Film, TV festival gets underway

Actor Saoirse Ronan lent her support to budding film makers today when she attended the Coca-Cola Cinemagic film and television…

Actor Saoirse Ronan lent her support to budding film makers today when she attended the Coca-Cola Cinemagic film and television festival in Dublin.

The festival aims to give young people an insight to the film and television industry. The 18-year-old Oscar-nominated star has just finished working on The Host, based on a book by Twilight author Stephenie Meyer. She met with some of the young people taking part in a workshop on writing and directing, hosted by Song for a Raggy Boy director Aisling Walsh.

This is the fifth year of the festival which also screens classic and new movies from around the world for all ages. Tomorrow X Factor's Dermot O'Leary will host a masterclass in television presenting.

On Friday, casting agents Ros and John Hubbard will share their experience with a group of aspiring actors. The festival, which ends on Sunday, also includes workshops on make-up for film and television, screen writing and directing.

For more information see cinemagic.ie

Alison Healy

Alison Healy

Alison Healy is a contributor to The Irish Times