A sunny July afternoon in London saw the finest in CSR and sustainability film descend on the Seven Dials Club, in the heart of Covent Garden, for the EVCOM Clarion Awards 2017. Designed to celebrate the top achieving projects of the past 18 months, this year’s Clarions give centre stage to those projects and agencies sometimes neglected in favour of their corporate counterparts. A contemporary and inclusive set-up provided by sponsors, integrated creative communications agency drp, reflected the nature of this year’s shortlist.

Held on 14 July, the EVCOM Clarion Awards 2017 was hosted by Sam Wilson, director and founder of EcoEvents and event ISO, and EVCOM board director. A continual theme for this year was rewarding the process of actively doing good, rather than hoping someone else might act instead – a trait reinforced by some of the emotive, thought-provoking films showcased this year.

Among the big winners of the evening was education-focused agency EdComs. Taking home 11 awards, its influence spanned a diversity of categories ranging from ‘Celebratory events’ for its Get Set For Community Action celebration event, to a gold for ‘Diversity and inclusion events.’ In an emotive win, London-based RAW Productions with Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services claimed a gold trophy in the ‘Social welfare (screen)’ category. Their collaboration, released for this year’s Valentine’s Day, highlights the emotional and physical side of domestic violence through a dance set in the bleak countryside.

Another agency set to extend its trophy shelf is drp, a sponsor of this year’s EVCOM Clarion Awards. In association with Grosvenor Film, drp won eight awards including a gold for ‘Brand communication (screen)’ with Terror Threat Training. CEO of drp, Dale Parmenter, says, “To take home eight awards is a real achievement and the team has worked extremely hard to deliver the outstanding projects recognised. We will now look forward to further expand our work in this domain.”

Parmenter continues, “EVCOM has provided a channel to recognise outstanding CSR projects, which should fall part of all organisations’ plans and objectives in all sectors. To be a sponsor of such a worthwhile award scheme is something we are extremely proud of.”

A talk by Gwilym Lewis, director of application security company Appsecco, also highlighted the importance of cyber security. Says Lewis, the need for organisational safeguarding against the types of threats occurring in the UK, and across the world, is paramount. A small amount of proactivity by a company can go along way for securing important information against potential future problems.

The 14^th annual EVCOM Clarion Awards was truly a lesson in what makes film for CSR great. Complemented by abundant Pimms, prosecco and local cheese, this year’s event highlighted how commitment and drive ensures film remains one of the most effective forms of communication – for every sector.

For the full winners list, click here.