Lily Foundation film shortlisted for charity film … - The Lily Foundation
The Lily Foundation logo featuring a butterfly, hearts and an 'x' for a kiss

Fighting mito,
finding hope.

Lily Foundation film shortlisted for charity film awards

Awareness

13 February 2026

Last updated 4 March 2026

Thanks to the incredible support of our community, The Lily Foundation have been shortlisted for the finals of the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2026. But we’re not there yet. Public voting has now reopened, and we need your help to secure the win!

A young mito patient crying and being embraced by her father

Our shortlisted film, What it Takes, shares the reality of living with mitochondrial disease through real mito patients. It shines a light on the resilience of our community and the vital work your support makes possible. Reaching the finals is recognition of these stories and the impact they carry.

Now begins the second round of public voting. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to amplify our message and really put mito on the map to a wider national audience.

Winning would mean £3,000 in prize funding to support research and patient care. It would also mean valuable national exposure through Smiley News and media promotion, helping us reach new supporters and strengthen future funding opportunities.

Public voting runs until 23rd April, with winners announced on 29th April. Even if you already voted in the first round, you can vote again now. Every single vote increases our visibility and brings us one step closer to winning.

“We’re very proud to be finalists in the Smiley Charity Film Awards,” said our CEO and Founder, Liz Curtis. “Our film is more than just a story, it’s a celebration of the people who make our work possible. Now we have a second round of public voting, and we’d be so grateful for your support to help us go the distance.”

The Smiley Charity Film Awards, now in its ninth year, is the world’s largest celebration of films for good. Being named a finalist places our community on a global platform dedicated to creativity, compassion and positive change. We’re incredibly proud to have reached this stage. Now we need your vote to help us finish strong.

Please take a moment to watch our film and cast your vote. Together, we can turn this recognition into real impact for everyone affected by mitochondrial disease.

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