Operation Lifesaver Youth Rail Safety Video Wins Bronze Award at Houston Film Festival

05/11/2009

WASHINGTON, DC, May 11, 2009 - Operation Lifesaver’s Are You in Control? video for middle school students took a bronze “Remi” for Film and Video Production in the Safety category at the 42nd annual Worldfest Houston Film Festival, April 16 – 25.

"With Are You in Control? Operation Lifesaver offers middle schoolers and teens a way to assess the risks of dangerous activities, like trespassing on or near train tracks,” Helen Sramek, Operation Lifesaver President, says. “It’s a realistic video because the ‘actors’ are peers who face similar decisions as they prepare to do stunts for television and movies.”

In the video, Haley, a 12-year-old gymnast and professional stunt performer, points out the difference between taking risks “with a 12 million pound train” and preparing for weeks for a stunt. Miles, the video’s young narrator, explains that kids can stay in control by staying away from tracks and trains.

Worldfest, the oldest independent film and video festival in North America, recognizes outstanding creative excellence in film and video. The event includes 12 major competitions and more than 200 categories. No awards are given in any category unless the jury scores are high enough to place for honors. 

Bob Burnett of GVI in Washington, DC, directed and produced the video for Operation Lifesaver.

About Operation Lifesaver

Operation Lifesaver’s certified presenters throughout the U.S. and Canada are trained to give free safety talks to community groups, schools, school bus drivers, truck drivers and community organizations to raise awareness about railroad safety. More information can be found by calling the national office at 1-800-537-6224 or visiting the website at www.oli.org.