Eleven new films celebrating the work of charities supporting children and young people premiered at BFI Southbank on 4 November, bringing stories of creativity, confidence, opportunity and community to the big screen.
Created through the Mercers’ Company’s partnership with Media Trust, the films showcase charities supported through our Young People & Education programme and the experiences of the children, young people and communities they work alongside.
Now in its fourth year, the partnership is part of our Funder Plus approach, supporting charities to strengthen their communications skills and find powerful new ways to tell their stories. Each charity was matched with experienced volunteer filmmakers, who gave their time and expertise to work collaboratively with the organisations and the people they support.
The eleven films tell very different stories, from early language and literacy to mental health, social mobility, careers, creativity and sport. The resulting films are not only a way to share their stories, but a lasting communications resource that can support awareness, engagement and fundraising.
The 2026 films
- The Royal Ballet School | Language in Motion
- Discover Children’s Story Centre | Bringing Imagination to Life
- Making the Leap | One Million Lives
- Noa Girls | What Happens Next?
- The Children’s Literacy Charity | Closing the literacy gap, broadening horizons
- Inspire | Opening Doors to Brighter Futures
- The National Literacy Trust | Early Words Matter
- Action for Refugees in Lewisham | The Shared Chapter
- Theatre Peckham | What Would You Become?
- National All Star Skills Academy | Ripple Effect
- First Story | You’re in Charge of the Story
“Our partnership with Media Trust has empowered our charities to strengthen their communication skills and bring their extraordinary work to life through creative, dynamic storytelling, told in their own words and through the experiences of those they support.
“Investing in their ability to share these stories matters and we could not be prouder of the powerful films created this year. Each one is a moving reminder of what can be achieved through genuine connection, trusted relationships and the remarkable strength of communities working together to build a brighter future for children and young people.”
Almaz Zainal, Grant Programme Manager, the Mercers’ Company
The films were created through Media Trust Films, bringing charities together with professional filmmakers who volunteer their skills and experience. Through the process, charities gain access to creative expertise while developing their own confidence and skills in telling their stories effectively.
The initiative was funded by the Mercers’ Charitable Foundation, of which the Mercers’ Company is trustee, as part of our support for children and young people.
Learn more about our Young People & Education programme.