Host of Film and Television Opportunities for 12-25 yr olds

The 24th edition of the Coca-Cola Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival programme for 12-25 year olds returns to Belfast cinema screens from 18th-28th November with new film previews from around the world, classic films revisited, CineSeekers film review panel, film and television talent lab masterclasses, education workshops and filmmaking competitions to motivate, educate and inspire young people. The festival culminates with a gala awards ceremony in BelfastCity Hall, at which young film talent will be recognised and the winners of the festival films announced!

Special guests of the festival include film music maestro Richard Kauffman, who has performed on film and television scores including Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Saturday Night Fever, as well as working for MGM studios; orchestrator Patrick Russ, whose countless film music credits include The Wolverine, King Kong, Spider-Man 3 and The Day After Tomorrow; film critic and broadcaster, Mark Kermode; filmmaker and journalist, Ashley Thorpe (Fangoria Magazine); film journalist, Helen O’Hara (Empire); Academy Award and BAFTA Award winning producer, Gareth Ellis Unwin (The King’s Speech), actress Suranne Jones; and director Tony Mitchell, who has worked on hit series The Bible and Primeval.

Public Film programme

The public film programme opens with a special preview of adventure drama, ALL IS LOST, from Universal Pictures, starring Robert Redford. There is a treat in store for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES, with a double bill over two consecutive nights of 2012 hit THE HUNGER GAMES and the latest 2013 offering THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE. A surprise screening of SAVING MR. BANKS, has just been announced, starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson, in the story of author P. L. Travers reflecting on her childhood while meeting with filmmaker Walt Disney during the film production for the adaptation of her novel, Mary Poppins.

Young people can enjoy the best in World Cinema at Queen’s Film Theatre and Odyssey Cinemas including previews such as BRAVEHEARTS, which portrays the generation marked for life by the events of July 22, 2011 in Utoya Island; HIDE YOUR SMILING FACES, an atmospheric exploration of life and death in rural America; JIN, the new film from Reha Erdem, Turkish cinema’s great maverick movie-maker; BABY BLUES, which tells the story of a 17 year old juggling youthful desires with adult responsibilities and TOUCH OF THE LIGHT, a moving real life story of renowned blind Taiwanese piano prodigy Huang Yu-siang. Classic movies back on the silver screen include STAND BY ME, WEST SIDE STORY, EMPIRE OF THE SUN and CINEMA PARADISO.

Talent Lab

The Talent Lab will give young people an insight to the world of television and filmmaking, and professionals will share top tips about their experiences in the industry. Masterclasses include Casting with Louise Kiely, Entertainment Production with Kieran Doherty, Directing with Tony Mitchell, Music Composition with Mark Gordon, Screenwriting with Ryan Rowe, Film Production with Gareth Ellis-Unwin and Jessica Malik, Acting with Suranne Jones, Acting with Gerard McCarthy. A ‘Meet The Professionals’ panel featuring actors Ben Peel, Bronagh Waugh and Niamh McGrady, will give young people the chance to put their questions to actors from Northern Ireland working in the world of film and television.

CineFocus film jury

The festival is looking for young film reviewers aged 12-14 and 15-18, to make up the CineFocus film jury, to view and judge the in-competition films of the festival. The young people will be guided on how to critique films and will announce the winning film at the gala awards on 28th November. Email [email protected] to register.

Education Programme

The education programme will introduce pupils to film classification, film programming and exploring cinema from different cultures.  Workshops and talks at film events include The Original Screenplay with the Writers Guild of Ireland, Genre Study: Action adventure and Science Fiction, Film Music, Acting for Silent Film, Special Effects Makeup, Pro-Copyright Education, Sports Broadcasting with Denise Watson, News and Current Affairs Broadcasting with Paul Clark, Spanish Shorts Showcase, Animated Antics, BAFTA Shorts 2013 and the CCEA Moving Image Arts Student Awards Showcase.

Joan Burney Keatings MBE, Cinemagic Chief Executive said “We are proud  to present our Festival for 12-25 year olds with the support of all our funders, partners and title sponsor Coca-Cola in venues across Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland. Our film programme has a vast range of the best films from around the world, many of which are special previews, and our comprehensive education and masterclass programme will give young people an insight into various film and television disciplines.”

Richard Williams, CEO, Northern Ireland Screen said: “Northern Ireland Screen is delighted to see the eclectic programme of screenings and educational events at the Cinemagic Film Festival inBelfast this year for the young people ofNorthern Ireland. Through our continued core funding, supported by DCAL, Northern Ireland Screen acknowledges the Cinemagic Film Festival inBelfast as 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 toJoan and her team for another successful festival.”

Gillian Shields, PR Executive, Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland Ltd, said “Coca-Cola is proud to sponsor the 12-25 year olds Cinemagic Festival Programme and to support the valuable work it does. This year’s festival will provide participants with the opportunity to gain exciting and practical experience in many arts based disciplines, giving a unique insight into the world of film and television and showcasing the many and varied talents in Northern Ireland”

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

To view the Programme online download from the homepage of www.cinemagic.org.uk

How to Book

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

For Public Film Screenings and Talent Lab visit www.wegottickets.com and navigate to name of film/event.

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

Queen’s Film Theatre www.queensfilmtheatre.com

Odyssey Cinemas www.odysseycinemas.co.uk

ENDS: //

Press Information

Claire Shaw, Cinemagic Press & Marketing Officer

Email: [email protected]     Tel: +44 28 90 311 900