Award-Winning Storytelling: ThinkThru Wins Two W3 Awards for “My Ancora,” a Short Film Supporting AncoraTN’s Fight Against Human Trafficking

"My Ancora" a short film created in partnership with nonprofit organization AncoraTN for AncoraTN’s annual Voices of Freedom fundraiser wins multiple W3 Awards for non-profit video and directing categories. The film raises critical support for the organization’s mission to combat human trafficking and provide trauma-informed care to survivors across Middle Tennessee.

ThinkThru
October 7, 2025
5 min read

Nashville, TN – Oct 7, 2025 — ThinkThru, a creative studio that helps companies turn customer education into their most powerful competitive advantage, has been honored with two W3 Awards for its work on “My Ancora,” a short film created in partnership with (nonprofit organization)AncoraTN. Produced for AncoraTN’s annual Voices of Freedom fundraiser, the film raises critical support for the organization’s mission to combat human trafficking and provide trauma-informed care to survivors across Middle Tennessee.

The film received Gold in General Video–Non-Profit and Silver in Video Features–Best Directing, distinguishing it among thousands of entries evaluated by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, which includes leaders from brands such as Disney, Netflix, Deloitte Digital, and The National Gallery of Art.

“Having the opportunity to leverage our team to support organizations like AncoraTN in combating human trafficking and supporting survivors is an incredible honor,” said Matt Tidwell, Founder & CEO of ThinkThru. “We believe that educating the public and building trust at scale is critical to advancing the mission of any organization. Receiving the W3 Awards is also a wonderful nod to the countless hours our team pours into every project — work that often goes unrecognized. I’m grateful to see our team celebrated for their dedication and proud we could contribute to the Voices of Freedom fundraiser.”

AncoraTN serves as the single point of contact for all human trafficking referrals in Middle Tennessee, working with survivors to provide stability, healing, and hope. The organization’s work is at the center of My Ancora, which uses storytelling as a tool for awareness and community engagement.

Rather than relying on statistics or data-heavy appeals, My Ancora centered survivor voices — showing how AncoraTN’s programs provide refuge, stability, and hope for those rebuilding their lives. By focusing on lived experiences, the project demonstrated how storytelling rooted in trust can inspire action and lasting change.

“You all are amazing! I get emotional watching the video and continue to be grateful for the care you put into telling both of these survivors’ stories,” said Carlee Smith, Director of Development & External Relations at AncoraTN. “Every time I watch it, it centers me in why this work is important.”

The ThinkThru creative team included Matt Tidwell (Director), Karl Weidmann (Director of Photography), Alyssa Davenport (Operations Lead), Dave Behm (Post Production Manager), and Christian Flores (Editor), who partnered closely with Carlee Smith (Director of Development & External Relations, AncoraTN) and Kelli Cary (CEO, AncoraTN) to bring the survivors’ stories to life.

The My Ancora film premiered at AncoraTN’s Voices of Freedom event, which raised approximately $280,662 to advance the organization’s mission.

The My Ancora film highlights the power of survivor voices and the critical work AncoraTN leads across Middle Tennessee. To learn more or support their mission to eradicate human trafficking, visit www.ancoratn.org.

To explore how storytelling and education-driven media can catalyze growth and trust in your own organization, visit www.thinkthru.co.

###

About AncoraTN

AncoraTN provides refuge, support, and hope to survivors of human trafficking. As the Middle Tennessee partner of the Tennessee Counter-Trafficking Alliance, AncoraTN coordinates referrals and delivers trauma-informed aftercare services across 28 counties. Visit www.ancoratn.org to learn more.

About ThinkThru

ThinkThru helps companies turn customer education into their most powerful competitive advantage. We design certifications, training systems, and learning experiences that build trust at scale — not just feature knowledge. From SaaS startups to global healthcare and law enforcement leaders, our work accelerates adoption, reduces churn, and creates new revenue streams. With award-winning expertise in design and production, we help the most helpful brands lead their markets. Learn more at www.thinkthru.co.

About the W3 Awards

Since 2005, the w3 Awards has honored excellence in digital content, design and experiences,recognizing brands, agencies, institutions and independent creators who set trends, breakboundaries and shape the digital landscape.

The w3 Awards is evaluated by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, an assembly ofindustry leaders from acclaimed brands, agencies and institutions like Walt Disney Studios,Groove Jones, PepsiCo, The National Gallery of Art, McCann, Netflix, IBM, Deloitte Digital, LG and WONGDOODY among many others.

Media Contact:

Michelle Lorge
Publicist, PitchCandy PR
michelle@pitchcandypr.com

The most trusted brands are already winning markets with Customer Education.

Let's talk about your next chapter of growth with customer education.