A cast of acclaimed British actors has joined forces with the British Red Cross to urge people across the nation to believe in the power of humanity this festive period.
Starring Rowan Atkinson, Joely Richardson, Mimî M. Khayisa and
Mia McKenna-Bruce, alongside British Red Cross staff and volunteers, the film highlights the ordinary people who step forward to support others through life’s challenges, inviting people to look beyond the headlines and believe in humanity. From offering
practical help to simply being there when it matters most, it celebrates the small acts that can make a big difference.
It comes as new polling reveals that three in five UK adults (60%) have shown kindness to a stranger in the past three months. Three quarters of UK adults (75%) believe it is important to feel connected to people who also want to have a positive impact on the
lives of others.
The film is inspired by the world’s largest humanitarian network and the millions of volunteers who make it possible. Its message is simple: even when the world can feel uncertain, people continue to show up for one another.
The charity film is shot by British filmmaker and photographer Henry Jay Kamara, known for his intimate portraits of British celebrities from Lewis Hamilton to rapper Stormzy. It champions the acts of humanity happening around us every day, from neighbours
helping neighbours to communities coming together in times of crisis.
Rowan Atkinson, actor and British Red Cross supporter, said:
“Humanity isn’t only found in the extraordinary. It’s there in the everyday choices we make to help one another.
“The British Red Cross is an organisation built on compassion and powered by the humanity of people who are dedicated to helping others. And they see humanity in action every single day, when ordinary people step up to help neighbours or strangers caught
up in crisis.
“When so much can feel uncertain and out of our control, this film is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference, and that it’s always worth believing in humanity.”
Joely Richardson, actor and British Red Cross supporter, said:
“I’ve witnessed first-hand the extraordinary difference that warmth and humanity can make to people, even when life feels bleak.
“Hannah, who was helped by Red Cross teams in Belfast after flooding caused by Storm Bert left her homeless, told me how much it meant to know that someone really cared. In Romania, I met Ukrainian women who found strength in supporting each other to navigate
challenges after conflict forced them to leave their homes.
“Both experiences stayed with me because they showed how much it matters to know someone is there for you during the hardest moments in life. I hope this film inspires people to believe in the strength of our humanity.”
Mimî M. Khayisa, actor and British Red Cross supporter, said:
“It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything happening in the world, but that’s never the whole story. Every day, people are choosing to help and stand alongside others who are going through extremely difficult times.
“Humanity connects us all, wherever we are and whatever our circumstances, and this film celebrates that. I hope it encourages people to hold on to their own ‘red thread moments’ – the acts of kindness, support and connection that remind us there is still
so much good in people.”
Mia McKenna-Bruce, actor and British Red Cross supporter, said:
“When life feels difficult, it’s easy to lose sight of the good that people do for one another every single day. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to be part of this film, to recognise the power of our shared humanity.
“We might not always feel like we can change things on our own, but we can choose to look out for each other, be kind and show up when someone needs us. Those moments matter more than we realise, and every one of us has the power to make a difference. For
me, that’s what believing in humanity is all about.”
Béatrice Butsana-Sita, British Red Cross chief executive, said:
“This film is about recognising the quiet acts of humanity all around us. The neighbour who checks in, the stranger who helps someone they don’t know, the volunteer who gives their time.
“The British Red Cross is part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, built on the belief that every person can make a difference. I see this every day in our staff, volunteers and the people who support our mission.
“We hope this film inspires people to continue to look out for one another and to be part of the movement we’re building.”
The British Red Cross is encouraging everyone to take simple actions that make a difference in their local community:
Share a moment of kindness. Whether it’s knocking on a neighbour’s door during a winter storm or lending a helping hand to a friend or family member after a hospital visit
– your actions matter.
Give what you can. A small donation can lead to big changes. Every penny adds up to help someone in crisis and to give them hope for the future.
Volunteer your time. From helping at events or charity shops, to responding to emergencies in your local community, you can make a real difference.
Use your voice. Share stories, raise awareness, and advocate for those who need support and may not be able to advocate for themselves in moments that matter.
Learn something and share it. Learn first aid, or about humanitarian issues, and share what you learn through conversations, social media, or workshops.
