We’re overjoyed to present our incredible World AIDS Day 2023 animation. Full of different ways that you too can #RockTheRibbon to support people living with HIV, the animation is a spirited celebration of community.

The animation’s characters are interlaced with photography from National AIDS Trust’s history, nodding to the rich history of HIV activism, while encouraging people to get involved this World AIDS Day.

The film was created by the hugely talented animator Scott Coello. Scott works under the alias Cribble, and past creations include those for the BBC, Channel 4, The Royal Society and the lockdown classic, million-pound-raising, ‘Thank You Baked Potato’ with Matt Lucas.

Scott said: “Creating a story about gathering your friends to be involved with World AIDS Day this year was an important project for me, as National AIDS Trust need as much support as possible from everyone to reach out beyond our communities. It can be as simple as wearing the red ribbon, creating conversations with others, but also looking forward to the future and supporting efforts for new research and prevention methods and to put an end HIV stigma once and for all.”

The music was composed by Simon Pearson. Simon creates music for a wide variety of ensembles and for different applications including film, theatre, live music and dance. This is in addition to singing baritone in two choirs and being the musical director of the barbershop group, Barberfellas.

Simon said: “I’ve long supported charities that support people living with HIV and the working towards no new cases in the UK. I came out as a gay man in 2000 and at that time, misinformation about HIV and AIDS was still rife and caused a lot of us to live in fear. When working on this piece, I wanted to make it sound super sassy, to reflect the confidence that people in 2023 can have in living full, rich lives, as we work toward a world without stigma.”