Coca-Cola launches film anthology series ‘Christmas Finds a Way’

Coca-Cola has launched its first-ever Christmas Anthology film series on YouTube, under a new creative platform, "Real Magic Presents".

With "Real Magic Presents", the brand produced a Christmas anthology — "Christmas Always Finds Its Way" — in different formats, all centered on one premise: to share and celebrate stories of human connection, told in magical ways. This series of films is the product of an exciting creative collaboration with world-class partners and talent.

Launched on the YouTube channel of Coca-Cola, the anthology consists of three short films, produced by Academy Award-winning filmmakers Brian Grazer and Ron Howard's Imagine Entertainment.

"Through 'Real Magic Presents', Coca-Cola is continuing the promise of the 'Real Magic' platform that we launched in 2021, creating more innovative experiences and deeper engagement with fans, across multiple channels," said Selman Careaga, Category President, Coca-Cola. "Christmas has always been a special time for our brand. This year, with our anthology series, we are excited to be breaking new ground, ensuring we are recognizing not just its iconic past but also—finding new ways to connect with new audiences—its future, too."

To create the anthology, the team tapped production company PRETTYBIRD's roster for its award-winning directors Vellas (Brazil), JB Braud (France), and Alex Buono (US).

The diverse stories, "Alma", "Les Petits Mondes De Noël", and "Christmas Bites" are each set in a different continent but are united by their core creative territory, which celebrates the extraordinary power of Christmas in creating both real and magical connections.

"Alma" (12 mins) is set in a town in Mexico, famous for making Christmas decorations for the world all year round. They no longer feel the magic of Christmas, until an event happens to reignite the magic. This short film is directed by multi-award-winning Brazilian director Vellas, who is widely regarded as one of the best Brazilian commercial directors and is about to embark on a Latin American Netflix series.

"Les Petits Mondes De Noël" (11 mins) is a romantic love story that unfolds between two estranged lovers working at a neighboring record and bookstore in Paris, who rekindle their connection as they create their decorative holiday window displays. Parisian director, JB Braud has earned critical acclaim for his short film "In the Still Night" (2019) and Apple's shot-on-iPhone campaign "Le Peintre" (The Painters) (2021).

"Christmas Bites" (10 mins) is a comedy set in the US around a vampire who meets his girlfriend's parents for the first time, and what happens when he meets his long-time rival, Santa. It is directed by Oscar and Emmy-nominated American filmmaker Alex Buono, critically acclaimed for his Netflix series "Russian Doll" (Season 2), Hulu's gonzo sci-fi/action/comedy series "Future Man",  and Comedy Central's "Detroiters".

"Christmas provides a wonderful creative canvas for storytelling. We are delighted to have partnered with the incredible team at Imagine Entertainment to bring to life our first Christmas anthology, which celebrates moments of human connection and spirit.  And under the umbrella of 'Real Magic Presents', we are looking forward to working with other talented writers, filmmakers, producers, and platforms to bring more stories of 'Real Magic®' to life," said Cesar Gangoso, East Region Frontline Marketing Director of Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific.

"'Real Magic Presents' uses a kind of storytelling that brings us closer even with our universal differences. These episodes remind us that despite these differences, we are always connected through humanity and similar stories. That's the kind of magic we want to share with everyone this festive season," he added.

Coca-Cola, led by its team in Latin America, partnered with OpenX from WPP in the creative development and production of the Christmas Anthology Series.

"Filipinos love hearing different stories and experiences. It's how we build relationships and deepen our understanding of one another," said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for the East Franchise Operations of Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific. "With now being a time of connecting and bonding, these films from 'Real Magic Presents' will surely bring warmth to many Filipino homes this Christmas season."

From today, Filipinos will be able to view the Coca-Cola "Christmas Always Finds Its Way" Anthology on the YouTube channel of Coca-Cola.