Belfast-based charity Cinemagic held its third annual Cinemagic Los Angeles Film and Television Festival for Young People in recent days. Founded in 1989, Cinemagic seeks to inspire the youth of Ireland through the magic of film.

The event was supported by international superstar and Co. Meath native Pierce Brosnan, who held a Q&A session for students at Pepperdine University’s Center for Entertainment, Media and Culture.

“I am delighted to be joining Cinemagic once again to share my experience in film and television with students from Ireland and Los Angeles,” Brosnan said. “Cinemagic offers a unique educational experience to students who might otherwise not receive the chance to learn about the entertainment industry.”

Nine teenagers, seven from Northern Ireland and two from the Republic of Ireland, made the trip to LA to represent Cinemagic. The group had participated in a film camp in Belfast last summer along with two students from LA, and created a short film in only five days. The film, titled The Box, was shown during the festival. Marquee names which Cinemagic partnered with to put the program together included 20th Century Fox, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Disney, HBO and the Jim Henson Company.

“Our industry partners came on board to share their knowledge and skills with young people, through workshops, film screenings and question and answer sessions,” said Joan Burney Keatings, chief executive of the festival. “This interaction provides vital encouragement for young people, inspiring them to pursue their ambitions.”