Award-winning youth film charity Cinemagic returned to Los Angeles last week for an exclusive week of film industry opportunities that culminated in the annual Cinemagic LA Showcase at The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica, on 26 June, hosted by award winning writer director Maire Campbell, celebrating emerging creative talent, international collaboration and youth storytelling.
The uplifting showcase featured performances from Cinemagic participants, screenings of new Cinemagic produced films, including Invisible Power, written by Maire Campbell, and directed by filmmaker and cinematographer Sarah Brandes, the event was a true celebration of youth creativity attended by invited special guests from across the creative industries. Young performers from local Los Angeles schools joined participants from Ireland and Northern Ireland and Canada for a unique evening of joy and inspiration.
Northern Ireland Bureau, Screen Ireland, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Communify worked partnership with Cinemagic to bring together young creatives from Northern Ireland, Ireland, Los Angeles and Canada for a week-long programme of industry immersion, cultural exchange and creative development.
Now in its 17th year, Cinemagic Los Angeles continues to position the Belfast-based organisation as an international leader in youth screen industries engagement, connecting young people with world-class creative opportunities while nurturing talent, confidence and meaningful industry relationships.
This year, 21 young people from across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Canada travelled to Los Angeles to participate in an exclusive programme of workshops, studio experiences, screenings and professional insight sessions, alongside young people from Los Angeles and Canada, including students from Prairie Vista Middle School.
Across the week-long programme, participants gained exclusive access to leading creative organisations and experiences including bespoke industry insight sessions with Artists Equity and Imagine Entertainment, a careers-focused day at Warner Bros. Studios, featuring a special’ in conversation’ opportunity with Dan Dark OBE, and visits to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Griffith Observatory.
The programme also included a creative performance strand led by acclaimed Writer/Director Maire Campbell, alongside a Writers’ Room session facilitated by Screenwriter Ryan Rowe and Writer/Director Kirsten Sheridan,encouraging participants to explore storytelling, collaboration and performance while building confidence and friendships across cultures.
Joan Burney Keatings MBE, Cinemagic CEO, said: “We were honoured to collaborate with our partners from Northern Ireland, Ireland, Los Angeles and Canada to present this year’s Cinemagic Los Angeles week. The shared ethos amongst everyone involved is a catalyst for Cinemagic to continue to offer the highest quality opportunities for young people in the creative industries. Cinemagic is passionate about nurturing the next generation of film talent and we were so proud to showcase their work and watch them thrive as they take their next steps into this exciting industry.
Désirée Finnegan, Screen Ireland Chief Executive, said: “Screen Ireland is delighted to support the Cinemagic LA Showcase this year, and the Film Futures Short Film Academy. The Academy has provided a fantastic opportunity for creatives to work together and gain insights into building a career in the screen industry. We hope it inspires, educates and empowers all of the participants, on their journey to becoming the next generation of storytellers.”
Richard Cushnie, Northern Ireland Bureau North America Director, said “The Bureau is proud to partner with Cinemagic to showcase Northern Ireland’s creative industries, and support young people to develop the confidence and ambition to succeed on a global stage.
“From Game of Thrones and Derry Girls to How to Train Your Dragon and the Oscar-winning film Hamnet, Northern Ireland’s reputation for world-class story telling continues to grow, creating pathways and opportunities for young people interested in a career in the creative industries.
“Through programmes like Cinemagic Los Angeles, young people gain access to international collaboration, industry insight and opportunities that will help shape their futures. And I have no doubt Cinemagic’s continued commitment to nurturing talent and building meaningful connections will inspire generations to come.”
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