Belfast-based youth film charity Cinemagic is bringing young creatives from Northern Ireland, Ireland, Los Angeles and Canada together in California for a week of industry immersion, culminating in the Cinemagic LA Showcase at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica, on 26 June.

Returning for its 17th year, Cinemagic Los Angeles will celebrate new talent, international collaboration and youth storytelling, reinforcing the organisation’s role as a global leader in connecting young people with high-calibre opportunities across the screen industries.

The programme is delivered in partnership with the Northern Ireland Bureau, Screen Ireland, Warner Bros. Discovery and Communify. Over seven days, participants will experience workshops, studio visits, screenings and professional insight sessions designed to develop skills, confidence and industry networks.

This year, 21 young people from across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Canada will travel to Los Angeles to join peers from the city, including students from Prairie Vista Middle School. With support from Loyola Marymount University, attendees will also sample aspects of campus life, encouraging independence and ambition as they consider future education and creative pathways.

Highlights include bespoke industry sessions with Artists Equity and Imagine Entertainment, a careers-focused day at Warner Bros. Studios featuring a special in-conversation with Dan Dark OBE, and visits to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Universal Studios Hollywood and Griffith Observatory. A creative performance strand led by acclaimed Writer/Director Maire Campbell will run alongside a Writers’ Room facilitated by Screenwriter Ryan Rowe and Writer/Director Kirsten Sheridan, fostering storytelling, collaboration and performance while building friendships across cultures.

The week concludes with the Cinemagic LA Showcase at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, featuring performances by participants, screenings of new Cinemagic-produced films and a celebration of youth creativity attended by special guests from across the creative industries. Young performers from Los Angeles schools will join participants from Ireland and Northern Ireland for a one-of-a-kind evening.

Joan Burney Keatings MBE, Cinemagic CEO, said: "We are 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 can’t wait to showcase their work and watch them thrive as they take their next steps into this exciting industry."

Désirée Finnegan, Screen Ireland Chief Executive, said: "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."