Words by Smiley Team
On 22 March, Smiley News hosted the 5th Charity Film Awards at the ODEON Luxe, Leicester Square.
The Charity Film Awards is the world’s largest campaign for cause-based films. Since its creation, more than 2,000 causes have benefitted from the awards, gaining exposure, donations and volunteers.
‘Whatever It Takes’ – a powerful film by Macmillan Cancer Support showcasing how staff are compassionate companions to those living with cancer – won charity film of the year in 2022.
The 2-minute film features Macmillan staff doing “whatever it takes” to support those who face the daily challenges of living with cancer – from hugs, to hand-holding, to making them smile.
Key moments in the film include a staff helping a crying girl who sees her dad’s new scar for the first time, or someone making an elderly man undergoing treatment laugh in his bed.
The film reminds us of the strength of health workers to help get people living with cancer, and their families, through each day. It was launched in early 2021, amid the Covid-19 lockdown, and directed by Jonathan Alric.
The film was scored highly by judges, and crowned with the grand prix trophy during the Awards ceremony in ODEON Luxe, Leicester Square.
Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer. It also looks at the social, emotional and practical impact cancer can have, and campaigns for better cancer care.
“Because cancer can affect your life in so many ways, we do whatever it takes to give people the support they need,” they say.
Their ‘Whatever It Takes’ film has been viewed nearly one million times on YouTube.
More than 300 charities entered the 5th Charity Film Awards, and just over 100 were shortlisted as Finalists.
There were Gold winners in each turnover category – you can view all the winners below.
Safenet Domestic Abuse and Support Services – ‘Behind Doors’
About the charity: Safenet has been keeping women and children safe from domestic abuse throughout the North West for 40 years. You can support them here.
The Cornwall Trust for Nature Conservation – ‘It’s All Connected’
About the charity: They are part of the Wildlife Trusts, a nationwide grassroots movement that aims to protect nature. You can support them here.
Greenpeace UK – 'Rigged: A Workers' Story'
About the charity: The charity works to defend the natural world to stand for a green and peaceful future. You can support them here.
Timothy Syndrome Alliance – ‘Rare Strikes Back’
About the charity: The charity aims to raise awareness to improve the diagnosis, treatment and care of children with Timothy Syndrome (TS). Timothy syndrome is a rare autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by physical malformations, as well as neurological and developmental defects. Support the charity here.
The Paperweight Trust – ‘Evie’s Story’
About the charity: The charity lifts the burden of paperwork for people who are in crisis. It is a free service and provides practical support to those in the Jewish community. You can support them here.
Surfers Against Sewage – ‘Thank you Sea’
About the charity: Surfers Against Sewage is a grassroots environmental charity, dedicated to the protection of the ocean, waves, beaches and wildlife. You can support them here.
AND
Swindon Carers Centre – ‘Baggage’
About the charity: The charity is part of the Carers Trust Network, which was established to provide help and support ot the 21,000 unpaid carers in Swindon. You can support them here.
Teenage Cancer Trust – ‘#NotOk’
About the charity: Teenage Cancer Trust is a cancer care and support charity in the UK that exists to improve the cancer experience of young people aged 13–24. The charity's key service is providing specialist teenage units in NHS hospitals. You can support them here.
The Scout Association – ‘What Made Me’
About the charity: Scouting actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. You can support the charity here.
Shelter – ‘Fight For Home’
About the charity: Shelter's aim is to end homelessness and bad housing in Britain. It's online advice services and practical emergency housing helps millions of people each year. You can support them here.
Sightsavers – ‘A Message From Students in Sierra Leone’
About the charity: Sightsavers is an international non-governmental organisation that works with partners in developing countries to treat and prevent avoidable blindness, and promote equality for people with visual impairments and other disabilities. You can support them here.
You can view all the other winners at the Awards at smileymovement.org/awards.
