A powerful animated short film created by Humanists UK to highlight the ground-breaking work of its Faith to Faithless service, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Smiley Charity Film Awards.
Produced in collaboration with OOF Animation, the film uses striking animation to portray a solitary figure navigating a shadowy labyrinth, guided to safety by a vivid thread of colour.
The visual concept for the film was devised by its director Ignatz Johnson Higham. He commented:
‘We wanted to portray the harmful impact of controlling religions in a way that felt sensitive and thoughtful. We deliberately moved away from referencing contemporary religions and instead drew on ancient myths. The story of Theseus escaping the labyrinth, guided by Ariadne’s thread, became a powerful metaphor for finding a way out of isolation and control. Visually, the gritty, monochrome world contrasted with the lightness of the Humanist brand. The team at Humanists UK were incredibly encouraging throughout, and really embraced the concept.
‘We’re thrilled the film is being recognised. When a project aligns so closely with something you genuinely believe in, it becomes more than a commission. It becomes something personal. Working with Faith to Faithless meant crafting a story for a cause we care deeply about. If it helps someone feel seen or understood, that’s truly amazing.’
Faith to Faithless is the only UK-based support programme of its kind dedicated to helping people leave high-control religious groups – or ‘apostates’ as they are often called. These vulnerable people often have no one to turn to as they navigate life outside of their religious community. They often face social isolation, unemployment and even homelessness.
The film raises awareness of this specialist service and was narrated by Humanists UK Director of Community Services, Clare Elcombe Webber.
Clare Elcombe Webber commented:
‘I am delighted to have this animation recognised. It was a real labour of love to get the tone right so we could reach as many people as possible, and provide some hope without being overly saccharine. Faith to Faithless delivers incredible, much-needed services to a group of people who are often invisible to government and society as a whole, so I hope this film reaching the finals of a prestigious national competition will raise awareness of what Faith to Faithless offers and why it is so desperately needed.’
Faith to Faithless support includes a specialist helpline offering confidential emotional support from volunteers, many of whom have personal experience of leaving high control religions.
Unlike other support helplines, this service understands the often-nuanced experiences faced by people leaving high control religious groups. These experiences can include forced homelessness, forced unemployment, and social isolation resulting from shunning by family and peers who remain within the religion.
Since Faith to Faithless was founded in 2015, demand for its services have grown each year. However many people who could benefit from the service may not know where to look for help. The short film aims to raise awareness of this unique resource, and the Smiley Charity Film Awards provide an opportunity for the film to reach an even wider audience.
Final winners to be selected by expert judging panel
The Smiley Charity Film Awards have been established for eight years and are recognized by both the British Film Institute (BFI) and IMDb. The competition celebrates and actively promotes films made for charities and purpose-driven organizations, engaging with millions of people through voting and media reach.
The Faith to Faithless short film was named a finalist based on public voting. Over the next month, a panel of expert judges will select the competition’s winters. Films will be scored on criteria including storytelling, impact and how effectively the film communicates its cause. There will also be a People’s Choice Award for the film that received the most public votes. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 26th March 2026.
Notes
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959 (media only).
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.