The Charity Film Awards finalists have been announced and Redwings has made the shortlist with an animation focussing on some of the horses, ponies and donkeys rescued over the years.
Narrated by Norfolk-born actor and writer Stephen Fry, the film tells the story of Esther the donkey, resident ‘Black Beauty’ Maya, Sampson the Shetland, poor abandoned Wiggins the donkey and Gulliver – a malnourished foal when he arrived.
Lynn Cutress, Chief Executive of Redwings, said: “We’re really thrilled that this animation, which was created for a fundraising campaign for Christmas 2021, has been voted through to the finals of the prestigious Charity Film Awards.
“Last year our animation about Boo – a blind Clydesdale who lived with us here at Redwings for many years – won the silver award in the People’s Choice category, which was also narrated by Mr Fry and made by our friends at Norwich-based company We Are Immersive.
“We love working with local people as much as possible and are so proud of the wonderful relationship we’ve built up with both Mr Fry and Immersive.
“The finalists were chosen by the public so it’s a huge honour and we’re so very grateful to everyone who voted for us.”
Mr Fry recorded a video in support of Redwings last month. In it, Mr Fry said: “It’s become something of a tradition for me to support Redwings every year and I’ve always been incredibly happy to do that because it’s a wonderful charity doing incredible work.”
Lucy Spaull, Production Director of We Are Immersive, said: “It’s such a pleasure working with the team at Redwings and helping to raise awareness about the incredible work that they do. We’re excited to have made it into the final round of the Charity Film Awards for a second year running and we’re grateful for everyone’s votes and support.”
Almost 40,000 votes were cast by the public in the first round, and it’s now down to a panel of expert judges to select winners from each category.
The 2023 awards will take place in central London on 21 March 2023.
Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of Smiley Movement, said: “Nothing captures hearts and minds like film. These amazing films from wonderful causes absolutely demonstrate the importance of film for charitable campaigning.
“It’s vital we support all causes – big or small. A huge congratulations to all the Finalists, who should be delighted with the public support for their films through the campaign. We’re incredibly proud that Smiley Movement’s investment in the Charity Film Awards has already generated millions of additional views on these films.”
