Irish made and Irish inspired films will form a large part of Cinemagic’s On the Pulse Festival in Belfast this weekend.
The festival, which celebrates the short film genre, runs throughout March with a mix of films, workshops and young filmmaker celebrations.
Over St Patrick’s weekend there will be screenings of Wilde Stories, the animated trilogy based on three of Oscar Wilde’s best-loved children’s short stories: The Devoted Friend; The Selfish Giant and The Nightingale and the Rose.
The work of Kilkenny animation studios Cartoon Saloon will be celebrated with the screening of Wolfwalkers, feature-length animation about friendship and loyalty, and a series of their short films.
Celtic Myths & Legends Tales at Twilight storytelling session with Liz Weir will transports children’s imaginations into the magical world of Irish folklore. Stories of St. Patrick, leprechauns, fairies, and mermaids will all be explored in this mischievous and fun-filled afternoon event for all the family.
Other highlights this weekend include screenings of two episodes (Jack and Nancy and Zagazoo) from the new animated series Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures, and a Q&A for curious minds with series producer, Tess Cumin.
The exhibition of the 2023/24 Cinemagic BFI Film Academy Short Courses films and Cinemagic produced cross-border and cross community films made in partnership with young trainees will also be premiered.
On the Pulse runs until March 30 featuring beautiful new films such as Edmond and Lucy’s Wonderful Winter, classic on-screen antics from Scooby- Doo, Yogi Bear, and Tom and Jerry as well as kids’ favourites Lost and Found, The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Peter Rabbit!
Masterclass and workshop highlights for students and emerging filmmakers feature Directing with Paddy Breathnach (Rosie, The Dry), Documentary Filmmaking with Daniel Gordon (Hillsborough, George Best: All by Himself) and Animation Directing with Jeroen Jaspaert (Stick Man).
Hands-on insights and learnings from short form film, social media, animation, gaming, dance and broadcasting come from industry guests including Meesha Garbett, Dean McCullough, and Gemma Bradley, all set to inspire next-gen creatives.
Joan Burney Keatings MBE, Cinemagic CEO said: “Cinemagic On The Pulse is designed to motivate and inspire young people from all backgrounds as we celebrate and promote the shorts genre. The programme offers a contemporary season of the very best international films for young audiences as well as showcasing shorts made by local filmmakers.
“On The Pulse also illustrates the importance of short filmmaking in the development of practical skills and in the development of sustainable careers in the creative industries.”
Booking at www.wegottickets.com/cinemagic and www.queensfilmtheatre.com
