#TIMEWELLSHARED VIDEO NOW LIVE: OSCAR®-NOMINATED DIRECTOR MARK OSBORNE READS “THE LITTLE PRINCE”

Schaffhausen, 21st April 2020 – As part of the recently announced “TIME WELL SHARED” initiative, IWC brand ambassadors from around the world will read chapters from “The Little Prince”, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s world-famous novel. Indian actress Sonam Kapoor will start the series. She will be joined by Lebanese-British TV presenter Raya Abirached, Tunisian actress Hend Sabri, Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino, and Chinese actor Zhang Ruo Yun. With their joint effort, these remarkable individuals hope to inspire people and lift spirits in this period of uncertainty. Voluntary donations from the listeners will be used to support Save the Children’s charity programmes.

No other novel has been translated into as many languages and read by as many people from different countries and cultural backgrounds as “The Little Prince”. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s most famous literary work follows a young prince on his journey to different planets, addressing themes such as loneliness, isolation, friendship, and love. During these challenging times, the story is a powerful reminder that the best things in life are the simplest ones and that real wealth is caring for and giving to others. Channelling this spirit, IWC brand ambassadors are coming together to read from the book. The original illustrations from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, including some never-before-shown works, will accompany the readings.

“In writing “The Little Prince”, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry created a story that stands the test of time. Charmingly, the book explores what makes us human, and its message today is more relevant than ever. With our reading project, we want to touch people all over the world and bring joy to children and families alike,” says Franziska Gsell, CMO of IWC Schaffhausen.

IWC enjoys a long-running relationship with the heirs of Antoine de Saint Exupéry. In 2009, the company also became a partner of the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation, which works to preserve the humanist values of the famous French aviator and author.

Olivier d’Agay, the great-nephew of Antoine de Saint Exupéry and Director of the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation, says: “I am honoured that IWC chose “The Little Prince” for this reading initiative. This moving story about friendship, love and the essence of humanity has always bridged cultures and united people across borders and generations.”

THE NOVEL WILL BE READ IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

Indian actress Sonam Kapoor will open the series of readings. Lebanese-British TV presenter Raya Abirached, Tunisian actress Hend Sabri and Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino, among others, will then read subsequent chapters of the book. Selected IWC brand ambassadors, such as Chinese actor Zhang Ruo Yun, will also join the project and read from “The Little Prince” in their native language.

The “TIME WELL SHARED” initiative, which IWC announced recently, encompasses online lectures, speeches and webinars that will feature on digital channels during the following weeks. The aim is to entertain and support people in these challenging times. The initiative includes contributions from IWC brand ambassadors and partners such as Tom Brady, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport, Mercedes-AMG, Tottenham Hotspur, Laureus Sport for Good, Solaris Yachts and Orlebar Brown.

All contributions to the initiative will include a link to allow viewers and listeners to make voluntarydonations, with IWC making the first donation. With the funds raised, IWC will support Save the Children, which aims to strengthen its programmes that protect children and families in countries that are hit by the virus, increase support for national health systems, and raise awareness among parents and caregivers on how to provide psychosocial support to children.

Another crucial pillar of “TIME WELL SHARED” is a personal volunteering programme via the website Good Tutors Finder, to support schoolchildren and their parents. In their own free time, and on an individual voluntary basis, IWC employees are encouraged to offer online tutoring support for schoolchildren in basic subjects.

For the latest information on “TIME WELL SHARED”, and to access exclusive content, please visit https://www.iwc.com/en/articles/journal/iwc-news-events.html and www.savethechildren.ch/timewellshared