Television viewers in Wales can find out exactly what all the fuss has been about when ‘Cow’, the short ‘anti texting when driving’ film makes its TV premiere on BBC2 at 10pm on Monday night (November 2).
The phenomenal online success of the film (7.5 million viewings so far) has attracted interest from all over the world with hundreds of requests for full length copies of the hard hitting production being received by Gwent Police.
As a result of this demand Gwent Police Authority in partnership with the International Film School at the University of Wales, Newport, have established a new, not for profit organisation called The Gwent Independent Film Trust (GIFT). Using any income generated from the success of Cow the new trust will commission crime prevention educational films and award bursaries to young film makers.
Gwent Police Chief Constable Mick Giannasi commented:
“I’m delighted that the people of Wales will have the opportunity to view ‘Cow’ in its entirety on Monday evening. The clips which many people have seen on the intranet are only part of a hugely impactive film which is designed to entertain whilst sending out a powerful message to people, young and old about the tragic and life changing consequences of using a mobile phone whilst driving.
The selfless hard work and dedication of the director, the production staff, the actors and all those who provided their support to this venture has created a unique film which has caught the imagination of millions of people around the world.
The establishment of The Gwent Independent Film Trust on the back of the film’s success is an exiting development and will provide the film makers of tomorrow with an opportunity to create their own blockbusters.”
Professor Stephen Hagen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), University of Wales, Newport added:
“The University of Wales, Newport is proud of the major artistic and creative involvement in the production of COW by its former and current students and, of course, the film’s Director, Peter Watkins Hughes, a Senior Lecturer at the University. This film, with its world-wide audience, has raised even more awareness of Newport’s University as a major player in film industry training.”
Gwent Police Chief Constable Mick Giannasi concluded:
“Having seen the film, many people have said that they will never use a mobile phone again whilst driving.
If you have ever used your phone or you are close to someone who might be tempted to do it, please make sure they watch COW on Monday evening. You owe it to them and you owe it to yourself.”
