A Bermudian-based film that champions the role of the Sargasso Sea while advocating for its protection has been nominated for a global cause-based award.

The Smiley Charity Film Awards, which celebrates the success of film in fundraising and increasing the exposure of charities, has listed From the Sea We Came for its People’s Choice Award.

The film, which premiered at an international event hosted by the United Nations in August, was co-produced by Bermuda’s Noelle Young, an environmental justice delegate and “sustainability solutionist” working as a consultant for environmental charity Greenpeace, and Guatemala’s Daniel Arguello.

Ms Young told The Royal Gazette: “On a personal level, it feels incredibly humbling. I’m so very thankful and aware of the many hands, histories and forces involved that led up to this.

“I am grateful for the affirmation, but the recognition really belongs to the community.

“In true Bermudian fashion, so many people pulled together and I want to express pure gratitude to Greenpeace for connecting me with Danielle Arguello to make it happen.

“It think it shows that our community’s unique voice, perspectives and cultural relationships belong in important global conversations.

“I’ve previously written concept notes and scripts, and stage management was one of my favourite electives during high school and university. It’s an area I continue to enjoy as a creative outlet.”

Featuring numerous local ocean advocates and environmentalists, From the Sea We Came was screened at the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Preparatory Commission at the UN’s headquarters in New York.

The ten-minute film, which was made in three weeks, speaks to the need to protect the Sargasso Sea as part of the Global Ocean Treaty at the UN event.

The treaty, adopted by the UN in June 2023, is aimed at protecting marine life in high-sea areas that are beyond national jurisdiction. It reached its ratification goal in September 2025.

Ms Young and other environmentalists are making the case that the Sargasso Sea must be included among priority sites in the collective plan to protect 30 per cent of the world's oceans by 2030.

Organisers of the awards say that the Charity Film Awards is “the world’s largest cause-based film festival, which platforms charity films and gives recognition to incredible causes”.

Its website says: “Since its inception eight years ago, the Smiley Charity Film Awards [The Smileys] has emerged as a cornerstone of positive change in the UK, supporting over 5,000 charities and engaging over one million individuals through voting.

“Our platform has generated an astounding 400 million film views, with an audience of over three million tuning in to our virtual events.

“Harnessing the power of social media, strategic PR and an immersive experience, the comprehensive, multi-touchpoint campaign extends far beyond the confines of traditional awards ceremonies.

“We proudly hold the title of the world’s largest cause-based film campaign, recognised by BFI [British Film Institute] and IMDb [Internet Movie Database].”