Erste Group and Jung von Matt Donau share the inspiring true story behind ‘Silent Night,’ showing how one small act can change the world

Silent Night: The True Story Behind the World’s Most Recorded Christmas Song

This Christmas, Erste Group and Jung von Matt Donau are sharing the remarkable, true story behind the world-famous Christmas carol, “Silent Night.” Through a heartfelt three-minute film, they remind us that anyone can be the spark that changes the world.

The story begins in 1818 in the small Austrian village of Oberndorf, a place struggling to rebuild after the Napoleonic Wars. In this difficult time, a young priest named Joseph Mohr sees his neighbors suffering from poverty and hunger. Moved by their struggles, Mohr teams up with Franz Xaver Gruber, a local music teacher, to compose a song on Christmas Eve. The result was “Silent Night,” a simple song that would go on to change the world.

The film follows the journey of “Silent Night,” from its first performance in a tiny village church, to its global success. The song was performed in 1822 for the Austrian Emperor Franz I, and in 1906, it was broadcast on the first-ever radio entertainment show in the United States. During World War I in 1914, soldiers from opposing sides sang it together, bridging enemy lines for a brief moment of peace. Even in 1973, “Silent Night” reached space when it was played for astronauts aboard Skylab 4.

Today, “Silent Night” is the most recorded song in the world, with more than 130,000 versions in over 300 languages. Its enduring power reminds us of the hope, unity, and love that a simple song can bring to the world.

Erste Group and Jung von Matt have been collaborating for 10 years, with their Christmas campaigns becoming a beloved tradition. This year’s “Silent Night” film marks a new chapter in their collaboration, telling a true historical story with a live-action film.

The campaign, launched on November 19, will be aired across several countries including Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and Romania, through TV, print, and digital channels.

Credits:

Client: Erste Group Bank AG
Erste Group – Group Brand & Innovation: Martin Radjaby-Rasset
Erste Group – Group Brand Management: Daniel Ratzenböck, Juraj Flimel

Agency: Jung von Matt/Donau  
Creative Director: Mike Nagy 
Art Direction: Szymon Rose, Katharina Bleimuth 
Copywriter: Daniel Schäfer, Johanna Philipp
Account Director: Anamarija Stojic 
Senior Account Manager: Michael Draxler 

Production: Arts & Sciences London 
Directors: Daniel & Szymon 
Executive Producer: James Bland
Producer: Ewen Brown 
Production Manager: Mareketa Husecka
Post Producer (A&S): Pete Thornton 
DoP: Nik Summerer
First Assistant Director: Jim Cole
Photographer: Ole Westermann 
Post-Production: Black Kite
Audio Post Production: Factory Studios
Sound Design & Mix: James Utting & Anthony Moore
Audio Producer: Olivia Endersby

Production Service: Grandma
Producer: Linas Martinkenas

Edit House: Work Editorial
Editor: Neil Smith 
Edit assistant: Jack Moore 
Edit Producer: Frankie elster 

VFX: Black Kite Studios
VFX Shoot Supervisor – Tito Fernandes
VFX Supervisor – James Belch
DMP Artist – Lino Khay
CG FX Artist – Chan Ah-Hong
Senior Producer – Tamara Mennell
Colourist – George K

Audio Post Production – Factory Studios
Sound Design & Mix – James Utting & Anthony Moore
Audio Producer – Olivia Endersby

Music Company: KO Music
Composers: Matteo Pagamici & Michael Künstle
Producers: Andy Oskwarek & Philip Kay