This claymation film for the Princess of Wales’ charity beautifully illustrates a child’s formative years

A new campaign launched by the Royal Foundation, the charity spearheaded by the Princess of Wales to highlight the importance of early childhood,  kicks off with a poignant claymation film that illustrates how a child is shaped by those around them in their formative years.

The campaign, created by Wonderhood Studios, follows a young child's life and upbringing from pregnancy to age five. Directed by Sam Gainsborough of BlinkInk, the creative uses the plasticity of claymation to show how much development takes place throughout our formative years, emphasizing the significance every interaction can have in shaping who we become.

We see the child navigate her way through various experiences as a newborn, a toddler and young child, with the help of those around her. The film shows how her interactions– from her parental hugs, to a reassuring arm on her shoulder from a teacher and support cheer from a swim coach – all help to stimulate her brain and development.

It also depicts the importance of the support Layla’s parents receive from family, friends and professionals. As the film ends, we see Layla celebrating her fifth birthday, surrounded by a large group of family, friends and others, all of whom have played a role in shaping her.

The short film, which features a track by Lokki entitled “Breathe a Breath of Me,” premiered last night at BAFTA at an event attended by the Princess of Wales.  It will appear on the Piccadilly Lights outdoor screen at Piccadilly Circus and will be screened in cinemas across the U.K.

“Early childhood isn’t recognized as a societal priority and isn't getting the attention it deserves, so it’s been such an exciting journey helping the Princess of Wales highlight the importance of early childhood in this campaign,” said Wonderhood creatives Sofie Saietz and Simone Weilborg, who workd on the campaign, in a joint statement. “The process has been an enormous joint effort between Wonderhood and BlinkInk.”