Heathrow film competition presents 15 impressive anti-3rd-runway campaigning films

Date added: 19 June, 2014

At a packed event held in Richmond Theatre, organised by MP Zac Goldsmith, with some 800 people present (free seats), Hugh Grant, Holly Willoughby and Rachel Johnson were the celebrities judging the competition for short films, of 2 minutes or less, opposing a 3rd Heathrow runway. The evening was ably and entertainingly compered by Giles Brandreth. The first prize was £10,000, the second prize £3,000 and the 3rd prize £2,000. Some 50 short films were entered into the competition. The 15 considered the best were shown at the gala event, for the judges to select the top three. The audience then voted on these three. All the 15 films shown were of a very high quality; any one of the 15 films could have been the winner. They all showed a high level of film expertise; there was a wide range of styles and approaches; all showed great originality and creativity, and put the message across powerfully. Anyone present at the gala event would be left in no doubt about just how determinedly people in the areas badly affected by Heathrow will do whatever it takes to ensure no new Heathrow runway gets built.
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Winners:

1. “Heathrow Won’t Listen” http://t.co/zVLEimwmZv

2. “Say NO” http://t.co/AAE881fkGU

3. “Life under the Flightpath” http://t.co/h5G2Ddr20w

The other 12 videos (from the top 15) can be seen at

http://www.no-ifs-no-buts.com/brief/winning-submissions/runners-up/

“No Ifs No Buts” film contest selects winning No Third Runway short films

18.6.2014

About 800 guests packed out Richmond Theatre on the evening of June 18, for the “No Ifs No Buts” short film gala competition, organised by Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith and Hacan chairman John Stewart.

Hugh Grant, Holly Willoughby and Rachel Johnson were the celebrities judging the competition for short films, of 2 minutes or less, opposing a 3rd Heathrow runway. The evening was ably and entertainingly compered by Giles Brandreth. The first prize was £10,000, the second prize £3,000 and the 3rd prize £2,000.

Some 50 short films were entered into the competition. The 15 considered the best were shown at the gala event, for the judges to select the top three. The audience then voted on these three.

The judges had a very hard time in choosing a winner. They, and the audience, were impressed by every one.

All the 15 films shown were of a very high quality; the judges had hoped there would be some less good films, making their task easier. In the event, any one of the 15 films could have been the winner. They all showed a high level of film expertise; there was a wide range of styles and approaches; all showed great originality and creativity, and put the message across powerfully.

It was agreed that Zac Goldsmith would get copies of the 3 top films to the party leaders, and senior members, of all the main political parties. It was also suggested, by Rachel Johnson, that copies of all the 15 film entries should be put together and given to all the politicians taking leading roles in the next parliament. They indicate the strength of the arguments against Heathrow expansion, and leave no one in any doubt how difficult politically a 3rd Heathrow runway would be, however strong the business and foreign investment lobbies.

The contest is a direct response to the Prime Minister, David Cameron’s comments in 2009 when as leader of the opposition, he made a pledge to Richmond residents there would be no third runway at Heathrow. Some of his election literature clearly set out the pledge, of “No if, no buts, there will be no third runway”. Within months, he had gone back on his word, setting up the Airports Commission to look into the matter of whether the UK should have a new runway, and if so, where it should be. In order not to completely contradict pre-election pledges, the Commission is to give its recommendation only after the next election, so it will not be during this parliament.

There is considerable anger in areas affected by Heathrow about this u-turn by the Conservatives.

The film competition was an encouraging, and heart-warming event, in assembling so many people who shared the same keenly felt wish – to block a new Heathrow runway.

Anyone present at the gala event would be left in no doubt about just how determinedly people in the areas badly affected by Heathrow will do whatever it takes to ensure no new Heathrow runway gets built.

No Ifs No Buts

http://www.no-ifs-no-buts.com/