Archived press release

Film competition winners announced

25 November 2008

**View the winning films at http://www.foe.co.uk/oneminute**

Movie moguls including 'Trainspotting' Producer Andrew MacDonald have awarded a film called 'Winberry Hill' top prize in Friends of the Earth's one-minute film competition. 'Winberry Hill' met the competition's theme 'Which bit of the Earth are you a friend of?' by uncovering a hidden slice of nature next to a bypass in Lancashire.

Triumphant filmmakers David Pownall and Caroline Eccles have won the top prize of making a film with Friends of the Earth.

Andy Atkins, Director of Friends of the Earth and one of the judges said: "People from all over the world have used this competition to show their passion for their favourite corner of the Earth.

"We got some cracking entries that bowled over the jury.

"Film is one of the most emotive ways to reach out to people - we now looking forward to working with the winners to make a film to support Friends of the Earth's work."

Also on the judging panel was David Sproxton of Aardman Animation. He said: "The pace and freshness of the winning film 'Winberry Hill' really impressed me."

David Pownall and Caroline Eccles who made 'Winberry Hill' said: "This competition gave us an opportunity to share a little-known pocket of beauty.

"We are very pleased to have been awarded this prize by such respected judges and can't wait to get started working with Friends of the Earth to make a film that will have a positive impact on the environment."

The People's Choice award - voted online by the public - goes to How to Boil a Frog, a cheeky animation of a frog incensed by the world hotting up due to climate change. The maker of How to Boil a Frog has won a lunch with 'Trainspotting' Producer Andrew MacDonald.

'Trainspotting' Producer Andrew MacDonald said: "The animation How to Boil a Frog is professionally made and fun - it pulls viewers in and gets them thinking about climate change through its original entertaining style."

The panel of judges also awarded a special commendation to 'A Day in the Spinney' as the best film made by an entrant aged under 21. 'A Day in the Spinney' was made by primary school children about a wood in Oxfordshire. Their prize is a film editing software package and a lunch with Franny Armstrong, Director of 'McLibel' and the recently launched 'The Age of Stupid'.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Overall Winner 'Winberry Hill': http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=aEl0iJkuOf4&feature=PlayList&p=CC2C6535C7EE3554&index=0
   People's Choice 'How to Boil a Frog':
   http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=9TA-jd_LAWc&feature=PlayList&p=CC2C6535C7EE3554&index=5
   Under 21 Winner 'A Day in the Spinney': http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=r7QYgdP2Yrs&feature=PlayList&p=CC2C6535C7EE3554&index=3
2. The rest of the top-ten shortlist can be viewed at www.foe.co.uk/oneminute, along with profiles of the winning filmmakers.
3. The winning films are available for screening online and at events - contact 020 7566 1649
4. Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. We campaign on a range of issues including climate change, biodiversity, waste, transport and food. For further information visit http://www.foe.co.uk/

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust