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Curated by world-class photographer and activist Misan Harriman, the photo series aims to bring inspiration by showcasing the uniqueness and diversity of friendship in today’s world
Public encouraged to share their own tales of friendship with a chance to feature in the series
• Inspired by the enduring bonds between Mickey & Friends, the series will showcase everyday people, famous faces, and also capture real-life tales of friendship amongst hospital and health workers who regularly volunteer for the charity, MediCinema
• Public encouraged to share their personal stories of friendship via leading cultural content and discovery platform, What We Seee
• ‘Mickey & Friends: The Power of Friendship’ photography series will be revealed ahead of International Friendship Day before appearing in a virtual exhibition in late summer 2021
7th June 2021: Today, Disney joins forces with photographer, filmmaker, writer and cultural curator Misan Harriman to announce a casting call for ‘Mickey & Friends: The Power of Friendship’ photography series, inspired by cultural icons, the sensational six - Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Daisy, Pluto and Goofy - to mark International Friendship Day (30th July 2021). The series will also form part of an exclusive virtual exhibition, which will showcase the full works by Misan, and launch in late summer.
Misan Harriman, an inspiring storyteller renowned for his empowering photography, will capture celebrities and everyday people alike for the world-class photography series in a bid to tell moving, powerful tales of friendship inspired by the sensational six. Misan follows the footsteps of countless artists such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Charlie Chaplin who have been inspired by Disney’s iconic characters for over 90 years.
The series of carefully curated photographs will demonstrate the power of human connection. From joyful celebrations with friends, to the warmth felt by a fleeting glance of a loved one, and the friends who act as allies and inspire us on a daily basis, ‘Mickey & Friends: The Power of Friendship’ photography series will highlight everyday moments that bring people from all walks of life together.
Misan Harriman and Disney are encouraging the public to share their stories for a chance to be photographed by Misan, and be featured alongside his works of celebrity figures in both the series and virtual exhibition. Fans will be asked to share their own tales of friendship using the leading cultural content and discovery platform, What We Seee: INSERT LINK. Stories shared on What We Seee will be selected by Misan. Those chosen will be invited to participate in a physical or virtual shoot, adhering to Covid-19 protocols.
Misan Harriman said: “The past year, more so than ever, has demonstrated the unique power that friendship has to bring people from all walks of life together. Teaming up with Disney to tell stories of friendship is a total honour and true pleasure. I look forward to shining a light on the wonder that is human connection and supporting Disney’s commitment to celebrate everyday heroes and deliver Moments That Matter.”
Tasia Filippatos, Senior Vice President, Consumer Products, Publishing and Games, The Walt Disney Company EMEA said: “Misan Harriman is an expert in finding the humanity in every photograph he captures. His artistry and vision will bring a unique perspective to this project, which celebrates friendship and raises awareness for the charities we work with. Mickey & Friends have inspired some of history’s most iconic creators and we’re thrilled that Misan has agreed to join their ranks with this new project.”
The series will also support Disney’s commitment to create Moments that Matter by bringing comfort and reducing isolation for seriously-ill children in hospitals through its non-profit partners including MediCinema. As part of this commitment, the ‘Mickey & Friends: The Power of Friendship’ photography series will capture real-life tales of friendship amongst hospital and health workers, and the public who regularly volunteer for MediCinema and similar organisations across Europe, shining a spotlight on these everyday heroes. There will also be ways in which the public can actively support these causes, which will be revealed in July.
For the opportunity to be photographed and featured in ‘Mickey & Friends: The Power of Friendship’ photography series and virtual exhibition, submit your own tale of friendship via the What We Seee platform by Friday 18th June. For more information visit: https://www.whatweseee.com/the-power-of-friendship/
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Notes to Editors
About Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing
Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing (CPGP) brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s brands and franchises—including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more—into the daily lives of families and fans around the world through products and experiences across more than 100 retail categories from toys and t-shirts to apps, books, video games, and more. A division of the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segment, CPGP’s global operations include: the world’s largest licensing business, one of the biggest children’s publishing brands, a leading licensor of interactive games across platforms, Disney store locations globally, and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.
Disney’s Social Purpose
As well as being a responsible business, Disney is dedicated to providing comfort and inspiration to those in need and creating inspiration and opportunity for those who want to improve their world. Disney’s long-standing partnership with MediCinema is an example of how, through working with others, we help build emotional resilience. Together we bring the power of our brand, stories and characters to inspire and create Moments that Matter for children and those closest to them when they need it the most. In 2020, we created over 23,000 life-changing moments across Europe. For more information on our programmes and our long-standing charitable partners please visit www.thewaltdisneycompany.eu
About MediCinema
MediCinema is a registered UK charity that builds and runs state-of-the-art cinemas in NHS hospitals, accommodating hospital beds, wheelchairs and equipment. It works to progress patient resilience and recovery and improve wellbeing and quality of life through the power of film and the shared cinema experience. During their stays in hospital, patients, families, and carers can see the latest releases as well as silver-screen classics for free and get a much-needed break from the wards. In a recent survey, 99 per cent of respondents agreed that MediCinema makes a positive difference to their experience of the hospital, 93% said it helped reduce isolation and 92 per cent agreed that MediCinema helps to reduce anxiety and stress. Since MediCinema was founded in 1999 it has given nearly 200,000 cinema experiences to patients and those closest to them. MediCinema operates cinemas in the following: Guy’s, St Thomas’ and Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals in London, Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow and Serennu Children’s Centre in Newport, South Wales