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 includes international film screenings, movie premieres, industry Q&A’s, discussions, and master classes in all aspects of filmmaking.
SHORT FILMS (UNDER 20 MINS)
The Cinemagic short film programme is a competitive category with a monetary prize, physical award and certificate presented to winning filmmakers in the following categories:
- BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FOR A CHILDREN’S AUDIENCE
- BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FOR A TEENAGE AUDIENCE
- BEST IRISH MADE SHORT FILM FOR A FAMILY AUDIENCE
Please note: We have x 2 international categories and a bespoke category for Irish made films only. We reserve the right to change award headings & create additional awarded strands.
Shortlisted films will screen publicly, and winners will be judged by the audience members in attendance.
Films made within the years 2025 – 2026 are eligible for competition. We are interested in all types of films and programmes made for children and young people from preschool through to young adult.
*All entries should be in English or in their original language with English subtitles. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: 24th July 2026. Entries will be viewed by a previewing committee including a panel of young programmers (Cinemagic’s ‘Young Consultants’). Successful entrants will be notified by 14th August 2026.
FEATURE FILMS
The Cinemagic feature film programme is a competitive category with a physical award and certificate presented to winning filmmakers in the following categories:
- BEST FEATURE FILM FOR A CHILDREN’S AUDIENCE
- BEST FEATURE FILM FOR A YOUTH AUDIENCE
- BEST FEATURE FILM FOR A TEENAGE AUDIENCE
Please note: The feature category is open to submissions from all over the world. We reserve the right to change award headings & create additional awarded strands.
Shortlisted films will screen publicly and will be judged by juries of children and young people.
Please note: There is no monetary prize in the Feature Film categories.
Films made within the years 2024 – 2026 are eligible for competition. We are interested in all types of films and programmes made for children and young people from preschool through to young adult.
*All entries should be in English or in their original language with English subtitles.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: 24th July 2026. Entries will be viewed by a previewing committee including a panel of young programmers (Cinemagic’s ‘Young Consultants’). Successful entrants will be notified by 14th August 2026.
For more information:
Email: chris@cinemagic.org.uk
Web: www.cinemagic.org.uk
PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a call for Cinemagic Young Filmmaker 2026. Young Filmmaker is a separate competition. Please find more details on YFM 2026 by clicking this link.
