Posted 30 April 2026
We’re so delighted to share that 7 of our Media Trust Films projects have been awarded at this year’s Smiley Charity Film Awards.
These short films shine a light on social injustice and amplify underrepresented voices, showing how powerful storytelling can drive real-world change.
The Smiley Charity Film Awards highlight the impact of storytelling with purpose, and we are proud to see our work alongside inspiring charities and talented filmmakers recognised on such a visible platform.
Seeing our films win at The Smileys is hugely rewarding, particularly given the dedication and pro bono effort behind every project. The awards are a powerful recognition of the outstanding creative talent we work with and the incredible charities whose stories we help to tell.
Celia Taylor, Head of Media Trust Films
Carmarthen Youth Project – The Young Person Crisis (£100,000 – 250,000 category)
Brain Tumour Research – What Does Hope Mean To You? (£5 million – £15 million category)
Headliners (UK) – In Charge of My Story (People’s Choice £100,00 – 250,000 category)
Read for Good – The Magic of Stories (People’s Choices £1million – £2.5 million category)
Criminal Justice Alliance – The Cycle (£250,000 – £500,000 category)
Auditory Verbal UK – First Day (£1 – £2.5 Million category)
Staffordshire Women’s Aid – Celebrating 50 Years of Staffordshire Women’s Aid (£1 – £2.5 Million category)
So powerful. The absence of dialogue added to the impact and the sense of universality of the situations women's face.
Category judge on Staffordshire Women's Aid's film
This year’s winning films span powerful themes, from the criminal justice system to the power of reading. Each story shines a light on the vital support our charity partners provide in their communities.
These awards are a testament to the role film plays in raising awareness, shifting perceptions and inspiring action for change.
Congratulations to all our charity partners, volunteer filmmakers, funders and executive producers!
Find out more about Media Trust Films and how we help charities tell their stories on our webpage.
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