Applications Open for Cinemagic Digital Film Academy 2025/26 – Training the Next Generation of Filmmakers Across Northern Ireland

October 14, 2025

Cinemagic has announced the return of its highly acclaimed Cinemagic Digital Film Academy, inviting participants aged 18 and over from across Northern Ireland to apply for the 2025/26 programme.

Delivered in partnership with North West Regional College (NWRC), South Eastern Regional College (SERC), Southern Regional College (SRC) and South West College (SWC), and supported by the Skills Fund, Delivering the Minister’s Economic Vision, the initiative offers hands-on industry training, professional mentoring and recognised qualifications designed to kick-start careers in film and television.

Running from November 2025 to May 2026, the Cinemagic Digital Film Academy provides participants with the opportunity to learn every stage of the filmmaking process — from concept development and pre-production through to on-set experience. The course is fully funded and open to individuals aged 18+ and are eager to gain practical industry experience.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “Screen industries are thriving throughout the north, and there is clear demand for people with skills in this field. I am delighted that through the Skills Fund my Department is supporting these courses so that more people can gain industry recognised qualifications and be in a strong position to kick-start a career in this exciting Sector.”

Apply Now – Turn Your Creative Vision Into Reality

Applications are now open for the Cinemagic Digital Film Academy 2025/26.
No experience is required — just enthusiasm, creativity, and a passion for storytelling.

APPLY TODAY

Deadline: extended to Friday 12th December

Eligibility

To apply, participants must:

Be aged 18 or over
Be eligible to work in Northern Ireland

Programme Overview

Participants will take part in a series of interactive workshops and masterclasses led by industry professionals, alongside film shoots in Derry/Londonderry and Belfast. Each college partner will deliver accredited learning aligned to their own examination bodies but equal in calibre, ensuring consistent quality and recognition across all campuses.

Key sessions include:

Concept to Screen with guest Directors
Scriptwriting Workshop
CV and Signposting Workshop
Production Management Workshop
Locations and Sustainability Workshop
Director of Photography Workshop

Two film projects will be produced through the programme:

Director Group 1 Shoot (SERC and SRC): Location TBC, but likely in Belfast
Director Group 2 Shoot (NWRC and SWC): Location TBC, but likely in Derry/Londonderry

Full accreditation and workshop schedules listed below.

**Please note that all dates and times are subject to change. While every effort will be made to maintain the published schedule, adjustments may be necessary due to the availability of guest hosts, filming locations, or equipment. Any changes will be communicated to participants in advance wherever possible.

Cinemagic Workshop Dates:

*PLEASE NOTE THESE DATES MAY VARY SLIGHTLY*