Liam Neeson and young Belfast filmmakers launch 21st Coca-Cola Cinemagic Film and Television Festival

Movie enthusiasts can look forward to a colourful feast of films in November as the Coca-Cola Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People has launched its highly anticipated 21st Festival programme. Liam Neeson and young filmmakers, Ellen McLean and Chloe McLaurin, from Belfast, officially launched the new  programme that includes more than 100 films from around the world, many of which are UK/Irish special previews and over 60 workshops, competitions, masterclasses and exciting film related events. The Coca-Cola Cinemagic Festival, funded by Northern Ireland Screen supported by DCAL, opens in Belfast on 16th November and runs for 17 action packed days and nights until 2nd December 2011.

Cinemagic will be welcoming a host of both international and local industry professionals to the Festival such as highly acclaimed film music composer Patrick Doyle,(Thor, Rise of The Planet of the Apes), Belfast actor, Martin McCann (Killing Bono, Clash of the Titans), BFI associate tutor and Alfred Hitchcock historian, Sandra Shevy, BAFTA award-winning director, Aisling Walsh, (Song for a Raggy Boy, Wallander),Oscar-nominated  writer Tim Loane (Dance Lexie Dance), Coleraine actress Michelle Fairley (Best: His Mother’s Son, Game of Thrones), costume designer, Susan Scott (Parked, Cupcake), and returning for a sixth consecutive year, respected film critic and broadcaster Mark Kermode will be ‘in conversation’ with the Belfast audiences ahead of a screening of The Buddy Holly Story and a special book signing.

Joan Burney Keatings, Cinemagic Chief Executive said “Cinemagic is extremely proud to present its 21st Festival offering a huge range for film and television events for young people. Funded by Northern Ireland Screen supported by DCAL and with Title Sponsor Coca-Cola, and all sponsors, Cinemagic is able to create new opportunities for young people through moving image and in doing so, inspire, motivate and educate.

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 to Joan and her team for another successful festival.”

Gillian Shields, Coca-ColaHBCNorthern Ireland Ltd, added “Coca-Cola is proud to sponsor the Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People and to support the valuable work of Cinemagic once again this year. This year’s festival will provide participants with the opportunity to gain exciting and practical experience in many arts based disciplines, using the magic of film and moving images to inspire and fuel creativity.

Coca-Cola is delighted to support activities for the 12 – 25 age group such as the exciting range of movie screenings and the Talent Lab masterclass programme for 16-26 year olds, which provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn and gain experience from industry experts. I would like to congratulate Cinemagic on another action packed programme and wish everyone participating a very enjoyable and rewarding 21st Anniversary festival.”

Festival Films:

Gala Screenings

The Opening night film, The Wizard of Oz, voted Northern Ireland’s favourite film in a 2010 Cinemagic poll will delight young audiences and bring back fond childhood memories for others! A special preview of Happy Feet 2 3D, from Warner Bros will bring viewers back to the magnificent landscape of Antarctica and the Closing night of the film programme will be marked with a special preview of Puss In Boots 3D from DreamWorks Animation and Paramount Pictures.

Family Films

New films such as animated French made mystery, A Cat in Paris; Will, based on a young Liverpool football fan who journeys across Europe for the 2005 Champions League Final; Danish made adventure, The Great Bear and 2010 Oscar nominated The Secret of Kells will fascinate young people and parents alike.

World Cinema

Previews from around the world will guide viewers in a cultural whistle-stop tour of countries such Germany, America, Kenya, Iceland, Norway, Hollandand Russia. Highlights include Another Earth, Lost in Africa, Winter’s Daughter, Jess and Moss, Jitters, The Secret Letter.

Documentary, Anniversary Screening, Student Film Night

From stories of a traveling circus to Brazilian surfers, boxing and elephant whisperers’, film fans eager to see this year’s documentaries will not be disappointed! Do not miss Circus Dreams, Rio Breaks, In Sunshine or In Shadow, which documents the true story behind the epic 1985 featherweight title match, between Barry McGuigan and Eusebio Pedroza; and Chandani: Daughter of The Elephant Whisperer. Comedy western, City Slickers, returns to the big screen as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year; and students can enjoy a cult classic as The Outsiders features in the special student film night event.

Anime, Classics, Boy’s Own Adventures, Rewind at the Strand

In partnership with We Love Anime, the festival is proud to present six latest and greatest anime films. Classic movies include Meet me in St Louis and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and there is a chance to see all time favourite thrilling classics back on the silver screen such as The Poseidon Adventure, Towering Inferno, Planet of the Apes, Forbidden Planet, King Kong and Dracula!

 Education programme

Cinemagic’s comprehensive education programme allows young people through their teachers to avail of opportunities in an outstanding range of film and television disciplines.The opening day events include a preview of thrilling, animated mystery, A Cat in Paris and a special HBO Game of Thrones showcase (Please note this event is for young people aged 16+).

Workshops and special events include BBFC Film Classification, Mapping the Weather with BBC NI’s Cecilia Daly, History Live-The Vikings, Charles Dickens Showcase, Comic Workshop with Captain Wonder Cartoons, BAFTA Inside the World of Horrible Histories, HBO Showcase, UTV Presenting with Tina Campbell and Paul Clark, Spanish short film showcase, Playing Shakespeare, Film Music Composition, Creative Storytelling, Irish Language Filmmaking, Introduction to World Cinema and Jury’s Out film reviewing!

Masterclasses

Young people who are keen to get an inside track on the media industry can do just that as the hugely popular Talent Lab event returns. Promising to be a fantastic mix of creativity and learning, the Talent Lab and Masterclasses include Writing and Directing for Film, Makeup for Film & Television, Casting, Costume Design, Acting, Screenwriting Film Production and TV Commissioning with Waddell Media.

Special Events and Competitions

The Festival Jury is open to young people aged, 10-18, passionate about film watching and reviewing and jury members will announce the winning festival films at the Gala Awards Ceremony in Belfast City Hall on 1st December. The festival is also running its ever popular Songs from the Movies and Cinemagic Stars acting workshops, as well as searching for talented young filmmakers for its new ‘Cast Away’ podcast challenge, themed on the Titanic, which is being run in association with Titanic Belfast in the lead up to 2012, Titanic’s centenary year.

Venues in Belfast include Queen’s Film Theatre, Odeon, Strand Cinema,BMC, Europa, Ulster Museum, Crescent Arts Centre and new venues include Omniplex cinemas, Odyssey cinemas, Culturlann, The Black Box and The Spectrum Centre. The Coca-Cola Cinemagic Film and Television Festival is working in partnership with organisations such as Save The Children, Friends of The Earth, Belfast Zoo, Ulster Wildlife Trust, Lagan Legacy Barge, Belfast Youth Circus, The Ulster Orchestra and Exploris

To view the Coca-Cola Cinemagic Festival Programme and advance book film tickets online visit www.cinemagic.org.uk

Film tickets can also be purchased in person at the Festival Box Office, Belfast Welcome Centre, 47 Donegall Place, Belfast or by telephoning 028 90 24 66 09. Tickets for films will also be available on the door of participating cinemas subject to availability.

To Book Workshops and Masterclasses visit www.cinemagic.org.uk

Telephone Cinemagic 028 90 311 900

Please note Workshops and Masterclasses are open to young people aged 4-26 and the public film programme is open to all ages.

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Press Information: Claire Shaw, Cinemagic Press and Marketing Officer.

T: 028 90 311 900 E:[email protected].