CineMagic is an International Film and Television Festival for Young people with patrons including Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan, Saoirse Ronan and so many more. The Festival ignites an interest in film, arts and creativity, it motivates, educates and inspires local and international young people. It has a special place in my heart because I have seen the team in action and have seen what these young people become directors, actors, creatives in a blossoming film industry.

Over the festivals three decades I have encountered the programme at different stages. Working as a manager in a cinema, I have helped to facilitate film screenings, Q&As and workshops. I even worked on Cinemagics first big premiere and I’ve attended a few others. I e met the charming Luke Evans, the beautiful Laura Whitmore and the talented Jimmy Nesbitt amongst others. Below is a snapshot of my memories!

This year the programme is as ambitious as ever with gala screenings, movies at museums, New World Cinema, roadshows, workshops and so much more. Here are my highlights:

Top of my list!

The Wizard of Oz- 80th Anniversary Screening, Belfast Cathedral, Wednesday 30th October, 7pm

Conversations in Comedy with Saoirse Ronan followed by a screening of Bridesmaids, Thursday 3rd October 7pm, Odeon Belfast

Halloween Roadshow, Hocus Pocus, Halloween, 2pm, Island Arts Centre, Seamus Heaney Homeplace and The Braid Ballymena.

The Greatest Showman plus Q&A with Cinematographer Seamus McGarvey, Saturday 26th October, 2pm

For the little ones:

Princess Emmy, Saturday 19th October 11am

Pororo-Treasure Island Adventure, Saturday 19th October 1pm

In the Night Garden Pyjama Party and Storytelling,Saturday 26th October 2pm

The Parent Trip with an introduction by Vicky McFarland, No Alibis, Sunday 20th October, 6.30pm

For a family day out:

The BIG family breakfast plus a double serving of Wallace & Gromit, Ulster Museum, Saturday 12th October 10.15am

Scared Shrekless & Pumpkin Drama,Ulster Museum, Saturday 26th October 12.30pm

Gala Screening: Abominable, Odeon Belfast, Sunday 6 October, 2pm

Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, Saturday 12 October, 4pm

Strike, Odeon Belfast, Saturday 12th October,10.30am

Toy Story Lego Building with Bricks4kids, Ulster Museum, Saturday 26th October, 1pm

Performing with Puppets with Jo Britland, Ulster Museum, Saturday 26th October, 3pm

That’s just a small selection of a fantastic programme!! To find out more details and to book tickets go to cinemagic.org.uk! Hopefully I shall see you at some of the events!

Emer D xx