Animals Asia has won the People's Choice Award at the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London. The award was presented for the heart-warming animation "No Bear Left Behind", which aims to raise awareness and funds for the construction of a new bear sanctuary in Vietnam.

The film titled "No Bear Left Behind" takes viewers on a journey through the eyes of a a young Vietnamese girl who rescues and mends some very sad looking teddy bears, when her house is full her parents and the wider community come together to build an extinction, her very own sanctuary, the plot of the film reflects Animals Asia’s effort to build a second sanctuary in Vietnam to rescue the last moon bears still trapped on bile farms.

Produced by F.Learning Studio in Hanoi and illustrated in a bright watercolour style  by local artist Cam Anh Nguyen, the film uses narration provided by Animals Asia’s Vietnam Ambassador Maggie Q to highlight the plight of bears in captivity, and the urgent need to end bear bile farming in the country once and for all.

The Smiley Charity Film Awards is an annual event that celebrates the best in charitable film-making, recognising films that have made a significant impact in raising awareness and funds for various causes. The People's Choice Award is particularly special, as it is voted for by the public, showcasing the incredible impact that "No Bear Left Behind" has had on its viewers.

Jill Robinson Founder and CEO of Animals Asia, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have won the People's Choice Award at the Smiley Charity Film Awards. This is a testament to the incredible work of our team, as well as the talented individuals at F.Learning Studio and Cam Anh Nguyen who brought our vision to life. We are so grateful for the support of Maggie Q, whose narration helped to tell the story of our rescued bears in a powerful and emotive way, and of course most of all we’re grateful to all our amazing supporters who voted for the film and without whom none of our work would be possible."

The new bear sanctuary in Bach Ma National Park in Vietnam will provide a beautiful, safe and enriching environment for bears rescued from the bear bile industry. Animals Asia has been working tirelessly with government and community partners to end bear bile farming, which involves the cruel extraction of bile from bears for use in traditional medicine.

With the support of the public, we hope to make this new bear sanctuary a reality and give these beautiful animals the happy and healthy lives they deserve. "No Bear Left Behind" is a powerful reminder that every individual can make a difference, and that by coming together, we can create positive change for animals and the world around us.

Read more:

One giant leap for moonkind as Animals Asia breaks ground on second bear sanctuary in Vietnam

Animals Asia launches recipe book of herbal alternatives to bear bile

Moon Bear Heroes raise thousands for new bear sanctuary

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