The AmmA Centre, in Armagh, held its annual BFI Film Academy Showcase in the Market Place Theatre on Friday 3rd December. The AmmA Centre delivered BFI Film Academy weekly from September 2021 to December 2021 with students aged 16-18 from across the borough.

This programme offers young people the chance to learn about career pathways in the film industry. Participants get hands-on experience in filmmaking and participate in masterclasses with industry professionals, learning what it takes to make it in the film world. Masterclasses were conducted by industry professionals such as Actor and Director Jonathan Harden, filmmaker Michael Macbroom and Costume Designer Enda Kenny. They also attended the Shorts to Features Conference at Foyle Film Festival which had various sessions with leading industry professionals.

This year the young people worked in groups to produce two short films, which were showcased at the event to an audience of family, friends, teachers and Bernard McCloskey, Head of Education NI Screen, all of whom were extremely impressed. The students also, throughout the 2 1/2 months, worked towards gaining an NCFE Level 2 Award in “Preparing to Work in the Film Industry”.

A great night was had by all, with and an opportunity chance for the young people to show off their hard work and skills acquired throughout the programme and network with professionals from the Film Industry.