DCA and iSightCornwall Film Recognised at Brand Film Awards

A small Cornwall-made documentary about people losing their sight is now competing for a national award against the likes of Santander and BAE Systems.

DCA Public Relations, the creative agency based in Cornwall and Plymouth, has been recognised at the Brand Film Awards UK for “Because I Cannot See”, a documentary made with Cornwall sight loss charity iSightCornwall. The film picked up a Highly Commended in the Best Use of a Small Budget category.

The Brand Film Awards are run by PRWeek UK and Campaign UK, and exist to recognise the strongest branded storytelling work coming out of the country.

A small Westcountry agency on a national stage

The recognition matters beyond DCA itself. It points to what independent agencies in the South West can do when up against major London and international names.

Tristan Parkinson, Creative Director at DCA, said the recognition felt particularly meaningful given where the work was rooted.

“To receive this level of recognition for a project rooted in Cornwall is incredibly special for our team,” Tristan said.

“This was a film built around real people, honest storytelling and a cause that genuinely mattered to us. As a Plymouth-based agency, moments like this prove creative businesses in the South West can compete on a national stage.”

Up against Santander and BAE Systems

The film has also been shortlisted for the 2026 Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Excellence Awards in the Best Use of Content category. The other entries in that category come from Santander Bank and BAE Systems, both multi billion pound corporates.

Winners will be announced on 1st July 2026.

The stories behind the film

“Because I Cannot See” forms part of iSightCornwall’s wider See the Difference, Be the Difference campaign. It tells the personal stories of people living with sight loss across Cornwall, looking at independence, isolation and resilience.

The charity says the film has already helped lift awareness, engagement and fundraising support, and has reached new audiences across social media and community channels.

Carole Theobald, Chief Executive of iSightCornwall, said the project had helped the charity reach further than it could otherwise.

“This film has helped us shine a light on the realities of living with sight loss and the importance of the support we provide across Cornwall,” Carole said.

“We are incredibly proud to see the project recognised nationally and grateful to DCA for telling these stories with such care, sensitivity and authenticity.”

More information about the agency can be found at dca-pr.co.uk.

📷DCA Director John Casey, Content Manager Lerryn Martin, DCA Director Jason Clark and Creative Director Tristan Parkinson