Leeds-based agency Propaganda has produced a haunting animated short in tribute to Sophie Lancaster, the young Goth who was kicked and beaten to death by a mob in August 2007 in Bacup, Lancashire...

The two minute animated film (still shown above) - which depicts Sophie and her boyfriend being viciously attacked, simply because of the way they dressed - is a collaboration between Propaganda, French illustrator and animator Fursy Teyssier, band Portishead (whose track Roads provides a suitably emotive soundtrack) MTV, and make-up company Illamasqua - who fully funded it. The high profile make-up brand has supported the Sophie Lancaster Foundation (SOPHIE) since it launched last November. As well as selling its black SOPHIE eye pencils and the charity's wristbands, it also uses every opportunity to promote the key message of SOPHIE: Stamp Out Prejudice, Intolerance and Hatred, Everywhere - hence the commissioning of this film.

"Impact was our main objective," says Propaganda's Mark Williams, "as well as creating a film that highlighted the effect ignorance and violence can have on individuals lives. The decision to use such a moving track brings the film to life and creates a rush of emotion felt by all. We have worked with some fantastic people to make this happen and I would like to thank all those who have contributed to help such an important cause.”

As well as appearing on the Illamasqua and SOPHIE websites, SOPHIE: A Dark Angel will be projected in an ongoing loop in Manchester's Cathedral Gardens from dusk this evening (26th November). It would have been Sophie's 23rd birthday. The film will also be shown at various times on MTV over the next two weeks.

Credits

Title: Dark Angel
Agency: Propaganda
Client: The Sophie Lancaster Fopundation/Illamasqua
Writer / creative director: Mark Williams
Illustrator / animator / director: Fursy Teyssier

sophielancasterfoundation.com/