Final Push For Votes As Mountbatten Eyes £13,000 Charity Film Award Prize

Mountbatten Isle of Wight is urging the local community to get behind a final push for votes in this year’s Smiley Charity Film Awards, with the chance to secure up to £13,000 in funding.

The Island hospice’s film, The Letter, produced in collaboration with NOSY Creative Agency, has been named a finalist in the £15m– £50m turnover category.

Organisers have recently introduced a new cash prize structure, replacing the traditional awards ceremony format.

Under the revised model, the film with the highest number of public votes will receive a £10,000 Grand Prix, while category winners will be awarded £3,000.

Successful entries will also benefit from national media exposure and PR support.

Voting is now open again, with supporters encouraged to cast their votes before the deadline on Thursday 23 April.

Mountbatten previously secured a Silver People’s Choice award in 2025, but this year’s changes mean votes could translate directly into vital funding for the charity’s work.

Chief Executive Becky McGregor described the development as a significant opportunity, noting that every vote could help secure resources at a time when funding remains under pressure.

Mountbatten provides care and support to around 2,500 people every day, including those facing end of life and bereavement, as well as their families.

Around 85 per cent of its services are delivered in patients’ homes across the Island, with the charity supporting approximately 70 per cent of deaths locally — considerably higher than the national hospice average.

While previous votes still count, supporters are able to vote again as part of this final المرحلة, with winners due to be announced on 29 April.