai. The animation doesn’t chase one problem; it gathers many everyday struggles and lets them be seen with care.

United Way of Chennai works across education, health, livelihood, and environment. Based in Tamil Nadu, they bring people together for steady, long-term action. Their work stretches from scholarships and digital devices for children with disabilities, to livelihood pathways for the transgender community, to the restoration of lakes and ponds. It holds people and ecosystems in the same frame. In just over a decade, they have reached more than a million lives. Yet their team will tell you the stories matter more than the numbers.

Watch the full animated video here.

The creative journey unfolded through a series of in-depth discussions on the preferred style of animation, scripting and then crafting a narrative that effectively conveys the message of UWC.

Following the script, the project moved into the storyboarding phase, where the visual elements were sketched out in detail. Illustrations and animations were carefully crafted, bringing the storyline to life in a visually captivating manner. The editing phase fine-tuned the visual elements, ensuring a seamless flow and maximum impact.

The collaborative effort between Simit Bhagat Studios and UWC resulted in an impactful 2D animated video that goes beyond mere visuals. It serves as a testament to the power of creativity in conveying meaningful messages and inspiring positive change.

As a tool for communication and advocacy, this animated video is poised to amplify the reach and impact of UWC, contributing to the organisation’s ongoing efforts to create positive change in the community.

If you need a way to share your nonprofit’s impact, reach out to us here to discuss how we can support your mission.