Hard hitting film scoops first prize

Fri, Mar 13, 2009

A University of Portsmouth student filmmaker has won first prize for his film which portrays students finding out the hard way about the dangers of getting drunk.

Luke Armstrong made the film for a competition aimed at highlighting the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption to young people, organised by Thames Valley Police, Hampshire Constabulary and NHS South Central.

The film portrays four students drinking at home before heading out for a night out on the town where they continue drinking. It shows how the evening deteriorates the more they drink and how the evening eventually ends badly for all of the four characters.

The message is strong but Luke, still in his first year of his BSc Computer Animation Degree, said that there is more than an element of truth in his film. "The events portrayed have all happened to people I know or have heard about. The film definitely applies to student life - a lot of people seem to be a bit naive about the effects of alcohol and that’s what this film tries to tackle.”

Students across the south were asked by the competition organisers, to produce a three-minute film on the subject and Luke beat seven other films to win first prize with his film 'One Too Many'.

The winning films were decided by a public vote after the top five entries were uploaded onto YouTube. The site received over 5,000 views in the three weeks that the voting was taking place and over 800 public votes were cast.

The film-makers and their guests were given the VIP treatment, including a walk up the red carpet, at an exclusive premiere at which the top five films were showcased on the big screen in Luke’s home city of Reading.

He collected his award, a top of the range camcorder from competition sponsor Canon, in front of his grandparents who he said were very proud to have attended his first premiere and see him scoop the top prize in the first competition he has ever entered.

Dr James Mapstone, NHS South Central's Deputy Director of Public Health, who attended the event said: "The films were all inspirational. These young film makers have shown how their talent can get really powerful messages across. I want these films to help raise awareness of the effects of excessive alcohol such as heart disease, cancer and liver disease and help tackle the rising tide of accidents, assaults and sexually transmitted infections."

Hampshire Constabulary's Deputy Chief Constable Simon Cole said: “The students have been involved in a campaign that can directly affect the behaviour and attitudes of their peers. It is important for us to now share these films with other young people and use them to educate people about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption."

Competition organisers want to use all the films to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking in young people. They hope that the films will be shown in schools, independent cinemas as well as in bars and clubs on their big screens. Luke said this would be great exposure for his work especially if it is being used to deal with issues like alcohol abuse.

Inspired by his success, Luke has already entered another competition run by clothing store, Republic, on the theme of independence.

All the winning films can be seen at: www.youtube.com/thamesvalleypoliceuk