ABOUT

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) commissioned 1984 London to take viewers on an emotional and evocative visual journey to highlight the importance of the Geneva Conventions and the principles of international humanitarian law.

Titled ‘Humanity in War’, the film explores the fragile balance between conflict and compassion through a single continuous ribbon, a powerful visual metaphor for the principles designed to protect humanity around the world during armed conflict. Originating from archival footage of World War Two, the 3D-composed ribbon travels through fragmented timelines of war.

Eighty years after the world committed to rules designed to limit human suffering during armed conflict, those principles are facing ever growing challenges. Today, as conflicts continue to impact on civilians, the wounded, prisoners of war and humanitarian workers worldwide, the film highlights why protecting humanity remains as vital today as ever.

The ribbon acts as a constant human presence throughout the film. In moments of care, it moves alongside civilians, the wounded and those providing assistance, representing connection and hope, while highlighting the boundaries being crossed.

The film will be presented at the high-level international conference ‘Upholding Humanity in War’ in Jordan on 7 December 2026, bringing together global leaders, heads of state and government officials to reaffirm commitment to international humanitarian law and strengthen the protection of civilians affected by conflict.

"Our goal was to invite viewers on an emotional visual journey through the realities of humanity in war, told through a single continuous ribbon.

The ribbon is a symbolic and powerful metaphor, always present in war and represents the enduring principles that protect humanity in times of conflict.

The fraying of the ribbon lays bare the fragility of these principles and the devastating impact when international humanitarian law is placed under threat."
Christopher Jarrett / Creative Director, 1984 London