CINEMAGIC FILM FESTIVAL LAUNCHES OCTOBER PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 12!

The action packed Cinemagic Film and Television Festival programme for under 12 year olds returns to the silver screen from 4-18th October with new film previews from around the world, classic films for young people, CineSeekers film review panel, film and television masterclasses, education workshops and filmmaking competitions to motivate, educate and inspire young people.

Public Film programme

The public film programme will open in Odeon Cinemas Belfast with a preview of animated adventure TURBO 3D (20th Century Fox), about a snail who dreams of being a racing superstar! Other must-see special previews include Irish made drama ELIOT AND ME, directed by Fintan Connolly, a new adaptation of classic children’s tale PINOCCHIO, directed by Enzo D’Alo, the latest offering from acclaimed director Michel Ocelot, KIRIKOU AND THE MEN AND WOMEN, and a night of comic science fiction film fun, will bring the festival to a close with CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2 3D!

One of the highlights of the film programme includes a special screening of the 1971 classic, WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, at which actress Julie Dawn Cole, aka Veruca Salt, will be present for a post film Q&A!

CineSeekers film jury

The festival is looking for a panel of ‘CineSeekers’, young film reviewers, to view and judge the in-competition films of the festival from 5th-6th October and from 12th-13th October. The films from around the world include the Northern Irish premiere of heart-warming animation NIKO 2, LITTLE BROTHER, BIG TROUBLE, the Irish premiere of IGOR AND THE CRANES’ JOURNEY, introduced by the RSPB, the UK premiere of Croation drama, THE MYSTERIOUS BOY, and the Northern Irish premiere of THE DAY OF THE CROWS, a debut feature from French animator Jean Christophe Dessaint

Masterclasses

For the first time, Cinemagic is offering young people, aged 8-11, the chance to participate in Junior Talent Lab masterclasses in filmmaking and acting. Ros and John Hubbard, (The Firecracker Boys, Molly Moon, Gold) who have been at the forefront of Motion Picture Casting for over 30 years will host a casting workshop for aspiring actors, guiding them through the casting process and audition technique. Actor John Bell (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: There and Back Again, Tracy Beaker Returns), and musical theatre actress Niamh Perry (Mamma Mia, Love Never Dies, Sweeney Todd) will introduce the young people to their acting method and share their experiences with them.

Education Programme

The education programme will focus on three themes, FILM IN FOCUS, INTO THE WILD, and PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES (& BOATS!).

FILM IN FOCUS will provide pupils with practical opportunities to engage with new media technologies and learn new skills. The programme will introduce pupils to film classification, film programming and exploring cinema from around the world. Workshops include BBFC That’s Classified, Film and Music with The Ulster Orchestra and Make a short animation in a day.

INTO THE WILD will offer an exciting array of films accompanied with workshops exploring subject areas including natural history, zoology, entomology, biodiversity, landscapes and space exploration! Highlights include workshops with Ulster Wildlife, RSPB, The World of Owls and Belfast Zoo.

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES (& BOATS!) will use film and historical archive footage to examine the history and evolution of transport. The programme will offer unique environments to view film as well as promote travel/transport safety initiatives! Film events include All Aboard the Belfast Barge, Film Poster Making workshop and paper plane challenge, Road Safety with the DOE.

The Cinebabies film programme offers an introduction to the cinema experience for nursery school pupils where they can enjoy the latest pre-school film and television entertainment programmes accompanied with early years drama!

Family Film Workshops

Film fun for young people and all the family is guaranteed with a sea adventure on board the Belfast Barge that includes a screening of WINNIE THE POOH and wildlife themed film arts & crafts, Let’s go fly a kite, a screening event featuring the magical MARY POPPINS, and a kite making workshop in association with the Crescent Arts Centre, and get back to nature with PROJECT WILD THING, a fascinating documentary aimed at encouraging families to get outdoors and enjoy nature!

JoanBurney Keatings MBE, Cinemagic Chief Executive said “We are delighted to present our Festival for Under 12s this October in venues acrossBelfastand throughoutNorthern Ireland. Our film programme has a vast range of films from around the world, many of which are special previews, and our comprehensive education programme 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.”

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

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

How to Book

For Education workshops email [email protected] or telephone Cinemagic 028 90 311 900

For Public Film Screenings, public workshops and junior talent lab visit www.wegottickets.com and navigate to name of event.

Tickets for the public film screenings can also be purchased via venue partners

Odeon www.odeon.co.uk

Queen’s Film Theatre www.queensfilmtheatre.com

Odyssey Cinemas www.odysseycinemas.co.uk

Ulster Hall www.ulsterhall.co.uk

ENDS: //

Press Information

ClaireShaw, Cinemagic Press & Marketing Officer

[email protected]  028 90 311 900