Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/13/2014 -- The Cinemagic International Film & Television Festival for Young People took place on March 10th 2014, at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica.
Throughout the evening guest speakers discussed their support for such an incredible charity that has raised awareness for its film and television and arts programs in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the United States. Speakers included First Minister the Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA, deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA, Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody, and the charismatic MC for the evening Ross King.
Guests were treated to spirited performances from the exceptionally talented group of young people from Northern Ireland as well Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles. The extraordinary young people participating in Cinemagic this year blew the audience away with their premiere screening of their short film “Punch” made at Cinemagic’s International Film Camp. The film dealt with a young girls struggle with domestic violence and her transformation from troubled teen to young adult through boxing; the film earned a well-deserved standing ovation.
The evening came to a close with a Q&A from entertainment industry professionals such as Peter Devlin (Sound Mixer, Thor, Iron Man 3), Ian Fox (Camera Operator, The Amazing Spiderman), Bernie Caulfield (Executive Producer, Game of Thrones), Lance O Connor (Producer) and Paula Malcolmson (Hunger Games).
Guests Included
Courteney Cox (Cougar Town), Gary Lightbody (Snow Patrol), Rory Cochrane (Argo), Damian McGinty (Glee), Ross King (TV Host), Darwin Shaw (The Bible), Jamie Gray Hyder (True Blood), Ocatvius J. Johnson (Intelligence), Russ Bain (Intelligence), Emma Fuhrmann (Blended), Desi Valentine (Singer/Songwriter).
Cinemagic Los Angeles engaged with young people from Northern Ireland and Los Angeles over 10 days of festival activity which boasted a wide programme of events with industry masterclasses, Q&A’s, and studio tours. Young people got insights into organizations such as The Jim Henson Company, HBO, Walt Disney Animation Studios, 20th Century Fox, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, New York Film Academy, Aero Film, Creative Visions Foundation.
About Cinemagic
Cinemagic is an award winning film and television festival/organization based in Northern Ireland, which embraces the magic of film, television and digital technologies. The purpose is to educate, motivate and inspire young people, between the ages of 4-25, through film screenings, industry workshops, practical master classes, filmmaking projects and outreach activities. It has been recognized for its ability to engage with young people, to stimulate discussion and to provide opportunities to learn from leading film and television professionals
Cinemagic Patrons
Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan, Dermot O'Leary, Terry George, Brian Cox, Lisa Henson, Suranne Jones, Julian Fellowes, Christine Bleakley, Seamus Mc Garvey, Patrick Bergin, Ros Hubbard, John Hubbard, Gary Knell, Rachel Kavanagh, Aidan Power, Mark Huffman, Saoirse Ronan, Craig Doyle, Robbie Sheehan, Bruce Reynolds, Terry Bamber & Bronagh Waugh.