Date published: 03 February 2022 by Amber Hemming

Our film Pandemic Pressures highlights our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and how we have innovated the delivery of our services, to ensure that as many families as possible can continue to receive the tailored support that they need.

The Charity Film Awards celebrates the effective use of film by the third sector to change mindsets and raise awareness of good causes and the work they do. The awards are organised by Smiley Movement CIC, the nonprofit organisation for social and environmental good that is sponsored by the original Smiley™ brand, and aims to drive positive change in the world.

More than 300 charities took part in the 5th Charity Film Awards and there were almost 40,000 votes in the first round of public voting. The Charity Film Awards has a panel of expert judges – which includes high profile names from entertainment, business, media, academia and social enterprises – who will be selecting the winners from each category.

The winners of the 2022 Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony in central London in March 2022.

Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of Smiley Movement, said:

“Nothing captures hearts and minds like film. These amazing films from wonderful causes absolutely demonstrate the importance of film for charitable campaigning.

“It’s vital we support all causes – big or small. A huge congratulations to all the Finalists, who should be delighted with the public support for their films through the campaign. We’re incredibly proud that Smiley Movement’s investment in the Charity Film Awards has already generated 500,000 additional views on these films.”

Oonagh Goodman, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Rainbow Trust, said:

"We are delighted to have received so much support for our Pandemic Pressures video during the voting stage of the Charity Film Awards. We feel it is so important to highlight the experiences of families with a seriously ill child, who were put under immense additional pressures when the pandemic hit. Continuing to raise the profile of the needs of these families helps us to ensure their voices are heard, and that we can support them however they need it most."

Rainbow Trust has been shortlisted alongside other leading names from the charity sector. You can view our Pandemic Pressures video here.