WHAT IS THE FILM?
‘A Christmas Star’ is a feature length film
set in a picturesque village in Northern Ireland. It tells the heart-warming story of Noelle,
a spirited and special 9-year old. Her story is a journey of self-discovery,
faith, doubt and loyalty as she fights to instill the true meaning of
Christmas.
This hugely exciting project will be the first
of its kind and will showcase young talent to a global audience. ‘A Christmas
Star’ will be the first production to combine culture, arts, politics,
and skills development, and to broadcast simultaneously on BBC Northern Ireland
and UTV.
On
hand to help the young people involved with the film making process are a host
of Academy, BAFTA and Tony award-winning professionals. The project includes a
voiceover provided by Liam Neeson, input from award winning Producers Iain
Smith and Gareth Ellis-Unwin and was launched by Lord Julian Fellowes.
The industry professionals will
mentor young people throughout the film production process from script to
screen, giving invaluable insights to the world of filmmaking and sharing their
wealth of experience to help develop young people’s skills across various film
disciplines ranging from directing, acting and production to script editing,
film composition, and costume/makeup.
'A Christmas Star' is a story that will connect
people to the country, its stories, its places, its beauty, its personalities
its arts and heritage. It will remove barriers and break down differences to
help young people develop new skills, confidence and create a
feature film that will resonate culturally for years to come.
WHY DO WE NEED YOUR HELP?
‘A Christmas Star’ is an extremely ambitious
project, and our key focus is the experiences and memories that it will create
for everyone involved.
With your help we can ensure that the young
people involved have the very best training. Donations will ensure more
support, more workshops, more involvement and more time with the incredible
team who have offered their time to the project.
We want the young people involved to develop
skills that will be valuable for their career and lead them into employment
that in the long run will build a sustainable creative economy.
This
means that every donation towards this project will enhance their experience
and their ability levels, leaving them with a lasting memory of the project and
a solid skill base with which to continue their education.
The final scene will bring together 12,000 people for a
climatic final song, written especially for the film.
A huge career-enhancing accolade!
But you can't fill an electricity generator on goodwill alone, and that's why we need your help to fund this production and bring "A Christmas Star" to the screen!
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WHO IS BEHIND CINEMAGIC AND 'A CHRISTMAS STAR'?
Cinemagic Chief
Executive, Joan Burney Keatings, MBE said “Cinemagic is a model of
excellence in using the creative industries to inspire social and economical
change. It is also a vehicle which can bring young people together irrespective
of their race, religion or economic background to engage in intercultural
dialogue and break down barriers in a positive and educational, creative
environment. This project will improve the quality of skills and employment of
many young people, impact the lives of many across the Island and leave a
vibrant legacy which will be seen by thousands.”
Writer of ‘A Christmas Star’, Maire Campbell said “I hope that this Christmas story
brings warmth, laughter and magic into living rooms across the world. That it
might ignite the possibility that we all have magical talents and inspire us to
search for our purpose in life- to rally against evil and stand up for what we
believe in. The film aims to showcase a ‘new’ Northern Ireland and Ireland, a
community where friendship, not war prevails, where beauty, imagination and
humour reign supreme!
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WHAT IS CINEMAGIC?
Established in Belfast in 1989, Cinemagic’s aim
was to bring together young people in a safe environment where they could meet
each other, learn about their respective cultures and traditions and develop
new skills and confidence.
Cinemagic has gone on to develop a worldwide
reputation for excellence in children’s programming. It is currently the
largest film event for young people in Ireland and the UK, attracting over
35,000 people annually.
To date Cinemagic has engaged with over 500,000
young people and screened over 3,000 films. Cinemagic now annually delivers
festivals in Belfast, Dublin, France, New York, Los Angeles and, as of 2014,
London.
Leading professionals who have been involved
with Cinemagic include- Pierce Brosnan, Liam Neeson, Dermot O’ Leary, Lord
Julian Fellowes, Gareth Ellis-Unwin, Iain Smith, Suranne Jones,
Patrick Doyle, Terry Bamber, Christine Bleakley, Brian Cox, John and Ros
Hubbard, Seamus McGarvey, Saoirse Ronan and many more!
'A Christmas Star' is supported by OFMDFM, Creative Skillset, Tourism Ireland, Aer Lingus, BBC Northern Ireland, UTV and DSD.
www.cinemagic.org.uk
Registered Charity Number- XR28542