The Circle is delighted to be nominated as a finalist in the Third Sector Awards for Best Short Film in the small charity category.

“She Came To Me” is a powerful and emotive film telling stories of survivors of gender-based violence in South Africa through the lens of a project worker, Nozuko Conjwa. It was created in partnership with Nonceba Family Counselling Centre, and by leading women from our global network.  

“She Came To Me” was created to share the stories of these brave and resilient women, and to amplify their words around the world. Directed and co-produced by actor and filmmaker Saffron Burrows, the script was crafted by Circle member, writer, actor, and women’s rights activist, Lorien Haynes, and is a poem written from four women’s verbatim testimonies of their experiences that led them to the Nonceba centre. Nozuko Conjwa is played by Oscar, Bafta-nominated actor Marianne Jean-Baptiste.

The film was shared by high profile supporters such as Annie Lennox, Bernadine Evaristo, and more, for a combined reach of 1.3 million views. It also featured on Independent News, was showcased at Circle events, and was used as an engagement and impact tool. 

The film played a pivotal role in raising £250,000 for The Circle’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, and we received fantastic feedback from viewers and from those women who shared their stories.  

Raakhi Shah CEO of The Circle said “We are delighted that this incredible film has been recognised for its quiet power and impact. And we’d like to thank the Nonceba Family Counselling Centre community, Saffron Burrows, Lorien Haynes, Marianne Jean Baptiste, Sam and Aaron Johnson Taylor and so many others for their support in making it possible.”

The winners will be announced on 22th September 2023.