Book Aid International is delighted to announce that its new film, ‘Reading Where the Wild Things Are in The Great Rift Valley’ is now a finalist for 2019’s Charity Film Awards. These prestigious awards celebrate the best charity videos, highlighting films which do good, and ‘Reading Where the Wild Things Are in The Great Rift Valley’ beat over 60 other videos in its category to be a finalist. 

The finalists have been through two stages of judging. Fifty thousand people took part in the public voting stage to determine the shortlist. Then the Charity Film Awards panel of expert judges, which included David Eades, Journalist & Newsreader, BBC, Philip Collins, Journalist & Speechwriter, The Times and Georgina Lewis, Head of Marketing the FA, then selected the finalists. 

A ‘People’s Choice’ Award will also go to the film which receive the largest number of public votes between now and 26 April. Book lovers can view Reading Where the Wild Things Are in The Great Rift Valley and vote here.

The winners of the Charity Film Awards 2019 will be announced on 26 April at a gala ceremony at the brand new etc.venues 133 Hounsditch in central London.

Simon Burton, Co-Founder of the Charity Film Awards said: ‘In the digital age, charities’ use of video is fundamental to engage the hearts and minds of their communities. The Finalists are the very best examples of that in action.”

Book Aid International’s Head of Communications Emma Taylor said: 

“Being a finalist is absolutely fantastic – it’s amazing to have so many people watching our new film! I would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote in the first round of judging – and particularly players of People’s Postcode Lottery for supporting both the making of the film and much of our work supporting readers in Kenya.” 

Book Aid International has received £1,850,000 to date thanks to its partnership with players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Postcode African Trust.

The charity’s new film follows a young girl in Kenya’s remote Great Rift Valley as she discovers a new book: Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. It beautifully captures how books enrich children’s lives – helping them discover wonderful stories which stay with them throughout their lives.