andrew.eatherington : websitemaker

A new website called Brightwide has been launched as a platform for independent social and political films. The idea behind the site is to showcase films that champion global socio-political causes and encourage comment, or even prompt viewers to join a campaign. Founded by Colin Firth, Brightwide is a collaboration of experts from the worlds of film, campaigning, journalism and digital media.

Brightwide is the place where we respond – where watching a film no longer has to be a passive experience. The passion, the distaste or the indignation go on long after the credits have rolled. Where the activists have trouble rousing passion in the rest of us, they can now use the immense potential of film. Colin Firth, Brightwide founder.

Some of the organisations already involved with Brightwide include Amnesty International, Oxfam and the World Wildlife Fund.

Currently the site is in it's beta phase while it is being tested, with the site open to the public so that it can gain momentum. While in beta, the films will be free but the service will eventually have 'a donate to watch' model. The amount paid to watch films will be left up to the viewer to decide; the donation dependant on how much people think the film makers' work is worth.

The website and it's identity was designed by Tree Ideas who participated in a global competition, winning the honour of branding the venture.