Cinemagic Launches u12 Film Programme for October

CINEMAGIC FILM AND TELEVISION FESTIVAL LAUNCHES OCTOBER PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 12.

Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People has launched the first of two festivals taking place this autumn with the unveiling of its fantasy, myths and legends themed programme for under 12s! The launch was marked with a preview screening of new stop-motion animation, ParaNorman, written and co-directed by Chris Butler, who paid a special visit to ODEON Cinemas,Belfast for the film and exclusive Q&A.

The action packed Cinemagic programme for young people aged under 12, funded by Northern Ireland Screen supported by DCAL, will take place from 5th-19th October with new film previews from around the world, film classics, film and television workshops for schools and families, and filmmaking competitions to motivate, educate and inspire young people. A programme for 12-25 year olds will follow in November and the festival season will culminate with a gala awards ceremony in Belfast City Hall.

Film Programme for General Public

The Cinemagic October film programme in ODEON Cinemas will open with Moon Man, the latest feature from Academy Award® Nominated Animation Studio, Cartoon Saloon, adapted from worldwide best-seller by Tomi Ungerer. Must-see special previews include heart-warming Disneynature’s Chimpanzee, magical Disney adventure Tinkerbell And The Secret of The Wings and the enchanting story of The Odd Life of Timothy Green, from Academy Award® nominated director/writer Peter Hedges, will bring the festival to a close.

Young film enthusiasts will journey around the world with new animated and live action films in ODEON Cinemas- Marco Macaco: Let’s Go Bananas, Santa’s Apprentice, Chi Rho- The Secret, Tony 10, When Santa Fell to Earth, Alfie the Little Werewolf, Gattu, Magic Silver 2, Wickie and The Treasure of the Gods, Legends of Valhalla-Thor and Princess Lillifee and the Little Unicorn. Classics back on the silver screen include Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind and fantasy favourite The NeverEnding Story.

Family Film Workshops

Film fun for all the family is guaranteed with a sea adventure in The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie on board the Lagan Legacy Barge and screenings of Honey I Shrunk the Kids and Muppet Treasure Island in The Ulster Hall, accompanied with retro games and treasure hunting!

Workshops for Primary Schools

Workshops and special events include BAFTA and Aardman Animate It!, Film and The Environment with Ulster Wildlife Trust, Stop Motion Animation with Jenny Simon at Titanic Belfast, CS Lewis Drama and Film with Charmaine McBride, Puppeteering with Paul Currie, Picture Book Making with Adrienne Geoghegan Shadowplay with Frank Quinn, Comic making with Uproar Comics, Around The World Film Reviewing, Storytelling with Randall Stephen Hall, Meet The Victorians at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, BBFC Film Classification, Dance Along with Film, History Live!, Film Music with the Ulster Orchestra,  Gentle Dentle and  Tooth Fairy.

Workshops and screenings for Nursery Schools

Cinemagic and early years drama facilitator Debutots will turn nursery schools into mini cinemas for budding young film fans to experience drama and enjoy the latest pre school entertainment from kids’ favourites Thomas and Friends, Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam from Hit Entertainment.

 Festival Jury and Young Filmmaker Competition

The Cinemagic October Festival Jury is open to young people aged, 8-11, who are passionate about film watching and reviewing. Join the Cinemagic team to watch and review all of the festival films in competition!  Jury members will announce the winning festival films at the Gala Awards Ceremony in Belfast City Hall on 29th November. Email [email protected]  to register for a place on the jury panel before 27th September.

Cinemagic is looking for short films made by young people under 12. All film genres are eligible- ­fact or fiction, comedy or drama, news programme or documentary and the film should be under 10 minutes long. The theme ‘Giants of Northern Ireland' is a new category that filmmakers can enter this year, for example films about  'Giant Achievers' and 'Giant Famous People' from Northern Ireland or 'Giant Iconic Landmarks' of Northern Ireland. Email [email protected] to enter before 26th October.

Joan Burney Keatings MBE, Cinemagic Chief Executive said “We are delighted to present our Festival for Under 12s this October in venues acrossBelfastand throughoutNorthern Ireland. Our family film programme in Odeon Cinemas has a vast range of films from around the world, many of which are special previews, and our comprehensive education programme, including workshops from BBFC, BAFTA and Aardman Animation will give young people an insight into various film and television disciplines”

Richard Williams, CEO,Northern IrelandScreen said: “Northern Ireland Screen is delighted to see the eclectic programme of screenings and educational events at the Cinemagic Film Festival inBelfastthis year for the young people ofNorthern Ireland. Through our continued core funding, supported by DCAL, Northern Ireland Screen acknowledges the Cinemagic Film Festival inBelfastas a key component in our efforts to achieve our goal of making a significant contribution to film culture, education and training. We send our sincerest good wishes toJoanand her team for another successful festival.”

Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chair, Belfast City Council Development Committee said ‘Belfast City Council is proud to support Cinemagic as one of our most prolific local arts festivals, focusing on young people and their endeavours in the world of film and screen.  We have supported Cinemagic for many years now and have watched them grow, develop, win awards, and achieve international recognition.  They are known to do great work within communities and have been inspirational to many young people, benefitting from connections with industry professionals, and appointing peer educators as young film consultants.’

Eddie Rowan, Events Manager at the Northern Ireland Tourist Board said, “We are delighted to support Cinemagic again in 2012. It has become an event which is known locally, nationally and internationally, showcasing Northern Ireland as a destination for not only our local residents, but also for our out of state visitors. There is tremendous potential for the tourism industry here to significantly contribute to economic growth and project a positive image ofNorthern Irelandto the rest of the world.  Cinemagic will help turn this potential into a reality.”

Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People is funded by Northern Ireland Screen supported by DCAL, Belfast City Council, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and DSD.

To view the Cinemagic Festival Programme online visit www.cinemagic.org.uk

How to Book

Book all ODEON cinema tickets on 0871 22 44 007 or visit www.odeon.co.uk (navigate to ODEON Belfast) or book on site (ODEON Cinemas, No 1 Victoria Square, Belfast).Various Prices

Book Ulster Hall and Lagan Legacy Barge event tickets on 028 90 24 66 09 or visit www.gotobelfast.com  or book on site (Belfast Welcome Centre,47 Donegall Place,Belfast. Various Prices

Book School Workshops on 028 90 311 900 or email [email protected]  or book on site (Cinemagic,49 Botanic Avenue,Belfast) Various Prices.

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Press Information

Claire Shaw, Cinemagic Press & Marketing Officer, [email protected], 028 90 311 900