Cinemagic, in collaboration with British Consulate Los Angeles, has produced a short film, Heaven on Earth, that focuses on climate change from the point of view of a young activist.
The short film is inspired by the real-life story of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Jordan High School student, Heaven Watson, who became an environmental activist while contending with various environment-related health concerns at her high school. In keeping with many of Cinemagic’s short films this production focuses on social responsibility to inspire change and give a platform to the opinions and voices of young people. The participants in Heaven on Earth will have the chance to develop their talents and employability skills in a range of production areas as well as earn a credit on the film. The production’s objective is to stimulate debate and discussion on environmental topics including environmental stewardship among youth in Los Angeles.
Heaven on Earth, which will premiere at Jordan High School on 15 March, 2023 is a ground-breaking production, offering practical and hands-on experience in filmmaking to its students and surrounding community.
Joan Burney Keatings MBE, Cinemagic Chief Executive said, “We are delighted to deliver the important message around and spark debate on climate change among young people with this production. It has all been made possible thanks to our unwavering relationship with The British Consulate General Los Angeles and the GREAT Programme. Collectively this film will inspire, provoke and help share the story of our planet from a young person’s perspective.”
Emily Cloke British Consul General in Los Angeles said, “This project gives young people a platform to express their thoughts, hopes and fears about how their generation will live with climate change. This is a wonderful example of the strong links between the British and Los Angeles film industries, and I will be proud to share those stories.”
The GREAT Programme is the UK Government’s flagship international marketing campaign showcasing all four corners of the UK, not only capturing all that is familiar about the United Kingdom, but also what is new and surprising. GREAT encourages people around the world to think and feel differently about the UK so they want to visit, do business, invest and study in the UK. The GREAT Challenge Fund provides funding and communications expertise to enable Posts to deliver GREAT activations overseas.
Cinemagic’s artistic footprint in Los Angeles spans 13 years, during which it has engaged with thousands of young people and schools in partnership with all the major film studios and production companies.
Ends:// Press Information contact BCG.LosAngeles@fcdo.gov.uk and claire@cinemagic.org.uk
Notes to Editor:
The British Consulate in Los Angeles represents the interests of the United Kingdom in Southern California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah, as well as the US Pacific Territories. As part of our commitment to building deeper relationships with the United States, we work within communities to strengthen the bonds between our people and act as a force for good along with our shared values.
Cinemagic:
Cinemagic is an award-winning non-profit film organization, founded 34 years ago during the Northern Ireland conflict to exhibit world cinema through an annual festival programme and to teach young people about film making through workshops, masterclasses and film productions. It has produced hundreds of short films about issues of concern to young people, from bullying, mental health and discrimination to climate change and the environment. It has also produced feature films A Christmas Star and Grace and Goliath. Supported by industry leaders including Liam Neeson, Colin Farrell, Saoirse Ronan, Pierce Brosnan, Alan Silvestri and M. Night Shyamalan, Cinemagic reaches some 40,000 young people each year. It educates the next generation of filmmakers, from camera operators and sound engineers to actors writers and directors, with a particular focus on diversity and those who might face barriers against entering the industry. Cinemagic delivers programs and festivals in Belfast, Dublin, London, New York and Los Angeles. Abia is its first project in the Middle East.
