Humanists UK members and supporters can help the groundbreaking Faith to Faithless apostate support service film win a prestigious Smiley Charity Film Award.
There are several categories the video is eligible for, and public voting to determine the winners opens today.
The award comes with cash prizes of up to £10,000, and it only takes a moment to vote.
As well as gaining recognition for Faith to Faithless as a service, a win for the short film would help to secure vital additional funding to help Faith to Faithless provide peer support, a helpline, safe spaces, and training for other organisations so apostates can get the support they deserve.
More about Faith to Faithless
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.
Unlike generic support helplines, the Faith to Faithless 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.
As well as the specialist helpline featured in the video, Faith to Faithless provides support to people leaving high-control religions and cults through confidential peer support support from trained volunteers, many of whom have personal experience of leaving high control religions.
Since Faith to Faithless was founded in 2015, demand for its services has 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 – and the opportunity for Faith to Faithless to win over £25,000, to help more people than ever before.
Vote now to help Faith to Faithless win!
About the short film
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, who 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.’
The animation 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.’
Vote now to help Faith to Faithless win, unlocking extra funding and spreading awareness of this vital programme.
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.
More about Smiley Film Award Prizes
According to the Smiley Company, a total of £101,000 in prize funding will be awarded directly to charities, CICs and social enterprises, creating more opportunities than ever for finalists to benefit.
Prize funding includes:
• Each Category Winner – £3,000
• Each Category People’s Choice Winner – £3,000
• International Impact Award: £3,000
• Corporate Cause Award: £3,000
• Grand Prix – Film of the Year: £10,000
• Grand Prix – People’s Choice: £10,000
This means 29 charities will receive direct funding to support their vital work.