The release of The Run, the seventh fostering film by award-winning ReelTwentyFive productions, has been announced and will premiere in Birmingham on 9th October 2025.
What began as a small local initiative in the Midlands has grown into a major nationwide campaign involving over 90 local authority fostering services. The Run is set to be the most ambitious joint fostering film project to date.
Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Councillor Jalal Uddin, said:
“This is a great example of collaborative working with other local authorities to produce a professional film that addresses a need we all have – to recruit more foster carers. In Sandwell, we are lucky to have some brilliant people looking after our most vulnerable children, but we need more people to step forward and join Sandwell’s biggest family.
“As part of our commitment to Child Friendly Sandwell, we want every child to feel safe, supported and able to thrive in their local community. Fostering plays a vital role in helping us build a borough where children are at the heart of everything we do.”
Emma Taylor, Chief Executive of Sandwell Children’s Trust, added: “The message of this project is simple – but important – we need foster carers and we need people to foster for their local area.
“That message applies across the country, which is why this project has grown into a national campaign. The Run is a brilliant, emotional film no fostering service could have produced on their own, which is why this partnership is so important.
"We have an engaging, high-quality film – which is great for all of us – but the message is clear: there’s an urgent need for more foster carers to step forward across the country. Here in Sandwell we need good people to join us to make a real difference.
"That message is at the core of the film project. Local authority fostering services want children to be safe, stable and living locally with carers in their own communities, wherever possible."
Project director Rachel Brown explains: “This whole project grew out of the constant struggle to recruit foster carers, when you have limited resources. By working as a group – which has grown from 12 to over 90 councils across the country – we’ve found a way to raise our voice and shout. I say ‘shout’ quite deliberately – because this is a national emergency. Make no mistake, children’s futures are being affected and will be changed if we don’t have the homes to give them a supportive, nurturing upbringing.The Run won’t change things on its own, but we hope that everyone who sees it will at least pause for thought, before deciding what they will do to help our most vulnerable children and young people.”
The film follows Tom, a 12-year-old boy, and contrasts his need to run away from a chaotic home life with his passion for running as a sport. From rushing to school hungry for breakfast club, to not having PE kit, Tom faces many challenges. But he’s good at running – and the film culminates in Tom competing in an athletics tournament, supported by his new foster family.
It’s Tom’s chance to shine. Can Tom win his race – on the track and in life?
One thing is certain: there are children like Tom all over the country. Here in Sandwell, if you want to make a difference, talk to Sandwell Children’s Trust.
Editors Notes:
- The Run will premiere at Birmingham’s Everyman cinema on Thursday 9th October, and will be made simultaneously available to view by all participating councils and Trusts. The film can be viewed from midday at https://fostersandwell.co.uk/national-campaign-videos/
- For media requests or preview interviews with project directors Rachel Brown or John Cooper, contact Brian McKinistrie, Sandwell Children’s Trust
E: brian_mckinstrie@sandwellchildrenstrust.org
T: 07825 906 561 - To find out about fostering, visit www.fostersandwell.co.uk or call 0800 358 0899