Northern Ireland is set to experience some true movie magic from the 4th-14th December 2003, as the Cinemagic World Screen Festival for Young People in Association with Laganside gets underway.
With over 50 international film screenings ranging from special premieres and family features, to foreign language films, modern classics, documentaries and short films for short people, there is no shortage of entertainment.
Joan Burney, Festival Director discusses this year’s programme line-up, “We are thrilled that the 14th Cinemagic World Screen Festival for Young People in Association with Laganside has got so much to offer young people. There will be over 50 international film screenings in Warner Village Cinemas and Sheridan IMAX. Movie premieres such as ‘Freaky Friday’ on the 4th December 2003, foreign language films such as ‘Tenth Summer’ a German feature film on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th December 2003 and family features, such as ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ and ‘Annie’ on Sunday 7th December 2003 will ensure that there is no shortage of entertainment.
Flying into Northern Ireland, courtesy of bmi to conduct free masterclasses for 14-25 year olds will be a host of high profile industry professionals. Dermot O’Leary will take 15 young people through the ins and outs of television presenting, while Charlie Brooks (Janine from Eastenders), Colin Hanks, (Orange County) and Simon Gregson and Suranne Jones (Karen and Steve from Coronation Street) will host acting masterclasses. Passing on directing tips will be Declan Lowney (Director Father Ted, Cold Feet, Happiness) or for those keen on action, Youngbood instructors will deliver a two day workshop in performance combat.
Highlighting the true potential of young people within the film and television industry will be Chaille Stovall, 14 year old feature documentary director from Miami, Florida. Currently producing his fourth film, Chaille will explain the difference between TV, feature films and documentary films, show you how to get the big interview with the big shots and move with the camera in tight spots while thinking on your feet.”
Joan continues “Passing on some tips in comic art and graphic illustration will be Rogue Rocket as they deliver a workshop for 15 young people on Tuesday 9th December 2003 in BBC Broadcasting House. The closing date for masterclass applications is Friday 21st November, so anyone keen to participate should simply tell us why they deserve a place on the masterclass of their choice, include your name, age, address, phone number, e-mail address and school name if applicable. Send your entry to Masterclasses, Cinemagic, 3rd Floor, Fountain House, 17-21 Donegall Place, Belfast, BT1 5AB or e-mail masterclass@cinemagic.org.uk
Kyle Alexander, Chief Executive of Laganside Corporation encourages young people to grasp the opportunities that the Festival holds: “The 14th CineMagic World Screen Festival for Young People in Association with Laganside encourages young people to use the medium of film and television to explore creativity, social issues and other cultures.
Masterclasses and workshops conducted by experts provide 14-25 year olds with ‘hands on’ experience and are a valuable mechanism for encouraging and inspiring young people to pursue their ambitions. Whether young people are seeking entertainment, educating, inspiration or they simply want to create, CineMagic provides a place of opportunity for all.”
Special events in this year’s Festival programme include ‘An Audience with Sir Alan Parker, which is guaranteed to appeal to both young and old as it provides a rare opportunity to have an intimate look at the career of one of the most successful UK directors of the past 30 years and studying the Matrix Workshop with Anna Dawson on Thursday 11th December 2003.
For those eager to find out media career information then the Cinemgaic TVYP Career Surgery on Saturday 13th December 2003 is the perfect opportunity to get chatting to local professionals who can provide valuable advice and guidance.
For further information on this year’s Festival programme visit the website at www.cinemagic.org.uk
