Cinemagic is an international film festival for young people based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was established in 1990 and over the years it has developed a worldwide reputation for excellence in children’s programming and is currently the largest award-winning children’s film festival in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The festival funded by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen includes international film screenings, movie premieres, industry Q&A’s, discussions, competitions, and master classes in all aspects of filmmaking.
Cinemagic is a competitive festival with a physical award and certificate presented to winning filmmakers in the following categories:
- CineSeekers Award ‘Best Feature Film’ for a Children’s Audience.
- CineSeekers Award ‘Best Short Film’ for a Children’s Audience.
- CineFocus Award ‘Best Feature Film’ for a Teenage Audience.
- CineFocus Award ‘Best Short Film’ for a Teenage Audience.
Films made within the years 2023 – 2025 are eligible for competition. The Festival is interested in all types of films and programmes made for children and young people from preschool through to young adult. *Please note, this is for our Main Festival Programme, not ‘Young Filmmaker‘.
To enter see more info here https://cinemagic.org.uk/festival-submissions/ and using the official entry form please send an online screener link along with a completed competition entry form to chris@cinemagic.org.uk
*All entries should be in English or in their original language with English subtitles.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: 25th July 2025. All entries will be judged by a previewing committee including a panel of young programmers (Cinemagic’s ‘Young Consultants’). Successful entrants will be notified by 15th August 2025.
The 36th Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People runs from 1st to 31st October 2025.
