Media Trust Films

For over ten years, Media Trust Films has produced prize-winning films for several different funders including City Bridge Foundation, John Lyon’s Charity, The Mercers’ Company and The Santander Foundation.

We pride ourselves on our sensitive and collaborative approach to filmmaking and we work with some of the industry’s most creative directors, producers, crew and editors to make powerful and engaging films that generate impact.

The films are completely free for the charities and vary enormously in style and content. The films strengthen the voice of the charities, raising awareness of their work and support volunteer recruitment, campaigning and fundraising.

NEW: Media Trust Films and The Crucible Foundation

In partnership with The Crucible Foundation, Media Trust Films is launching a new scheme to produce free short films exploring the theme of women, girls and trauma.

We’re looking for 10 UK-based charities working in areas such as domestic abuse, harassment, rape or trafficking to take part.

Each charity will be paired with a skilled volunteer filmmaker to co-create a film at no cost. It’s a great chance to tell your story and connect with wider audiences through film!

Our recent wins at the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2025

• Don’t Be a Harold for Transform Drug Policy Foundation (directed by Daniel Agha-Rafei), Judge’s Choice Winner.
• FairChecks for Transform Justice (directed by Jordan Pitt), Judge’s Choice Winner.
• An Ode to Youth Work for Young Camden Foundation (directed by Rob Ball), Judge’s Choice Silver.
• Discover Ealing Anchor for Ealing Anchor Foundation (directed by George Magner), Judge’s Choice Silver.
• Solace and Connection Through Reading for Give a Book (directed by Davy Lazare), Judge’s Choice Silver.
• Save a Life From Suicide for Body & Soul (directed by Will Dennies),  Judge’s Choice Bronze.
• 2 Hours for JE Delve (directed by Davy Lazare), People’s Choice Bronze.

You can check out some of our award-winning films here.

How it works

We collaborate with a funder to develop a programme that includes training for charities in filmmaking, social media and distribution. The funder then selects a number of charities they support to participate in the programme, or we assist in administering an application process where charities can apply.

Once the charities are onboarded, Media Trust Films pairs them with highly skilled volunteer filmmakers who produce and direct a short film for them. We oversee the production, guiding the charity through the process, addressing their questions, and ensuring they gain the most from the programme.  

Once the film is completed, the copyright of the film belongs to the charity, and they are given all the assets for their own use. Funders can host a screening event to celebrate the release of the films and the work of everyone involved including the volunteer filmmakers. The screenings have been in venues such as the Barbican, ICA, Everyman Cinema, the Ham Yard Hotel, and Curzon Soho.

Volunteer now

Interested in volunteering on our short films?  We’d love to have you on board! Reach out through the forms below:

Commissioned films 

For charities that are not supported by one of the funders that we work with, Commissioned Films is another option to make a film if a charity has a small budget. Media Trust Films can produce a film (or films) at a reduced rate and offer our expertise.

If you are a charity and you are interested in us putting together a budget outline for a commissioned film for you, please get in touch with Chris, chrisp@mediatrust.org. 

If you are a funder and interested in offering this opportunity to your beneficiaries, please contact us at info@mediatrust.org to find out more.