Pupils from St Joseph’s Boys’ High School, Newry, officially wrapped on Cinemagic’s latest film production of ‘Not That Bad’ last week!
Two new Cinemagic film productions filming in North Belfast and Newry were part of a creative programme supported by the Department of Education and The Executive Office. The inspiring programme involved young people from script to screen, who worked alongside Cinemagic award-winning industry professionals to develop and produce powerful and original short films addressing the themes of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.
The project included pre-production workshops and filmmaking and not only supported creative development and personal growth but also provided a platform for young people to have their voices heard, become changemakers in their communities, and highlight important social issues. As part of the programme, each participant will receive a credit on the short film, which will be entered into international film festivals.
Participants were mentored by Cinemagic writers and directors to shape the production and gained hands-on industry experience and collaborated to create a film that will be used as a promotional and educational tool across Northern Ireland and beyond.
This initiative forms part of Cinemagic’s wider goal to equip young people with valuable life and industry skills, empower them to tell important stories, and contribute meaningfully to social change. By giving participants the tools to create a compelling film and platforming their opinions, the project aims to stimulate discussion, shift perceptions, and ultimately help create a safer society for all.
Education Minister, Paul Givan commented “It’s inspiring to see young people from Belfast and Newry develop their filmmaking skills and also use those skills to shine a light on such an important issue. My Department is proud to support Cinemagic in delivering a programme that goes far beyond the classroom, giving young people a meaningful platform to become true changemakers in their communities. I look forward to seeing these films reach audiences across Northern Ireland and beyond.”
Cinemagic CEO, Joan Burney Keatings MBE said “With thanks to funding from the Department of Education and The Executive Office, Cinemagic was able to offer an incredible opportunity to teenagers in Belfast and Newry to help them develop practical filmmaking skills as well as addressing and learning about the critical issue of violence against women and girls. We were able to inform and educate young people as well as giving them a platform to stimulate discussion. We have been impressed with the dedication of the pupils involved and the talents on display through a brilliant collaboration between the screen industry, artists, the education sector, and community.”
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Press Information : Claire Shaw, Cinemagic Press Officer, claire@cinemagic.org.uk 07793025910 or 028 90 311 900
