23:00, 20 March 2025
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
The Smiley Charity Film Awards’ Film of the Year 2025 has been announced!
At the Smiley Charity Film Award Ceremony 2025, it was announced that Refuge has won the Film of the Year award. Refuge is an amazing charity and the largest provider of specialist support for women and their children experiencing domestic abuse and gender-based violence in the UK.
Their winning film, titled ‘Make the World a Refuge’, depicts renowned actress Billie PIper recounting the words of abuse survivors who have been helped by Refuge.
The piece is stripped back, showcasing Piper in a room, in her every day clothes, allowing the powerful words of these incredible survivors to take centre stage.
Refuge were presented with the Film of the Year award this evening at the Smiley Charity Film Awards ceremony on 20th March, World Happiness Day 2025.
The award ceremony took place at Indigo at the O2, and showcased some of the year’s best charity films, giving charity representatives a chance to walk the red carpet alongside a star-studded guest list.
You can watch ‘Make the World a Refuge’ here on the Smiley Charity Film Awards website.
Trigger warning: This film contains depictions of domestic abuse, please take care when watching.
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.
The Fawcett Society. This is the UK's leading charity campaigning for gender equality and women's rights. Support them here.
Refuge. This charity runs life-saving services including a 24/7 Helpline and 44 refuges, for women and their children affected by domestic abuse. Support them here.
Beyond Equality. This charity is disrupting harmful norms and creating possibilities for positive change, working with men and boys towards gender equality. Find out more here.
