The Coca-Cola Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People will return to Dublin on 14 May, it has been announced. The festival, which will run from the 14-20 May, promises to provide a packed programme full of film screenings, master classes and workshops with industry professionals. Among the television and film talent taking part in this year’s festival are ‘X Factor’ host Dermot O’Leary, casting agents Ros and John Hubbard, responsible for the casting in film such as ‘The Commitments’ and ‘Harry Brown’, as well as BAFTA-winning directors Aisling Walsh (Song for a Raggy Boy) and Neasa Hardiman (Tracey Beaker Returns), and ‘Boardwalk Empire’s’ Brian Kirk.
Now in its fifth year, the festival aims to give young people an insight to the film and television industry, and offers film fans of all ages the chance to view both classic and modern films from around the world.
The May workshops will be divided into two sections: The Education Programme, for 12-18 year-olds, and The Talent Lab, for 16-26 year-olds. The workshops will be held at various different cinemas in Dublin, such as the recently opened Odeon Cinema in Point Village, as well as UCI Cinemas in Blanchardstown, Coolock and Stillorgan. IMC Dun Laoghaire, Cineworld, Filmbase, The Burlington Hotel and writing charity Fighting Words will all host master classes at their venues. The festival is also offering a number of free Talent Lab master classes as part of Cinemagic’s outreach programme. Former ‘Coronation Street’ actress Suranne Jones will be among the faces lending their support.
The festival’s annual jury competition for budding film critics will also return, offering young people the chance to learn how to critically review a series of short films. The public screening programmed, themed on master storytellers, will screen classics such as Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘The 39 Steps’, the Charles Dickens’ adaptation ‘Great Expectations’, and the iconic ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. More recent hits such as Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Minority Report’ will also be shown.
Cinemagic CEO Joan Burney Keatings expressed her delight at the festival’s return, while Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan leant his support: “I am pleased to see that this prestigious event has now become an established festival in the cultural calendar. Those attending are afforded the opportunity to meet and learn from experts working in the area of film and television. I am confident that the festival this year will once again inspire and stimulate the imagination of all those who attend and I wish everyone who participates every enjoyment.”
Last year’s Coca-Cola Cinemagic Festival was launched by IFTA Award-winning Irish actress Saoirse Ronan, while the likes of TV3’s Karen Koster (Xposé) and MTV presenter Laura Whitmore hosted presenting workshops.
For this year’s full festival programme, including public screening schedules and prices, visit www.cinemagic.ie.
