The Coca-Cola Cinemagic Festival Kicks Off, Runs Thru December 2

Young people have the opportunity to get in the picture as The Coca-Cola Cinemagic Festival, funded by Northern Ireland Screen supported by DCAL, opened in Belfast yesterday (16th November) and runs for 17 action packed days until 2nd December.

Four cinematic events marked the return of the highly anticipated Festival which was officially opened by Game of Thrones actress, Hannah Murray, T4 TV Presenter Jameela Jamil and Roger DelPozo, New York Film Academy. The opening events included a preview screening of animated French mystery, A Cat in Paris, a special HBO Game of Thrones showcase and panel discussion, a New York Film Academy filmmaking session and a screening of The Wizard of Oz.

Along with a feast of films from around the world, 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 Mark Kermode will be ‘in conversation' with the Belfast audiences ahead of a screening of The Buddy Holly Story.

Cinemagic is 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 include Northern Ireland actors, Colin Morgan (BBC's Merlin) and Martin McCann (Killing Bono). Cinemagic is also searching for creative young filmmakers for its ‘Cast Away' podcast challenge, themed on the Titanic, which is being run in association with Titanic Belfast (cinemagic.org.uk/worldwide.aspx)

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 in Belfast this year for the young people of Northern Ireland. Through our continued core funding, supported by DCAL, Northern Ireland Screen acknowledges the Cinemagic Film Festival in Belfast 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 to Joan and her team for another successful festival."

Arts Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín said: "This year's festival programme has a very impressive range of activities on offer for the thousands of children who participate every year. My Department is proud to support the Cinemagic festival which has gone from strength to strength during the 21 years it has been running."

Maire Campbell, Coca-Cola HBC 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.
Belfast City Council is supporting both the main Cinemagic festival and the Takeover Film Weekend. The Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile, congratulated all involved with both events, saying "Projects such as these make a positive difference to the lives of the young people involved and provide an insight into the exciting opportunities offered by our thriving creative industries. I am delighted that Belfast City Council is supporting these extremely exciting ventures and wish them every success."

The Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland MLA, today said "Cinemagic has developed a worldwide reputation for excellence in children's programming and is currently the largest and longest running film event for young people in the UK. Following its tremendous success in recent years, Cinemagic has become one of the most "celebratory, must attend" events in Belfast's social calendar. Cinemagic which will be hosted in several venues in the Laganside area offers something for all and I would encourage everyone to attend. I recognise the enormous contribution that event organisers have made to make this event successful and the contribution Cinemagic and all the other arts organisations that have made and are continuing to make to the regeneration of the Laganside area. I would like to wish Cinemagic every success for their event this year."
Susie McCullough, Director of Marketing and Events, Northern Ireland Tourist Board commented, "We are delighted to support Cinemagic Belfast 2011. The offering of a fantastic range of cinema and associated events aimed at families and young people which is value for money, is a great draw for visitors to Belfast and Northern Ireland. The festival is innovative and will not only bring colour to Belfast but will help generate a "feel good" factor for all to enjoy."

Festival Films
Gala Screenings
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, Holland and 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.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)
The Coca-Cola Cinemagic Festival will culminate with a special awards ceremony in Belfast City Hall on 2 Dec which will showcase and acknowledge young talent and celebrate the creative industries.

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 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.