Award-winning youth film charity Cinemagic returned to Los Angeles last week for a dynamic week of industry engagement, culminating in the annual Cinemagic LA Showcase at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica on June 26. Hosted by award-winning writer-director Maire Campbell, the showcase celebrated emerging creative talent, international collaboration, and the power of youth storytelling.
The uplifting event featured live performances from Cinemagic participants and screenings of newly produced films, including Invisible Power, written by Maire Campbell and directed by filmmaker and cinematographer Sarah Brandes. The evening brought together invited guests from across the creative industries, with young performers from Los Angeles schools joining participants from Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Canada for a vibrant celebration of creativity and connection.
Joan Burney Keatings MBE, Cinemagic CEO, comments, “We were honoured to collaborate with our partners from Northern Ireland, Ireland, Los Angeles and Canada to present this year’s Cinemagic Los Angeles week. The shared ethos amongst everyone involved is a catalyst for Cinemagic to continue to offer the highest quality opportunities for young people in the creative industries. Cinemagic is passionate about nurturing the next generation of film talent and we were so proud to showcase their work and watch them thrive as they take their next steps into this exciting industry.”
Cinemagic delivered the week-long program in partnership with Northern Ireland Bureau, Screen Ireland, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Communify, uniting young creatives from Northern Ireland, Ireland, Los Angeles, and Canada through a shared experience of industry immersion, cultural exchange, and creative development.
Désirée Finnegan, Screen Ireland Chief Executive, comments, “Screen Ireland is delighted to support the Cinemagic LA Showcase this year, and the Film Futures Short Film Academy. The Academy has provided a fantastic opportunity for creatives to work together and gain insights into building a career in the screen industry. We hope it inspires, educates and empowers all of the participants, on their journey to becoming the next generation of storytellers.”
“The Bureau is proud to partner with Cinemagic to showcase Northern Ireland’s creative industries, and support young people to develop the confidence and ambition to succeed on a global stage,” says Richard Cushnie, Northern Ireland Bureau North America Director. “From Game of Thrones and Derry Girls to How to Train Your Dragon and the Oscar-winning film Hamnet, Northern Ireland’s reputation for world-class story telling continues to grow, creating pathways and opportunities for young people interested in a career in the creative industries.”
“Through programmes like Cinemagic Los Angeles, young people gain access to international collaboration, industry insight and opportunities that will help shape their futures. And I have no doubt Cinemagic’s continued commitment to nurturing talent and building meaningful connections will inspire generations to come,” he adds.
Now in its 17th year, Cinemagic Los Angeles continues to position the Belfast-based organization as a global leader in youth screen industry engagement—connecting young people with world-class opportunities while nurturing talent, confidence, and meaningful industry relationships.
This year, 21 young participants from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and Canada traveled to Los Angeles to take part in an exclusive program of workshops, studio experiences, screenings, and professional insight sessions. They were joined by peers from Los Angeles and Canada, including students from Prairie Vista Middle School.
Throughout the week, participants gained access to leading creative organizations and experiences, including bespoke sessions with Artists Equity and Imagine Entertainment, as well as a careers-focused day at Warner Bros. Studios featuring a special in-conversation event with Dan Dark OBE. Additional highlights included visits to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Griffith Observatory.
The program also featured a creative performance strand led by Maire Campbell, alongside a Writers’ Room session facilitated by screenwriter Ryan Rowe and writer-director Kirsten Sheridan. These sessions encouraged participants to develop storytelling skills, collaborate creatively, and build confidence while forming cross-cultural connections.
Photos Courtesy of Cinemagic.
