Top award for high school anti smoking film (From Crewe Guardian)

Top award for high school anti smoking film

7:50am Friday 1st February 2013 in News

AN anti-smoking movie shot by Shavington High School pupils has won a prestigious short films competition.

Say No, created by nine aspiring young filmmakers, triumphed in the North West Cut Films Awards at Manchester’s Odeon cinema.

The team won the overall popular choice award, securing 291 public votes to scoop their prize.

The awards ceremony was hosted by Hollyoaks actress, Alice Barlow, who plays Rae Wilson in the channel 4 soap.

Winners were presented their awards by Waterloo Road actor, Jack McMullen, who plays Finn Sharkey.

The competition asked students to research tobacco marketing or smoking in the media, make a two minute short film about on the subject and share it with their friends via social media.

Shavington’s headteacher, Carol White, said: "It was great to see pupils leading change, making a difference to their own lives and those of their peers, in identifying the issue of smoking.

“A lot of work and imagination went into the film and it paid off, because the school as a whole responded to the film, and many went on add their support on the web site.

“There has been a reduction in smoking before and after school, and a shared acceptance that it is anti-social and just not a good thing for young people to do."

Shavington filmmaker Olly Booth, 15, said: “I loved making the film, it really opened my eyes to the dangers of smoking. I enjoyed taking part in the filming too, it gave me a chance to develop my media skills further. I would love to do it all again, it was great fun and I am proud to have been a part of the team.”