Cinemagic is proud to announce the launch of its Film Futures Short Film Academy, a structured, mentor-led introduction to filmmaking designed specifically for students aged 16–19 from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The innovative programme, supported by Screen Ireland, blends creative inspiration with hands-on industry experience, enabling participants to explore both technical and creative career routes in real production settings.
A key challenge for young people today is the lack of clear pathways into the screen sector. Screen Ireland’s 2023 report highlighted that many students feel underprepared for industry work and are unaware of the breadth of roles available. Film Futures directly addresses that issue! Over the course of four months, students will collaborate with professional Directors, DOPs, Sound Engineers, Producers, and other crew members on a short film – this content of which will be determined by the cohort of young people. Participants will benefit from:
- Early exposure to real-world filmmaking – gaining practical insight from script to screen.
- Industry mentorship – masterclasses and on-set guidance from leading professionals.
- Practical crew roles – building technical skills and learning the importance of collaboration across departments.
- A real credit on a collaborative short film, produced and guided by industry professionals!
The programme schedule mirrors professional industry workflow, with training in script-writing/directing, camera, and sound, an industry careers masterclass, script development sessions, and two full shoot days.
By guiding participants from concept to wrap, Film Futures demystifies the screen industry, raises awareness of the diverse careers available, and equips young people with the skills, confidence, and networks to take their first steps into the sector.
This is your chance to gain real industry insight and earn a credit on a short film that will be submitted to international film festivals.
Deadline: Thursday 11th December 2025
Cinemagic invites Transition Year/Year 12-Year 14 students (aged 16–19) from NI and ROI with an interest in film, storytelling, or creative industries to apply for this unique opportunity.
Cinemagic CEO, Joan Burney Keatings MBE said “We are delighted with support from Screen Ireland to be embarking on our Film Futures project. The support enables Cinemagic to offer a hands-on, practical filmmaking opportunity to help develop young people’s skills in the screen industries. We are looking forward to being able to inspire and motivate emerging filmmakers and to give them an insight to creating a film from script to screen. It is vital to help nurture young talent so that they are equipped when furthering their experience and careers in this vibrant industry. It will be a brilliant opportunity for young people from across Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland to collaborate creatively on work together on a common goal.”
Colman Farrell, Head of Skills and Professional Development at Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland said: “Screen Ireland is delighted to support Cinemagic for the Film Futures Short Film Academy through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme. This new cross-border initiative presents an exciting opportunity for young people from across the island of Ireland to gain insight into the practical filmmaking process and to explore the wide range of careers available in the screen industry. We hope this programme will inspire the forging of new creative collaborations between next generation filmmaking talent and empower them to develop their own unique vision for storytelling on screen. We wish them all the best and look forward to seeing their progress.”
No prior qualifications or experience in the creative industries is required. The project is looking for individuals from all backgrounds with a passion for filmmaking, and who wish to further their skills and work on a practical filmmaking project.
Deadline: Thursday 11th December 2025
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed 16th – 19th December from 4pm
Successful interviewees will be notified w/c Monday 22nd December 2025
Session 1 – Script Development and Training Day – in person: 10/01/2026
Session 2 – Industry Professional Masterclass – Zoom: 28/01/2026
Session 3 – Initial Script Feedback Session – Zoom: 25/02/2026
Session 4 – Script Feedback Second Draft/Casting/Locations Update – Zoom: 24/03/2026
Session 5 – Pre-production Call – Zoom: 01/04/2026
Film Shoot: 18/04/2026 – 19/04/2026
*Travel bursaries are provided to support students in genuine financial need who would be unable to attend without support.
Media Enquiries
For press or media enquiries, please contact:
Claire Shaw
Press & Marketing Officer, Cinemagic
claire@cinemagic.org.uk
www.cinemagic.org.uk
