Rural locations to feature in festive tale

Glenarm and the Londonderry Arms hotel in Carnlough have been confirmed as locations for upcoming feature A Christmas Star.

The film is being produced by Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People and marks the beginning of a year-long programme of celebrations for Cinemagic’s 25th anniversary.

A Christmas Star is the story of a spirited young girl who charms an entire village.

Thousands of hopefuls auditioned earlier this year for what promises to be a life-changing opportunity for its young cast, many of whom are from Northern Ireland.

Welcoming the production to Carnlough will be Denise O’Neill, proprietor of the Londonderry Arms.

“This of course will not be the first time the Londonderry Arms will used for movie production. We are all delighted to welcome the cast and crew of Cinemagic, and to facilitate the project which will provide tremendous hands on experience for many young people who wish to get involved in the industry,” she said.

Among those involved in the production are Cinemagic patrons Liam Neeson, who will provide the film’s voiceover, Bronagh Waugh (The Fall) and Suranne Jones (Scott & Bailey, The Crimson Field).

Also taking part are Oscar-winning film producer, Gareth Ellis Unwin (The King’s Speech); director Richard Elson (M.I. High, Shadow Trade, Steffi), and award-winning film composer, Patrick Doyle (Brave, Rise of the Planet of the Apes).

Cinemagic Chief Executive, Joan Burney Keatings MBE said: “Our Christmas feature film will bring young people from different cultural backgrounds together, and representatives from the worlds of film, television and music will collaborate to celebrate creativity and highlight the importance of developing young people’s skills and offering them unique film and television related opportunities.

“The industry professionals will mentor the young cast and crew throughout the film production process from script to screen, giving invaluable insights to the world of filmmaking across various film disciplines ranging from directing, acting and production to script editing, film composition, costume and makeup.

“The young people will finish the project with a wealth of skills, experience, and, most importantly, their first credit on a feature film.”

For further details on A Christmas Star visit www.cinemagic.org.uk or search for the film on Facebook and Twitter.