CAUSE: Organ Donation Awareness
All Good Co., sought to address the often-avoided topic of organ donation by creating Heart of Hope, a feature film designed to gently introduce this subject and encourage family discussions. The film aims to raise awareness and inspire conversations around organ donation in an accessible, engaging way, ultimately helping families confront this vital issue earlier and at a happier time.
Despite the lack of widespread awareness, the need for organ donations—especially for children—remains critical. Thousands of children are stuck on waiting lists, often waiting two and a half times longer than adults for transplants. At the same time, it has been proven that one of the biggest deciding factors between those who donate and those who do not comes down to whether they’ve simply talked about organ donation with their loved ones (even just once) before they (or their loved ones) pass on. The earlier these conversations happen within families, the better.
The production of Heart of Hope faced significant hurdles. With a budget of only £60k, and filming during the challenges of the pandemic, the team had to be resourceful. Moreover, the delicate subject of organ donation needed to be handled with care to resonate with both children and adults. The film had to convey the urgency and importance of the issue while telling an emotionally compelling story that was accessible to all.
The story unfolds in two distinct parts, mirroring the structure of many criminal situations that prey on vulnerable individuals.
In the first part, we show how the victim is deceived. The scene is bathed in overwhelming light, as if the camera is overexposed, symbolising how the victim cannot fully grasp reality—she is dazed and dazzled by the brightness. The second part shifts to the dark world she is pulled into, where there is little light, representing how she is now unable to see the truth due to the absence of clarity and hope.
The score was composed and recorded by Ensamble Chancho a Cuerda, an Argentinian musical ensemble known for their contemporary arrangements and improvisation. Remarkably, they created the music while watching the film in real time, recording a single track with all instruments playing together, capturing the raw emotion of the moment.
Independent films with small budgets rarely turn a profit, yet Heart of Hope defied the odds. With a modest budget of just £60k, the film has already made a return of £68k—and counting. This financial success not only highlights the film’s appeal but also demonstrates the potential impact that meaningful storytelling can have for other important causes.
Heart of Hope has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The film has received praise for its delicate handling of organ donation, its moving performances, and its ability to bring important social issues into the family film genre.
The film’s success extended beyond screenings and festivals. Emirates Flights loved the movie so much that they kept it on their in-flight movie schedule for three years, allowing even more viewers to experience its powerful message during flights.
All Good Co., sought to address the often-avoided topic of organ donation by creating Heart of Hope, a feature film designed to gently introduce this subject and encourage family discussions. The film aims to raise awareness and inspire conversations around organ donation in an accessible, engaging way, ultimately helping families confront this vital issue earlier and at a happier time.
The film intertwines the emotional reality of Iris’s condition with elements of fantasy and dance to create a hopeful and engaging narrative. Through the vibrant and imaginative world of Iris’s grandmother’s stories, young audiences are introduced to the concept of organ donation in a way that is relatable and gentle. By combining dance choreography with a touching family story, Heart of Hope helps families discuss organ donation naturally, allowing viewers to process the topic over the course of the film.
Specifically crafted to inspire these crucial family conversations, the film’s narrative makes it easier for families to talk about organ donation and make informed choices before it’s too late. Director, Roydon Turner, who also founded the Orgamites, aimed to spark conversations early, with the hope that these seeds of dialogue would lead to more lives being saved.
Independent films with small budgets rarely turn a profit, yet Heart of Hope defied the odds. With a modest budget of just £60k, the film has already made a return of £68k—and counting. This financial success not only highlights the film’s appeal but also demonstrates the potential impact that meaningful storytelling can have for other important causes.
Heart of Hope has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The film has received praise for its delicate handling of organ donation, its moving performances, and its ability to bring important social issues into the family film genre.
The film’s success extended beyond screenings and festivals. Emirates Flights loved the movie so much that they kept it on their in-flight movie schedule for three years, allowing even more viewers to experience its powerful message during flights.
“I’m very pleased there’s a feature film centered on a child in desperate need of an organ, shedding light on the pressures families experience while caring for a poorly child. The film shines a light on community and encourages conversation around organ donation.”
— Yaser Martini: Team Margot Foundation, parent of 4 children
“It was a sweet and emotional movie. The strongest moment was the first unsuccessful attempt to obtain an organ, accurately describing everything I know about transplantation and donation. Children should watch this film—it’s a gentle way to familiarize them with the topic.”
— Alexandros Morellas: Onassis Foundation, Organ Donation Awareness Programme of Greece
“Heart of Hope truly delivers both the hope and the heart. You’ve masterfully captured so many aspects of the journey from organ donation to transplant. Well done!”
— Peggy John: Acting Director, Canadian Blood Services. Organ & Tissue Donation & Transplantation
England, Europe, Canada, South Africa
6 Marryat Square, London, SW66UA
Roydon Turner | Founder & CCO
Roydon@allgoodco.org
Byron Grant | Executive Producer
Byron@allgoodco.org
Argentina, North & South America, Asia
Las Retamas 20353, Bariloche
www.simbiosis.cc
Carlos@simbiosis.cc