Oscar-winning screenwriter, Julian Fellowes, will lend his support to ‘Cast Away’, an international pod-cast challenge for young people, launched this week by Cinemagic Film Festival and Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic Visitor Experience.

As part of the celebrations to mark the opening of Titanic Belfast, in spring 2012, and to recognise the legacy of Titanic in its centenary year, creative young people worldwide are being asked to participate in this multi-media event and submit a short video pod-cast themed around Titanic. The genre of the pod-cast can take any form - fact or fiction, contemporary or period drama, news programme or documentary.

Entries will be shortlisted in three age categories, 10-14, 15-17 and 18-25 and a jury including Julian Fellowes, historians and business leaders will decide upon a winner in each category. Prizes will be awarded to the winning entries and they will be exhibited in various Belfast venues during April 2012, as well as being broadcast during Ulster Television’s coverage of the 2012 Titanic Events Programme.

Julian Fellowes said: “After writing the new four-part ITV drama about the Titanic, I know how absorbing this noble ship and its fatal voyage can be. There is no limit to the way the story can be investigated, examined, re-invented, and I very much look forward to viewing the work of these talented young film-makers."

Joan Burney Keatings, Cinemagic Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Titanic Belfast to offer a fantastic opportunity to young people across the world to create a short film about their interpretations of the Titanic Story in the lead up to its centenary year."

The competition is open to all nationalities and anyone aged 25 and under.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 27th January 2012. Entry to the competition is free.

For more information and to download an entry form please visit:www.cinemagic.org.uk

(BMcN/GK)