BANGALORE, India, September 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Release of the new documentary
film from Johnnie Walker The Journey Storyline on World Peace
Day
Johnnie Walker The Journey, since its inception,
has always told stories of progress. Through Storyline, Johnnie
Walker The Journey aims to inspire people by highlighting
incredible, real stories that have made a positive difference in
the world. Bringing to life its mantra of #KeepWalking, Johnnie
Walker The Journey introduces 'Ode to Lesvos', the first among a
series of short films that aim to inspire people to embrace
positivity and bring them together to build a better tomorrow for
the world.
To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7932651-ode-to-lesvos-refugee-crisis/
"Can you really ignore what's in front of your
eyes? Because tomorrow it could be me. I could be on a boat with my
family and I would like to be helped," says fisherman
Stratis Valamios in Ode to Lesvos.
This time, 12 months ago, Stratis' life changed beyond
recognition as he spent months on end rescuing men, women and
children from the waters around his home. His village, with a
population of around 150, became the front line of the refugee
crisis as hundreds of thousands of people came ashore, fleeing war
and seeking a better future.
Ode to Lesvos is a documentary short that tells
the stories of these islanders whose uncompromising compassion has
earned some of them, including Stratis, fellow fisherman
Thanassis Marmarinos and 85-year-old
Aimilia Kamvisi a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. The positive
response of the people of Lesvos who, last year alone, helped
almost half a million refugees making the dangerous voyage across
the Aegean Sea, has been documented in Ode to Lesvos.
Throughout the past year, headlines from the region have
naturally focused on the tragic aspects of the unfolding human
drama in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Ode to Lesvos
shines a light on a lesser told story - the inspiring response of
islanders who opened their hearts to the refugees and whose
positivity drove them to rescue people from the sea, give shelter,
and provide food and water.
As part of the launch of Ode to Lesvos, Johnnie Walker
The Journey India is supporting Mercy Corps, a leading global
organisation that helps people around the world survive and thrive
after conflict, crisis and natural disaster. Since the Syrian war
began, Mercy Corps has helped more than 7.7million people affected
by the crisis and expanded its programming to Greece and The Balkans in response to the
migration crisis.
Speaking about Ode to Lesvos Guy
Escolme, Global Brand Director at Johnnie Walker, said:
"The film represents one chapter in the evolving, larger
story of the refugee crisis but it is one that highlights how acts
of kindness and positivity made a difference to the lives of those
who made a dangerous journey in search of a better future. We hope
people will be inspired by Ode to Lesvos and one way they can
respond is by supporting the efforts of Mercy Corps, a
leading global organisation whose work through this crisis and
many others around the world has brought the promise of hope and
possibility to hundreds of thousands of displaced
people."
Nitesh Chhapru, Head of Marketing, Luxury & Premium Core
Portfolio, United Spirits, India,
added: "We believe that this film transcends borders and has
the ability to touch hearts not only globally, but also in
India. We have seen several
instances of people embracing positivity during the darkest of
times and helping others in need. Indians will definitely connect
with the inspirational story of the islanders of Lesvos.
We're confident they will be inspired to share the
film and hope they will come forward to support Mercy Corps to
raise funds."
Ode to Lesvos is being released in time for International
Peace Day (September 21) and can be
viewed here: YouTube-
https://youtu.be/INkT00ewy48?list=PLxitlhQXKCQyzUWycTBoQ_7zvuYr22lj-
People can donate to the work of Mercy Corps by visiting:
http://www.mercycorps.org/johnniewalker
Notes to Editors
About Storyline
Johnnie Walker The Journey has always told stories of progress
and wants to inspire others by enabling incredible human stories to
be told. Through a network of global storytellers - including
writers, directors and filmmakers - we are giving real people
a voice to tell their stories of inspiring progress.
Johnnie Walker The Journey wants to discover these inspiring
stories, then by supporting and enabling filmmakers to create them
we can ensure that the world hears them. In doing so, we can
inspire others to think about how they can make their tomorrow
better than their today.
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a leading global organisation powered by the
belief that a better world is possible. A team of over 5,000 people
working in 43 countries around the world, Mercy Corps is one of the
largest organisations helping people inside Syria and it works in countries including
Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq to help address the underlying causes of
conflict and fragility.
About United Spirits Limited
USL is a subsidiary of Diageo plc which is a global leader in
beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across
spirits, beer and wine categories. In 2013-14, Diageo plc acquired
a 54.8% shareholding in USL making India one of its largest markets.
Founded in 1826, USL is the largest Indian spirits company,
selling around 120 mn cases annually, involved in the manufacture,
sale and distribution of beverage alcohol. USL produces and sells
Scotch whisky, IMFL whisky, brandy, rum, vodka, gin and wine. Its
portfolio includes much-loved brands such as McDowell's No.1, Royal
Challenge, Signature and Antiquity. USL also imports, manufactures
and sells Diageo's iconic brands such as Johnnie Walker, VAT 69,
Black & White, Smirnoff and Ciroc in India. The company also successfully operates
strong brand extensions like Johnnie Walker The Journey, Black Dog
Sparkling Water, Smirnoff Experience, Royal Challenge Sports Drink,
McDowell's No.1 Soda and Bagpiper Soda among others.
The company is listed on the BSE Limited (Bombay Stock Exchange)
and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (National Stock
Exchange). For more information about USL, our people, vision,
brands, and performance visit us at
http://www.unitedspirits.in.
Be Discerning, Be Responsible.
Contacts:
Tajalli Merchant
USL - Diageo
M: + 91-9619094426
E: tajalli.merchant@unitedspirits.in
(Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160923/411178 )
Video:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7932651-ode-to-lesvos-refugee-crisis/