Working animal charity Brooke(1) has won this year's People’s Choice Award at a film award show in London, the world’s largest campaign for cause-based films.

Brooke was joined by the likes of Four Paws(2), Oxfam(3) and National Trust(4) at Indigo at the O2, for the annual Smiley Charity Film Awards(5), on 20 March 2025.

The charity’s short film “Brooke at 90”(6), voiced by Midsomer Murders actress Annette Badland, follows 90 years of the charity’s dedication to improving the lives of horses, donkeys and mules.

Annette Badland said: “I am immensely proud to support Brooke, a charity that impacts the lives of millions of working equines in communities where they are needed most.

“It is truly an honour to be part of this award-winning film – a remarkable story of hope.

“Reading the script moved me deeply, and I am delighted that it has touched so many others, as reflected in the response of the voters.”

Founded in 1934, the charity began with Dorothy Brooke who helped thousands of abandoned war horses in Egypt, whose work spans today across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The film features archive and present-day footage to show Brooke’s journey over the years, showing how the efforts of one woman led to a far-reaching legacy.

Working horses, donkeys and mules are the backbone of many communities around the world, helping people to earn an income and put food on the table.

These communities rely on their animals every day, often seeing them as a family member who they share a deep bond with.

Smiley has helped more than 2,500 causes gain exposure, donations and volunteers since its creation, with the aim to inspire positive change in society.

Brooke won the Grand Prix People’s Choice Award(7) at the 2023 Smiley Awards for its film “Unbreakable Bonds”, highlighting how bonds between people and animals create life-changing relationships.

The awards, sponsored by Smiley Movement(8), are recognised by both the British Film Institute(9) and IMDb(10).

(1) https://www.thebrooke.org

(2) https://www.four-paws.org.uk

(3) https://www.oxfam.org.uk

(4) https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

(5) https://smileycharityfilmawards.com

(6) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwABaYZFDP8

(7) https://fundraising.co.uk/2023/03/23/welsh-refugee-council-wins-grand-prix-charity-film-of-the-year

(8) https://smileymovement.org

(9) https://www.bfi.org.uk

(10) https://www.imdb.com

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