Kisharon movie wins award

A film commissioned by the Kisharon special needs charity has won an EVCOM Clarion Award, recognising coverage of issues such as corporate responsibility, diversity, sustainability, education and health.

The film, Through Life's Journey, follows people with learning disabilities who are supported by the charity, among them a child at Tuffkid nursery, a Kisharon Day School student and a young adult embarking on his first job in the City.

"When you look at me, what do you see?" asks narrator Eliezer Chontow, a Kisharon support worker who has Down's syndrome. Guests at the Kisharon dinner, where the film was premiered, were asked to define themselves. Their responses were speedily edited and shown at the beginning to provoke audience reaction. Those featured included TV personality Meera Syal, who was guest speaker on the night.

Through Life's Journey was made by Vanilla Films, whose Debra Sobel said: "The Clarion Innovation Award is a new category so we're thrilled to be the first to win it. Working with Kisharon is inspiring and we are glad the film helped to make an impact. We're delighted that our work is being recognised."

Kisharon's Richard Franklin said the film "gave a powerful voice to the people we support and afforded our audience a glimpse of what it is like to step into the shoes of someone with complex needs.

"It is fantastic news that our collaboration with Vanilla Films has resulted in this prestigious national accolade."