Over 250 invited guests attended a red-carpet Cinemagic Showcase Premiere, supported by the Department of Education and The Executive Office, at Movie House Cinemas, Cityside, on 23rd April, to celebrate the achievements of 120 participants in a series of innovative film programmes led by Cinemagic, that culminated in six powerful short films addressing the themes of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Strategy.
The most recently produced films ‘Before/After’ and ‘Not That Bad’, supported by the Department of Education and The Executive Office,were among those premiered at the event hosted by Pete Snodden. Cinemagic writer-director Aidan Largey, local film crews and pupils from Blessed Trinity College, Belfast, and St Joseph’s Boys’ High School, Newry, worked together from script to screen to create two compelling film productions.
Pre-production workshops in disciplines such as script development and filmmaking paved the way for a 2-day film shoot in each location and the initiative not only supported creative and personal growth but also provided a platform for young people to have their voices heard and to become changemakers in their communities.
Cinemagic has been a leader in its field, utilising film to stimulate discussion on the critical issue of Ending Violence Against Women and Girls in Northern Ireland. Additional films featured at the showcase included ‘Closed Doors’, ‘Message Sent’, ‘Impact’ and ‘Likes’, all addressing the overarching theme of Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, with a focus on areas such as consent, coercive control, mental health and harmful attitudes and beliefs about women and girls.
These films have also screened at international festivals and have been recognised with awards. ‘Impact’ which was made as part of the Digital Film Academy delivered by Cinemagic in partnership with North West Regional College (NWRC) and South Eastern Regional College (SERC ), supported by Department for the Economy NI Skill Up Programme, was selected for the Round Reel International Film Festival, New Jersey, USA, where it won Best Film and Best Actress (Eimear Bailie), and it screened at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
The film productions screened at Movie House Cinemas, Cityside, highlight Cinemagic’s ethos to equip young people with valuable life and industry skills, to empower them to tell important stories, and contribute meaningfully to social change. By giving participants the tools to create impactful films and platforming their opinions, the initiative aimed to inform and educate, to shift perceptions, and ultimately help create a safer society for all.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Ending violence against women and girls is a priority for the Executive.
We recently launched our Second Delivery Plan to build on the work we have done to date, and this initiative with Cinemagic is an important part of that work.
Working together across the creative and education sectors, it will support young people to challenge harmful attitudes and engage in important conversations about consent, equality and respect.
“Crucially it will help embed the key values of Ending Violence Against Women and Girls into the heart of communities, while empowering the next generation to play an active role in driving change.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said “These thought-provoking short films demonstrate the importance of meaningful engagement with young people around the issues of violence and coercive control by encouraging empathy, understanding, and responsibility.
“We recently launched our second Delivery Plan for the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework and prevention is at the heart of it. This collaboration with Cinemagic is a brilliant example of using a creative approach to encourage young people to think about their actions and play their part in bringing about lasting change. Thank you to everyone involved in this initiative for helping us to highlight this important issue in such an impactful way.”
Education Minister, Paul Givan added “It was a pleasure to attend this event and recognise the creativity, partnership and most importantly, the young people whose voices and vision are at the heart of this project. The films created by the young people in Newry and North Belfast shine a light not only on the issues that matter to them, but also on their determination to be part of the solutions. I commend Cinemagic for their long-standing commitment to nurturing young talent, and to the schools and partners who supported this inspiring piece of work.”
Cinemagic CEO, Joan Burney Keatings MBE commented “With thanks to the Department of Education and The Executive Office for supporting the productions in Belfast and Newry, and supporting the showcase, we have been able to present an incredible body of work produced in collaboration with many partners who share Cinemagic’s passion and ethos.
Film is a brilliant way to connect with all members of society and to illustrate the impact of violence against women and girls, and the need to change attitudes and behaviours.
Cinemagic has been so impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication of the teenagers and young adults involved in all six of the productions premiered, and we have been able to highlight what is possible when the creative industries, government, education and community unite to achieve a common goal. We are proud of the work we have produced and look forward to reaching more audiences as the films are screened and promoted throughout Northern Ireland and further afield.”
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Press Information: Claire Shaw, Cinemagic Press Officer, 07793025910, claire@cinemagic.org.uk
Films screened at the showcase:
Before / After – Written and Directed by Aidan Largey (Theme Ending Violence Against Women and Girls)
Funded by the Department of Education and The Executive Office
A teen faces trauma and her friends’ doubt in the aftermath of an assault.
Ana is a gifted dancer whose life changes after a sexual assault at a house party. Losing confidence in herself as her friends doubt her story, she connects with Jack, a young footballer battling his own past.
Not That Bad – Written and Directed by Maire Campbell (Theme Ending Violence Against Women and Girls)
Funded by the Department of Education and The Executive Office
When harmful attitudes against women and girls still exists in 2026, surely, we have to stop saying, “it’s not that bad”.
Closed Doors– Written and Directed by Maire Campbell (Theme Ending Violence Against Women and Girls)
Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and selected for the London Lift-Off Film Festival.
Peter confides in his friend, Jaden, about what is really going on behind closed doors when he arrives at school with a black eye.
Message Sent – Written by Maire Campbell and Directed by Aidan Largey (Theme: Consent)
Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and selected for Roscommon Film Festival and Louth International Film Festival. It received a Bronze Award at the Latitude Film Awards UK, won Best Cinematography at the Vancouver Indie Film Festival, and Best Male Director at the London Director Awards.
An exploration of consent and the consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator of non-consensual sharing of explicit images on social media.
Impact -Written and Directed by Aidan Largey (Theme Ending Violence Against Women and Girls)
Part of the Digital Film Academy delivered by Cinemagic in partnership with North West Regional College (NWRC) and South Eastern Regional College (SERC ), supported by Department for the Economy NI Skill Up Programme. Impact was selected for the Round Reel International Film Festival, New Jersey, USA, where it won Best Film and Best Actress (Eimear Bailie), and it screened at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
A spotlight on the justice system from a victim’s point of view and the aftereffects of violence on those left behind.
Likes -Written and Directed by Aidan Largey (Theme Ending Violence Against Women and Girls)
Supported by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Change Fund, as part of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.
A young woman’s seemingly perfect relationship begins to fray as her partner’s attention intensifies.
Charlie is stuck in a dead-end job and in an intense new relationship with Jordan but as Charlie tries to refocus her life and reconnect with her friend group the insecure Jordan begins to exert control over her. Can Charlie break free from suffocating relationship and rediscover who she really is?
