UK Jewish charities unite for first-ever cinematic Chanukah short ‘Brighter Together’

More than 30 Jewish charities, community organisations and media names have come together for a first-of-its-kind festive project: a two-and-a-half minute cinematic Chanukah short, Brighter Together – The Mascot Massive Chanukah Film, released today at 2pm.

The heart-warming digital film brings some of the community’s best-known mascots to the screen in a playful, Where’s Wally?-style celebration of unity and light. Among the stars are Chava Heart (Jewish Care), Lev the Lion (Kisharon Langdon) and Phil the Blue Box (JNF UK), alongside cameo appearances from dozens of Jewish charities, communal groups and media outlets, including Jewish News.

Conceived, written and directed by Adam Selwyn of CC Comms, the project is designed as the UK Jewish community’s answer to the blockbuster Christmas adverts that dominate the festive season.

“We all know our community has been facing some particularly dark moments, so we wanted to create something that brings joy, warmth and a real sense of togetherness that people might want to share,” said Selwyn.

“This film is a love letter to our amazing charities and community – a reminder that we’re brighter together. Sure, it’s schmaltzy, cute, silly and a bit heart-fuzzy, but it also carries a message about unity and hope. The fact that we’ve somehow managed to bring over 30 community names into one collaborative moment is something special, and it’s about time we got our own John Lewish-style seasonal advert!”

Cinematography and editing were led by Lauren Kayser, while the soundtrack features a new recording of Chasoif, inspired by the Chanukah prayer Maoz Tzur, grounding the film in tradition and amplifying its message of light in difficult times.

The short follows Lev the Lion as he prepares a Chanukah party for his mascot friends, only to fall asleep just before they arrive. The Mascot Massive – each carrying a lightbulb for Lev’s giant menorah – race across London to reach him before nightfall, overcoming mishaps and helping one another along the way.

All Abroad helps Phil the Blue Box realise he won’t fit into his Mini, Jamie from Jami gives Chava Heart a much-needed boost out of her front door, JTeen’s Wolfy picks up speed with a nod to Maccabi GB’s Community Fun Run, and Giv-Ted from GIFT schleps bags of presents past North West London landmarks. Lev’s oversized menorah is on loan from Chabad.

Over 30 organisations feature through mascots, cameos, brand moments or subtle visual references. They include All Aboard, Aish, Campaign Against Antisemitism, Chabad UK, Chai Cancer Care, CST, GIFT, Jami, Jewish Blind & Disabled, Jewish Care, Jewish Deaf Association, JVN, Jnetics, JNF UK, JTeen, JW3, Kisharon Langdon, Limmud, Maccabi GB, the Office of the Chief Rabbi, Resource, Shaare Zedek, United Synagogue, WIZO, Work Avenue, World Jewish Relief, Youth Aliyah and Zichron Menachem UK.

Comedian Rachel Creeger also appears in the film and even fried latkes on set for mascots and crew.

The production was completed entirely pro bono by CC Comms, Kayser and collaborators. “This was a mammoth undertaking, technically and creatively,” Selwyn said. “But the goodwill, talent, enthusiasm and collaboration from everyone involved made it possible.”

How to watch

The film went live today at 2pm and is being shared by participating charities across Instagram and other platforms, with a coordinated launch led by @cc_comms_uk.