Shortology animated video supports Italian euthanasia referendum

Milan-based design and advertising agency H57, through its Shortology project, has released an animated short film supporting the Italian referendum on legal euthanasia. The video, characterized by Shortology's distinctive graphic style, depicts a bedridden patient's suffering as a storm of pain, with lightning, thunder, and driving rain. Despite the efforts of caregivers, relief only comes when the patient's spirit 'pulls the plug,' the heart stops, and calm returns. The campaign is part of a national mobilization from September 7 to 12 to collect signatures for the Referendum Eutanasia Legale. The signature drive has already surpassed 850,000, well above the required 500,000 minimum, but continues until September 30 to allow more people to sign and to provide information on end-of-life rights and living wills. A helpline, 'Numero Bianco,' is available at 06 9931 3409. The video's social media call to action uses the hashtags #LiberiFinoAllaFine and #EutanasiaLegale.