07:00, 04 March 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
16 Days 16 Films Ltd is founded by Johanna von Fischer and Ginta Gelvan. Inspired by the UN Women campaign ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence’, each year they run a competition for female filmmakers where a final 16 films are selected to be shown across the campaign. These films explore, evoke, or educate on different forms of violence against women and have received a lot of support from organisations such as UN Women, Equimundo and Times Up.
In this film for the Smiley Charity Film Awards, the work of 16 DAYS 16 FILMS is showcased, highlighting the powerful role filmmaking plays in raising awareness of gender-based violence, while also championing female filmmakers.
The film emphasises the initiative’s goal of expanding its reach globally, aiming to bring filmmaking into the social sector as a tool for sparking meaningful change and inspiring action.
We spoke with Ginta Gelvan, one of the founding directors of 16 Days 16 Films, to learn more about their work.
Violence against women and girls is a global epidemic affecting one in three women during their lifetime. Most of us know someone—whether a friend, family member, or colleague—who has experienced abuse or discrimination. This urgent issue led us to create the annual 16 DAYS 16 FILMS short film festival, providing female filmmakers a platform to share their powerful stories. Film is an incredibly effective tool to raise awareness, spark conversation, and drive change. A few minutes of storytelling can leave a lasting emotional impact, educate, and inspire action. We're fortunate to partner with incredible organizations like UN Women, Equimundo, UKSNM, and Time's Up, who are doing critical work on the ground. Now more than ever, it’s essential to speak up and make a difference.
Businesses have a unique opportunity to positively influence society and contribute to the greater good. In today’s world, corporate social responsibility is not just a duty—it's a necessity. There’s a particular need to focus on gender-based violence and discrimination, especially given that women and girls are disproportionately affected. Despite its widespread nature, less than 1% of philanthropic funding is directed toward organizations working to eliminate gender-based violence. This makes it crucial for businesses to step up and play an active role in addressing these issues.
Authenticity and long-term commitment are crucial for businesses to make a lasting impact. By aligning their values with the causes they support, businesses can ensure their contributions are meaningful and genuine. Beyond financial support, businesses should amplify awareness through marketing and employee engagement programs, fostering a culture of involvement. Partnering with local nonprofits can further enhance impact and extend their reach. Even small contributions can make a difference, helping nonprofits continue their vital work and advancing the cause.
You can watch 16 Films’ entry into the Smiley Charity Film Awards below or on the CFA website.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
UN Women. This global NGO is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women, supporting initiatives like 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. Find out more.
Refuge. A UK-based charity that provides support to women and children experiencing domestic violence, offering shelter, advocacy, and helplines. Learn more here.
Equimundo. A global organisation working to advance gender equality and reduce violence against women and girls, with a focus on engaging men and boys in the process. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Gender Equality, Reduced inequalities.
