A powerful new film, featuring two people from Emmaus Merseyside, has reached the finals of the ‘Oscars’ of charity film.
‘An Introduction to Emmaus North West’ is an inspirational film highlighting the work of Emmaus Merseyside and other Emmaus communities across our region. Thanks to public votes, the film has made the final shortlist for The Smiley Charity Film Awards, the world’s biggest campaign to promote cause-based films.
Emmaus Merseyside is an award-winning charity that provides a home, training, work opportunities and individual support to people who have experienced homelessness. Stewart, one of the people supported by our charity, was filmed at our community home alongside Ish, our Horticultural Supervisor.
Stewart said: “The new Emmaus film is amazing and I’m really looking forward to attending the Charity Film Awards in London. Sharing my story of homelessness and how Emmaus has helped will hopefully give people an insight into our charity. I’m glad I’ve found Emmaus and it’s been an amazing journey for me.”
The film was commissioned by the partnership of six Emmaus communities and group within the North West. Award-winning photographic duo Photography by Anderson was commissioned to produce the film, having previously worked with the charity to create a short film in 2021.
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, the United Nations International Day of Happiness, at The Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square, London.
Your vote is needed again
Marc Bamber, Chief Operating Officer of Emmaus Merseyside, said: “Our new film is a great showcase for the work of Emmaus and the people who are part of our our communities. Giving people who have experienced homelessness a fresh start is central to what we do and this film captures that brilliantly.
“We’re delighted to have reached the Charity Film Award finals in the Longform category and would like to thank everyone who voted for the Emmaus film in the first round of voting. We are now appealing for more votes – this time, for the ‘People’s Choice’ award.”
Click here to watch the film and vote for it in the ‘People’s Choice’ category of the Awards.