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Short film showing treasured bond between young autistic man and his mentor makes finals of Smiley Charity Film Awards




A film celebrating the bond between a young man with autism and his staff member has made it to the finals of the Smiley Charity Film Awards.

The heartwarming short film highlights the powerful and life-changing relationship between team manager Sarah Kinsella and Rowan Bentley, who has been at autism charity Prior’s Court in Hermitage since 2015.

Sarah and Rowan
Sarah and Rowan

Ms Kinsella explained how Mr Bentley has changed since she first met him at his previous school, where he was supported by two staff members.

She said: “It has been an honour to work with Rowan for so many years.

“He really has changed me as a person and has had such a positive impact on my life.

“To think that other people are also seeing how special he is and voting for us in these awards is a really special thing and I am just so grateful to everyone who has voted.”

Their film, ‘A Very Special Relationship: Sarah & Rowan’, captures their shared moments of laughter and quiet contemplation and showcases the impact staff can have on the lives of young people with autism.

Filming took place in the summer of 2024 and also features Rowan’s mother Sharon Bentley, who said their family has been “blessed to have Sarah in their lives and Rowan’s life for such a long time now”.

She added: “To see his face light up when he sees her and seeing the way they operate together, the way they function together. They’ve got a lovely bond, a really special bond.”

The awards celebrate the use of storytelling to raise awareness and funds for charitable causes.

A panel of judges will now decide the winners for each category.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony held at The O2 in London on Thursday, March 20.

Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp0bR5sf7ls to watch their film.



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