Young filmmakers praised by Cinemagic

Andy McComb and Shane Brennan, who are both from Lisburn, were highly commended for their entries in the 18-25 year old category of the AES Cinemagic Young Filmmaker competition.

Andy McComb, who is currently at university, entered a piece reflecting on life after losing a limb.

He focussed on a local man who lost his arm during a machinery accident at work. As well as looking at how the accident affected him, Andy also examined how other people dealt with the accident.

The film, entitled ‘Everyone Can Clap Their Hands’, was screened along with the other shortlisted entries, during the AES Cinemagic Young Filmmaker showcase at Queen’s Film Theatre Belfast.

Andy was Highly Commended for his work, as was another young Lisburn filmmaker, Shane Brennan.

Shane’s entry was entitled ‘Big Fat Santa’ and was also praised by the judges.

The overall winner in the 18-25s age category was ‘Driven’, a dark eerie thriller in which a man’s sat-nav begins to take over his identity, made by Liam Cassidy, Michael Holburt and Hanna Ryder from Cumbria.

Chris Shaw, Cinemagic Festival Programmer, said: “The AES Cinemagic Young Filmmaker Competition offers young people the chance to have their film screened at the festival. Whether you are a first-time filmmaker or developing your skills in filmmaking, the competition offers a great platform to showcase young talent and the opportunity to enjoy the work of other young filmmakers.”

Davy Elliott, AES Northern Ireland said: “AES is delighted to support the Cinemagic annual Young Filmmaker Competition.

“Engaging with the community and with young people is very important to us. The young people of today are the workforce of tomorrow, across both the business and creative industries and working with Cinemagic locally enables the business world to unite with the arts to provide an outlet for young talent.”