Our hard-hitting short film ‘Red’ has picked up a Gold Social Welfare award at the EVCOM Clarion Awards 2026.
The council, in partnership with the Mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and Inner Eye Productions, released the film last December, which explores the impact of serious violence on young women and girls.
At a ceremony held on 8 July, Red won the Gold award in the Social Welfare category, which is an award given to films which highlight social challenges and actively contribute to awareness, advocacy or positive social change.
Councillor Joshua Ayodele, Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Integrated Enforcement, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised for contributing to positive social change around the topic of serious violence on young girls. Red was created to serve as a powerful learning resource for teachers, youth and social workers, police and parents as well as the wider community, to help us all spot the signs of exploitation and know the steps to take to help.
“Since its release, Red has sparked conversations across schools, safeguarding partnerships and community organisations, and is now available to watch on YouTube. The film will continue to support awareness-raising and professional learning, helping frontline practitioners, parents and communities better recognise the signs of exploitation and take action to protect those at risk.”
The 25-minute film is a reimagining of the fairytale Little Red Riding Hood, which follows a young girl who is groomed, coerced and pulled into serious violence by her own ‘Wolf’.
The film centres on young girls and women who are often unseen in the context of serious violence. Many women are groomed, experience sexual violence, or are connected to serious violence through their partners or male family members. Red was created to raise awareness of these situations which are often hidden, and hard to spot to an outsider.
The film was shaped by real life experiences of survivors and extensive research with young people. It also highlights the importance of professional curiosity and asking the right questions to uncover harm and intervene sooner.
If you haven’t seen it yet, watch the full film below.
If you are experiencing serious violence or suspect that someone is, get in contact with CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, if you’re under 18, contact Childline on 0800 1111. In an emergency, always call 999.