Media Trust Films win big at the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2025

We’re thrilled to announce that seven of our Media Trust Films projects were winners at this year’s Smiley Charity Film Awards.

From tackling social injustice to amplifying under-represented voices, these films highlight the power of storytelling to drive real change. These awards celebrate the impact of charity filmmaking, and we’re proud to see our collaborations with incredible charities and talented filmmakers recognised on such a prestigious stage.

Our 2025 award winners 

Judge’s choice winners

• Transform Justice – Fairchecks: Winner (£100,000 – £250,000 category)

• • Directed by Jordan Pitt
  • Supported by Crucible Foundation
  • Executive producer: Tolu Stedford
  • Watch the film
• Transform Drug Policy Foundation – Don’t Be a Harold: Winner (£250,000 – £500,000 category)

• • Directed by Daniel Agha-Rafei
  • Supported by Crucible Foundation
  • Executive producer: Michaela Lowe
  • Watch the film

 Judge’s choice silver awards

• Ealing Anchor Foundation – Discover Ealing Anchor (£100,000-£250,000 category)

• • Directed by George Magner
  • Supported by John Lyon’s Charity
  • Executive producer: Michaela Lowe
  • Watch the film
• Give a Book – Solace and Connection Through Reading (£250,000 – £500,000 category)

• • Directed by Davy Lazare
  • Supported by Crucible Foundation
  • Executive producer: Tolu Stedford
  • Watch the film
• Young Camden Foundation – An Ode to Youth Work (£1 – £2.5 Million category)

• • Directed by Rob Ball
  • Supported by John Lyon’s Charity
  • Executive producer: Tolu Stedford
  • Watch the film

 Judge’s choice bronze awards

• Body & Soul Charity – Save a Life From Suicide (£1 – £2.5 Million category)

• • Directed by Will Dennies
  • Supported by The Mercers’ Company
  • Executive producer: Ed Wise
  • Watch the film
• JE Delve – 2 Hours: People’s Choice Bronze
  • Directed by Davy Lazare
  • Supported by John Lyon’s Charity
  • Executive producer: Tolu Stedford
  • Watch the film

Celebrating the power of charity film

From criminal justice reform to realities of youth and social work, this year’s winning films tackle a range of themes. Each film tells a vital story, highlighting the life changing support charities we work with provide to their communities. These wins demonstrate the impact of charity films in raising awareness, changing perceptions, and driving action.

A huge congratulations to our charity partners, directors, funders, and executive producers, and to all the organisations using film to create societal change.

To learn more about Media Trust Films and how we support charities in telling their stories, visit our webpage.