Second year medical student Shaun Qureshi never imagined his life-long interest in drawing would lead to making an animated film and winning prizes, but that’s what happened.
At the recent 'Granite Awards for Thoughtful Alcohol Awareness' – the GAFTAAs – a joint initiative from Aberdeen Joint Alcohol and Drug Action Team (JADAT), he won two categories.
Shaun's film, Happy Ending, competed with 12 shortlisted films made by 16 to 24-year-olds from the NHS Grampian area to highlight safe drinking. He won a certificate for Best Animation and £200 for Best 1 Minute Film. Shaun's film had also been selected with one other for a public vote in The Mall in Aberdeen.
With the theme of Alcohol – It's Your Choice, the competition aimed to encourage young people to think about their use of alcohol and how to promote safe drinking to their age groups.
"I have drawn since I was wee, but didn't know how to make a film," says Shaun, "Through the competition, I was given funding to employ and direct a professional animator, using my storyboards, and my friends helped me with sound effects – the final film was just as I imagined!"
He found the opportunity to combine his interest in art and in health promotion a rewarding experience, and hopes the film's light-hearted look at the perils of drinking and young love will appeal to a wide range of young people.
The competition was launched by Aberdeen Joint Alcohol and Drug Action Team (JADAT), in partnership with The Mall Trinity, Aberdeen College, Peacock Visual Arts, Belmont Picturehouse, and Station House Media Unit.