There's nothing quite like a Christmas movie to really get you into the spirit of the festive season, is there?
And when that movie features familiar landmarks and accents, it makes the viewing experience all the more pleasurable, doesn't it?
So it's no surprise that the world premiere of Ireland and Northern Ireland's first ever Christmas movie, A Christmas Star, was met with such delight last Wednesday.
The film which was presented by Belfast-based youth film festival charity, Cinemagic, thrilled film fans and film industry supporters who gathered together to watch the stunning spectacle last week.
The movie, which features Pierce Brosnan, Julian Fellowes and Suranne Jones along with a host of up and coming young Irish actors, is set in Northern Ireland and tells the heartwarming story of Noelle, a spirited young girl who embarks on a magical journey to save her village pottery factory
Set for release on Friday November 13th, the movie which acted as a platform for aspiring young cast and crew to learn from industry professionals, has been lauded for lowering barriers and crossing frontiers.
Downtown Abbey actor, Julian Fellows, expressed his heartfelt support for the project, saying: “I am proud to be associated with the fantastic work that Cinemagic does. “
“Young people, from every type of background and culture, are being encouraged to explore the world of film for themselves, first hand. We want them to break through the glass ceilings and walls that surround them, and see for themselves what it’s really like. Whether or not they continue to live or work in the Arts, there can surely be no better preparation for seeking and finding the right life .”
Commenting on the impact the film will have on Irish audiences, Martin McGuinness MLA, deputy First Minister said: “Christmas is a time of hope and the young people involved in this production provide huge hope and confidence for our shared future.”
“The Premiere of A Christmas Star is the culmination of weeks and months of hard work both in front of and behind the camera. This incredible experience offered all the young people involved considerable personal and professional development opportunities.”
The film, which reminds us of the homegrown talent on our own very doorsteps, will be the perfect way to ease ourselves into the Yuletide season this weekend - We can't wait!
