The international DAWAP project came to an end last month. Its objective was to develop effective and science-based tools to be used in communication activities targeting addiction.
The national and international film competitions constitute part of the DAWAP, Drug Addiction and Awareness in Adults Erasmus + project, which has been organized by Yesilay – Turkish Green Crescent, EURAD, Dianova Portugal, NTAKK (Lithuania) and the Istanbul Public Health Department. DAWAP advocates for the need to utilize proper and effective public health communication methods in drug Addiction awareness campaigns by creating drug addiction awareness both in Turkey and in Europe through this short video competition. On 10th of June 2016, winners of the international short video competition “Let’s Talk About It, You Are Not Alone” were announced in an event in Istanbul.
High school and university students living in Turkey, Holland, Lithuania and Portugal participated in the short video competition. Informing adults on drugs and addiction risks and preventing drug use among children and youth through awareness-raising were the focus of the videos; there were messages regarding the risks of drug addiction. Syrian students at Sehir University of Istanbul, Mr. Beshr Idlbi and Huzaifa Asim, won a first place award with their video titled Where were you? while Dutch participant Dobber Bolhuis came in second with his video titled Coming Home. Lithuanian participant Edvinas Montwillas came in third with Temporary Darkness.The winners received 5,000, 3,000 and 2,000 Euros, respectively.
During his speech at the award ceremony, first place winner Mr. Beshr Idlbi said “Years ago, son of our neighbour died of drug addiction at a very young age. There was no one to take care of and offer a bright future to him, including their parents. This competition and being the first-place winner have been an opportunity for me to draw attention to this matter; it also motivated me greatly for my profession. I thank Turkey and Green Crescent for this opportunity.”
Dobber Bolhuis,
the Dutch participant who came in second in the competition, said that he depicted drug addiction in this competition, and that he would direct a new film with his award. Stating that movie making is a passion for him, Edvinas Montvilas said that they tried to understand drug addiction within the frame of this competition and that being the third place winner of the competition would be a source of inspiration for him to make more movies.
Dianova Portugal participated in the DAWAP project, and was represented by Rui Martins at this event in Istanbul.
Where Were You? (First place)