Personal and professional pride in Smiley success

When Mountbatten Hospice was revealed as a 2025 Smiley Film Award winner, a small corner of London's O2 erupted in celebration.

On a special night in the capital, 'Without Mountbatten' walked away with two accolades - a Silver People's Choice Award and a Bronze Judges' Award.

Winning two was incredibly special, and it was even more pleasing given it was the first Mountbatten film created by NOSY to gain recognition from the panel, having reached the Smiley final for three consecutive years.

For Laurence, the win was worth the wait.

"What Mountbatten does for our local communities is so important, and I loved being involved in making this film to highlight and raise awareness of their work.

"We really hoped we had a chance of winning a judges' award this time.

"When it was revealed and I saw Mountbatten's name on the big screen, I just shouted really loudly. It was a great moment and I felt very proud.

"We are so lucky to have a charity like Mountbatten to support our loved ones through death and dying.

"Where I'm from, in the Philippines, there’s nothing like Mountbatten, and when my Nan died recently, I wish she had someone like them to care for her.

"It's a very special cause and I'm so pleased they have this recognition."

Creating compelling content

The concept of the film was to visually highlight a shortfall in Mountbatten's funding.

It brought together patients, staff, volunteers and supporters, each dropping a yellow ball into a container while sharing their own special story about the charity.

The key for Laurence and Francis, who both worked in healthcare before joining NOSY, was to amplify Mountbatten's message as creatively as possible.

Francis said:

"As a team, we were really excited about the idea of the film. We did lots of planning around the location, lighting and the stories, then it was our job to put it all together.

"For Laurence and I to be able to work on a project that champions and celebrates the vital work of Mountbatten was a privilege, especially as we have worked in healthcare and know how tough it is.

"To be acknowledged by both the judges and the public and to know people have been impacted by the film feels amazing."

Laurence and Francis were joined at the London ceremony by Mountbatten's Communications and Engagement Manager, Jax Jones.

Jax said:

Watch Without Mountbatten on YouTube.