Martin McGuinness with Joan Burney Keatings, chief of Cinemagic and Derry man Johnny McDaid, from Snow Patrol, and his partner actress Courteney Cox at the LA Cinemagic Festival. Photo: Kelvin Boyes?Presseye.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness was “seeing stars” during a visit to Los Angeles.
The Sinn Fein representative, along with First Minister Peter Robinson, was in the City of Angels to attend the 5th Cinemagic LA Film and Television Festival for Young People.
Among those they met were Snow Patrol’s frontman and guitarist Johnny McDaid, from Derry, and his girlfriend, ex Friends star Courteney Cox.
Young filmmaking talent from Derry were among those from Northern Ireland celebrated at the annual event.
Mr McGuinness said Cinemagic provided “valuable opportunities” for young people from all backgrounds to engage with the film and television industry.
He added: “Large scale productions in the North of Ireland like HBO’s Game of Thrones and Hollywood films like Dracula confirm our global appeal as a filming location.
“The Cinemagic festival will inspire and motivate our young people to get involved in the creative industry.
Martin McGuinness at the LA Cinemagic Festival with Rory Maguire from Derry.
“Working with people from different backgrounds develops our young people’s creative and social skills.
“Cinemagic through their work initiate conversations between young people and relationships are formed that will contribute towards building a united community.
“I thank Cinemagic for their foresight and hard work which has resulted in over half a million children and young people having the opportunity to get involved, take on responsibility and build their confidence.”
During the festival young people will get insights into organisations such as The Jim Henson Company, HBO, Walt Disney Animation Studios, 20th Century Fox, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, New York Film Academy, Aero Film, Creative Visions Foundation.
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