20 Teenagers from Hawthorne School District are embarking on a groundbreaking filmmaking initiative with Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People.
Under the guidance of industry professionals, the teenagers will learn key skills and insights as part of an initiative that involves 6 pre-production masterclasses ahead of a weekend film shoot from 7th– 10th March.
Cinemagic aims to utilise film and filmmaking to ignite active and memorable learning and to offer invaluable opportunities to young people so they can voice opinions and create a short film on issues that are passionate to them.
The award-winning Belfast based Cinemagic Film and Television Festival for Young People has been delivering film festivals and programs in Los Angeles since 2010 and its ethos is underpinned by inspiring and motivating its participants via the screen industries.
Cinemagic Chief Executive, Joan Burney Keatings MBE said “With thanks to the Hawthorne School District partners we are able to provide a hands-on, practical and inspiring filmmaking production for teenagers who will get the chance to work both behind and in front of the camera.
The project will offer a wide range of masterclass talks covering all aspects of a film production team and the importance of collaboration and ideas sharing. We are excited to get started and the enthusiasm from the students and educators sets the scene for a brilliant few days of learning and networking and building significant personal growth that will help them fulfil their aspirations.
The project marks the beginning of Cinemagic’s 2024 program in LA with a weeklong event taking place in June, visiting film studios and learning from creative industry professionals uniting teenagers from Northern Ireland and Los Angeles who have never engaged with the arts in this way before.”
“The team from Cinemagic has stoked the creativity of our students, allowing them to put their amazing talents on display,” said Hawthorne School District Superintendent Dr. Brian Markarian. “Through their interaction with industry professionals, they are deepening their knowledge of film production, while working collaboratively to take a project from start to finish. This has been an unforgettable experience for everyone involved and we are truly so grateful to Cinemagic for their partnership and support.”
ENDS//
For all media enquiries please contact Claire Shaw, Cinemagic Press Officer, email claire@cinemagic.org.uk
