Film competition to encourage kids not to take up smoking
AN anti-smoking organisation has challenged the region’s young people to unveil negative practices in the tobacco industry with the launch of a short film competition.
The aim of the campaign, by PCT funded Smokefree North West, is to encourage 14 to 18-year-olds to look beyond the television and film industry’s portrayal of smoking as ‘glamorous’ and challenge them to research the hard facts behind the tobacco industry.
The three winning films will be produced as a 90 second online viral for Youtube and at least one of the films will be premiered and screened in the regions cinemas.
Among the judging panel are former Hollyoaks actors, Matt Littler and Darren Jeffries, who will also work with the winners to produce and direct the winning films.
The 14 to 18-year-old age group has been selected as this is the time when the majority of youngsters take up smoking. What many do not realise, however, is that the tobacco industry is responsible for issues including deforestation and child labour.
Smokefree North West aims to spark debate around these issues by harnessing the increased environmental and social awareness which is also present within this age group.
Pippa Sargent head of communications, said: “Smokefree North West hopes to use this campaign to engage with young people across the region in a fun and innovative way. We want to empower young people to do their own research, make their own decisions and invest in the health of their own and future generations.”
Individuals and groups can enter their ideas by registering at seethroughtheillusion.co.uk and uploading a 20 to 100 word overview of their idea.
Submissions can be made up to September 25, with judging taking place in October.
© 6th September 2009 Messengernewspapers
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