The 8th Cinemagic ON THE PULSE FESTIVAL, celebrating the short film genre, funded by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen, proudly presents a March programme of unmissable international, classic and home-grown films, and hands on workshops in Belfast, for fans of film and aspiring filmmakers. (Event Listings running to 29 March https://tinyurl.com/4k4zzu7u )
Workshops: Award-winning directors Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa will host a workshop and Q&A for emerging directors amid their current highly successful cinema release of Saipan, starring Steve Coogan as Mick McCarthy and Éanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane in a retelling of Ireland’s infamous 2002 World Cup campaign. Other featured workshops for 18–30-year-olds will focus on documentary filmmaking with Brian Henry Martin (DoubleBand Films), auditioning/casting with Amy Blair (Carla Stronge Casting) and writing with BBC Writers Room. Teenage filmmakers can enjoy a practical sfx make-up tutorial with Connie McGrath and workshops in filmmaking and animation.
A Celebration of Emerging Talent: The Cinemagic ‘On the Pulse’ Competition shortlist showcase at Queen’s Film Theatre will spotlight the next generation of local filmmakers.
Diverse Competition Categories: This year’s programme features 30 rising filmmakers from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, competing in categories including Best Documentary, Best Animation, Best Live Action (Comedy or Drama), and Best Live Action (Fantastical).
New for 2026: Reflecting the festival’s commitment to all ages, the Best Film for a Youth Audience category debuts this year, highlighting innovative stories specifically crafted for young people.
Audiences Take the Lead: For the first time, attendees can influence the winners through the ‘On the Pulse’ Audience Award. Three dedicated Audience Award screenings will take place on 28 March 2026 at The Black Box, showcasing 24 new short films from local creators.
World Cinema: The world cinema programme provides a cinematic window to the world presenting a diverse range of stories, celebrating universal experiences of youth. A standout is the exquisite stop-motion gem ‘Tales from The Magic Garden’ offering a poignant look at the enduring strength of family and the transformative power of storytelling. Family ‘audience vote’ shorts will engage and entertain young viewers in programmes such as ‘Tales of Derring-Do’ and ‘No Worries’ in The Ulster Museum.
Special screenings: Other highlights include a special screening of Pablo, from the local award-winning production company Paper Owl Films. This highly acclaimed series follows Pablo’s use of magic crayons to turn his life passions and challenges into fantastic adventures. Double bills from Aardman’s much loved Wallace & Gromit and family favourites Zog & Zog and the Flying Doctors, adapted from the classic books by Julia Donaldson, will delight young audiences. The exhibition of the 2025/26 Cinemagic BFI Film Academy ‘Short Courses’ films will also be premiered.
Joan Burney Keatings MBE, Cinemagic CEO said: “Cinemagic ON THE PULSE returns for an 8th season funded by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen. It is designed to inspire people from all backgrounds as we celebrate and promote the shorts genre. The programme offers a contemporary offering of the very best international films for young audiences as well as showcasing new shorts made by local filmmakers. ON THE PULSE also illustrates the importance of short filmmaking in the development of practical skills and in the development of sustainable careers in the creative industries and I encourage young creators to get involved in the vast array of opportunities on offer this March”.
Highlights Trailer: https://tinyurl.com/5n77can4
Visit cinemagic.org.uk
The Cinemagic On The Pulse Festival is supported by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen.
Cinemagic On The Pulse screenings are supported by Film Hub NI through the BFI FAN Film Exhibition Fund, awarding funds from National Lottery.