GET IN THE PICTURE AT CINEMAGIC THIS NOVEMBER

Young people across Northern Ireland have the opportunity to ‘get in the picture’ this month as 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 is welcoming a host of both international and local industry professionals to the Festival who will deliver workshops, talent labs and discussions for young people, 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), 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), Northern Ireland actress, Bronagh Waugh, (Hollyoaks), Waddell Media’s Jon Barrie Waddell (Super Hero Me, Texas Rodeo Tykes), Film Make-up artist Maria Moore (City of Ember, Hunger), Casting Directors, Ros and John Hubbard  (Hubbard Casting), and Julie Harkin (Misfits, Strawberry Fields, Production Managers, Terry Bamber (Quantum of Solace, Luther) and David Cain (Clash of The Titans 2,Gullivar’s Travels),Screenwriter Ben Schiffer (Skins, Not Safe For Work), award-winning animator Joel Simon (Flickerpix) and the production team behind BAFTA award-winning, CBBC’S Horrible Histories!

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. Budding actors also have the opportunity to participate in Cinemagic Stars where young people will spend the day developing their interpretation of a classic film musical.

Special Events and Competitions

The Festival Jury is open to 10-18 year olds, 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 2nd December. Cinemagic is also working in partnership with QFT Learning for the Takeover Film Weekend (takeoverfilm.com), at which young people from different cultural backgrounds are hosting a mini film festival that they have programmed and industry guests attending this include actors Colin Morgan and Martin McCann. Cinemagic is also searching for creative young filmmakers for its new ‘Cast Away’ podcast challenge, themed on the Titanic, which is being run in association with Titanic Belfast (cinemagic.org.uk/worldwide.aspx)

Festival Films:

Gala Screenings

The Opening night film The Wizard of Oz (16th Nov, Dundonald Omniplex), will delight young audiences and bring back fond childhood memories for others! A special preview of Happy Feet 2 3D (28th Nov, Odyssey Cinemas), 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 (30th Nov, Omniplex Kennedy) from DreamWorks Animation and Paramount Pictures.

New Family Films

New films such as animated French made mystery, A Cat in Paris (19th Nov and 26th Nov), Will (19th Nov), based on a young Liverpool football fan who journeys across Europe for the 2005 Champions League Final; Danish made adventure, The Great Bear (19th Nov, 26th Nov and 27th Nov) and 2010 Oscar nominated The Secret of Kells (26th Nov) 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 (18th Nov), Lost in Africa (27th Nov), Winter’s Daughter (20th Nov), Jess and Moss (22nd Nov), Jitters (23rd Nov), The Secret Letter (26th Nov).

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(20th Nov), Rio Breaks (21st Nov), In Sunshine or In Shadow (25th Nov), 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(26th Nov). Comedy western, City Slickers (29th Nov), returns to the big screen as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year; and students can enjoy a cult classic as The Outsiders (28th Nov) 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 (various dates) including Welcome to The Space Show. Classic movies include Meet me in St Louis (20th Nov) and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (27th Nov) and there is a chance to see all time favourite thrilling classics back on the silver screen such as The Poseidon Adventure (19th Nov), Towering Inferno (26th Nov), Planet of the Apes (30th Nov), Forbidden Planet (21st Nov), King Kong(22nd Nov) and Dracula (29th Nov)!

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 three opening day events (16th Nov) include a preview of thrilling, animated mystery, A Cat in Paris, a special HBO Game of Thrones showcase with actors Hannah Murray and Conleth Hill (Please note this event is for young people aged 16+) and Veteran Casting Director Roger Del Pozo, from New York Film Academy, will host a unique session in filmmaking and  audition technique.

Education Workshops and special events throughout the festival include BAFTA presents Inside the World of Horrible Histories (21st Nov), Animation spotlight on King Kong with Flickerpix’s Joel Simon (25th Nov), and The Referees documentary that unveils the lives of professional football referees at the EURO 2008 championships, at which IFA World Cup official, Alan Snoddy, will host a Q&A (18th Nov)

Joan Burney Keatings, Cinemagic Chief Executive said “Cinemagic is 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 opportunities through moving image and in doing so, inspire, motivate and educate”

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 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-ColaHBC Northern 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.”

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 night at 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].