connect 2018 • 39 “We were delighted to welcome the LA teenagers to Belfast as they joined Cinemagic’s second feature film production. We have a long-running partnership with the schools in Los Angeles that the young people attend—New Roads School, David Starr Jordan High School and Hamilton High School and this project will enhance our relationship further by offering a unique skills development program for the participating students. With support from The Ireland Funds, Belfast City Coun- cil, British Council and The Irish American Partnership we have been able to offer special training to the LA students to develop their talents and skills.” —Joan Burney Keatings MBE, Cinemagic Chief Executive Funding from The Ireland Funds enabled 11 teenagers from LA to embark on this unique creative and cultural experience in Northern Ireland for ten days, taking up trainee film positions such as directing, production, make-up, costume, camera, locations. 11 teenagers from Los Angeles joined 36 other young filmmakers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in this innovative, multi-cultural initiative. Photo: Jonny Collins @ Ulster Image