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Christmas Star movie premieres in Belfast

Pictured at the premiere of A Christmas Star: Richard Clements, Bronagh Waugh, Lord Julian Fellows and Joan Burney Keating from Cinemagic.  Photo by Simon Graham, Harrison Photography
Pictured at the premiere of A Christmas Star: Richard Clements, Bronagh Waugh, Lord Julian Fellows and Joan Burney Keating from Cinemagic. Photo by Simon Graham, Harrison Photography Pictured at the premiere of A Christmas Star: Richard Clements, Bronagh Waugh, Lord Julian Fellows and Joan Burney Keating from Cinemagic. Photo by Simon Graham, Harrison Photography

THE first ever Christmas feature film to be made in Northern Ireland has received its world premiere in Belfast.

A Christmas Star, which is due for public release next week, was made by youth film festival charity Cinemagic and was launched in spectacular style at Odyssey Cinemas on Wednesday night.

The movie tells the story of Noelle, a young girl born in dramatic circumstances under a Christmas Star who believes she has the gift to perform strange miracles.

A host of famous faces star in the movie including Pierce Brosnan (James Bond), Suranne Jones (Doctor Foster), Robert James-Collier (Downton Abbey), Bronagh Waugh (The Fall) and Richard Clements (Good Vibrations).

The festive story is narrated by Liam Neeson and features a cameo appearance by Kylie Minogue and guest appearances by Dermot O’Leary and Julian Fellowes.

The movie also gave young film-makers the chance gain experience in the industry.

Cinemagic patron Julian Fellowes, an Oscar-winning writer who wrote Downton Abbey, was among those who attended last night's premiere.

Speaking about the project, Joan Burney-Keatings, Cinemagic Chief Executive, said: "We are so proud of every single person involved in bringing A Christmas Star to life".

First Minister Peter Robinson said the "energy and vitality" of Cinemagic was "an inspiration to us all" while Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the young people involved in the production had provided "huge hope and confidence for our shared future".