Odyssey House needed to reach the families and friends of people experiencing alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges, people who are often navigating that experience alone and unsure where to turn. The content needed to reduce stigma around substance use, frame it as a health issue rather than a moral failing, and reach multicultural communities in a culturally safe, accessible way.

We created a character-driven animation reflecting Australia’s multicultural communities, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive throughout. The film shows families and friends taking small but powerful actions, calling a helpline, encouraging counselling, seeking advice from a community or faith leader, building a hopeful pathway one step at a time.

The tone stays compassionate, inclusive and accessible, with simple character design across a range of cultural backgrounds, watercolour-style graphics and lighting used to convey emotion, and subtle sound design, home, prayer, community, to add realism. The film was delivered in four languages, Arabic, Chinese, English and Hindi/Vietnamese, alongside social cutdowns and a cinema-ready version for screenings and events.

The core messages running through it: you are not alone, support exists for families and friends; health, not shame, substance use is a health issue; and culture as strength, community and faith can support recovery.