A powerful film featuring the Emmaus movement in the North West has reached the finals of the international Charity Film Awards.

Across the UK, Emmaus provides a home, training, work opportunities and individual support to 850 people who have experienced homelessness. People supported by Emmaus, known as companions, are offered the opportunity to gain skills, training, confidence, and new experiences.

A still from the film, which is in the finals of the Smiley Charity Film Awards. A man stands next to an Emmaus van. He is leaning on the bonnet and smiling at the camera.The emotive film features Emmaus companions, volunteers and staff speaking about their experiences in communities and social enterprises. Thanks to public votes, the Emmaus film has reached the finals in a longform category of The Smiley Charity Film Awards, the world’s biggest campaign to promote cause-based films.

George Almond, Chair of the Emmaus North West Partnership, said: “This film has been produced to promote the work of Emmaus in the North West and I am delighted with the outcome and wish to thank everyone involved for their support and cooperation.”

Watch the film and cast your vote here.

Awards benefit charities by raising awareness of good causes

Since the creation of the Charity Film Awards in 2017, more than 3,000 charities have entered and benefitted – by raising awareness of their causes and boosting exposure, volunteer numbers and much-needed donations. The seventh Charity Film Awards will take place on 20 March 2024 at The Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square, London.

‘An Introduction to Emmaus North West’ was commissioned by the partnership of seven Emmaus communities in the North West. Award-winning photographic duo, Photography by Anderson, assisted to produce the film, having previously worked with Emmaus Salford in 2021.

A still from the film, which is in the finals of the Smiley Charity Film Awards. A man and a woman working in the community garden at Emmaus MerseysideIan Lloyd Jones, a Trustee at Emmaus South Manchester who helped with the film’s development, said: “We are delighted with our new film and it is already proving useful in introducing Emmaus to new audiences and supporters. I would like to give thanks to everyone who voted for our film in the first round of voting and encourage everyone to vote for us again to help us win the ‘People’s Choice’ award.”

As well as reaching the Charity Film Awards finals in a long-form category, the Emmaus film is also in the running for the ‘People’s Choice’ award, decided by a public vote. Voting for this award closes at midnight on Tuesday 12 March 2024.

Watch the Emmaus film and vote for it on the Smiley Charity Film Awards website.