The winner of a student film competition aimed at highlighting the dangers of alcohol was announced last night at an exclusive red carpet film premiere at the University of Reading. 
Over 800 public votes were cast in the ‘One Too Many’ film competition, which was organised by Thames Valley Police, Hampshire Constabulary, and NHS South Central.
The competition was won by Luke Armstrong from Portsmouth University, with his film ‘One Too Many’.
Students across the south were asked by the competition organisers, to produce a three-minute film highlighting the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption.
Second prize went to Eric Kolelas and his film The Inebriated Forest and third place was awarded to Missing Christmas, directed by Ross Taliana and Shane James Bordas, all of whom are students at Thames Valley University.
The top five films were showcased on the big screen at a film premiere and all directors and guests were given the VIP treatment, including a walk up the red carpet before taking their seats in the cinema.
The competition sponsors, Canon, were on hand at the event at the University of Reading to present the three winners with their top of the range camcorders.
Attending the event was Hampshire Constabulary’s Deputy Chief Constable Simon Cole. He said: “The standard of the film entries has been outstanding and it is great for us to not only be working with our partners but also with local universities and young people. It is them that this campaign is really designed for and it has been great to get them involved in a campaign that can directly affect their behaviour and attitudes.
"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.”
NHS South Central’s Deputy Director of Public Health Dr James Mapstone said: “Last night was really inspirational. These young film makers have shown how their talent can get really powerful messages across. I am very hopeful that these films will help tackle the rising tide of alcohol harm from accidents to heart disease; from assaults to sexually transmitted infections; from cancer to liver disease.”
Director of Information and Strategy at Thames Valley Police, Amanda Cooper was on hand to open the event, she said: “What has been evident from viewing these films is that these young film-makers have grasped the dangers of binge drinking and the fact that you become more vulnerable when you are drunk. Our message is that we can make ourselves safer by not drinking to excess: have fun, but know your limits.”
The winning films were decided by a public vote after the top five entries were uploaded onto YouTube.
The YouTube site received over 5,000 views in the three weeks that the voting was taking place.
To view the winning films please visit the dedicated YouTube page.
