Minister visits International Film Camp

Arts Minister, Nelson McCausland today visited the Cinemagic International Film Camp at the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast.

Cinemagic is an award-winning organisation that uses the magic of film and all forms of moving image to entertain, educate motivate and inspire young people. They cater for young people (aged 4 to 25) with just about every level of interest in film, whether to watch and enjoy, create their own work or take things a stage further and find out more about a career in the film or television industry.

The Film Camp involves children and young people from Belfast, Dublin, New York and Los Angeles making a short film which will be screened on UTV and then later at various Cinemagic International Festivals, including Belfast, Dublin, New York, Los Angeles, Boston and San Francisco.

Speaking after meeting the young performers Minister McCausland said: “This Film Camp is a unique opportunity for young people to share experiences and learn about each others cultures, whilst showcasing Belfast as a city of culture, arts and innovation. Indeed the camp is another excellent opportunity to promote the latest edition to our local arts infrastructure, the newly refurbished Crescent Arts Centre.”

The Northern Ireland Executive contributed £4.5million towards the total funding cost of £7.2million for the refurbishment project which included preservation of the exterior façade of the Grade II listed building, an extension, the reconfiguration of existing rooms, and a café area.

The Minister added: “The Film Camp being staged at the Crescent Arts Centre is testimony to the diverse selection of classes and workshops in music, dance and drama, visual arts and verbal arts for all ages and communities held at the Centre. The Crescent continues to flourish and I understand that the attendance and participation figures are currently at record levels.”

Notes to editors:

1. Cinemagic was established in 1989 as a registered charity and in the early 1990’s as an international children’s film festival. It uses film, television and all forms of moving image to entertain, educate, inspire and broaden understanding and awareness of the media industries among young people aged from 4 to 25 years.
2. Cinemagic is hosting its first ever International Film Camp from 16 – 20 August 2010 involving young people aged 15 -18 from Belfast (four Partnerships areas), Dublin, Donegal, New York and Los Angeles. The young people will come together to write and create a short film under the guidance of Industry Professionals.
3. Over the last three years, funding from Northern Ireland Screen and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has enabled Cinemagic to provide primary and post-primary schools in Northern Ireland (45 to date) with the necessary support to run After School Film Clubs as part of extended school day activities.
4. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 90 515 045 or email DCAL Press Office . Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.