In Pictures: Oscars style as Donegal cinema hosts evening of films and awards

While all the talk may have been of Jessie Buckley’s big Oscar win, the real glamour was to be found on the Eclipse Cinemas Bundoran as they hosted the second annual Magh Ene College Transition Year Film Awards. Read on for more on this fantastic event and click on the arrows for a gallery of photos from the evening:

The brainchild of Eclipse Cinemas projectionist Collie Mac Pháidín and Magh Ene TY coordinator John Reilly, the event gives the young students a chance to make their own short films and then invite their friends and family to see them projected on the Silver Screen.

This year, thanks to the help Creative Ireland, the students completed two workshops with local film experts Caroline Harvey, Conor Flannery and Conor Conlon before embarking on the project, and you could see the impact it had on the quality.

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The films had the theme of 25 to coincide with Eclipse Cinemas Bundoran’s anniversary this year. However, it’s fair to say that theme was very open to interpretation

Everything from Mafia dramas, to heartfelt takes on body image and early school leaving, to parodies of Hollywood films were on the agenda, one enterprising film even included a quad chase on location in Poland!

The films were all written, filmed and edited under the care of Mr Reilly and sent to Collie for transfer to play on the cinema projectors.

Then came the big night. The cinema rolled out the red carpet, (two in fact) complete with photographer, balloon arch by Aideen from Marketsquare balloons and a soft drinks reception.

Then decked out in some of the best finery seen this side of Cannes, then the Transition Year students descended on Eclipse Cinemas with their friends and families to see their masterpieces.

All 250 seats were filled and there was a sense of anticipation in the air as the lights went down in Screen 1. Most of the room hadn’t seen the films and had no idea what to expect. Fortunately, they were in for a treat. The hard work, dedication and humour of students shone through, and the room echoed to the whoops of delight and the sound of applause.

Collie from Eclipse Cinemas Bundoran said his favourite part of the night was when one parent leaned over to us and said: "I was happy to come and support the kids, but I never expected all the films to actually be really good!"

After the film it was time for the awards - there were trophies for acting, directing, editing sound and all the other vital parts of movie making.

But the most hotly contested award of all was Best Film.

The three judges – Magh Ene past pupils Daithí and Ruairí McGloin and Collie had their work cut out. They each selected a top three and went to compare notes.

Such was the quality there were seven different films in contention. But only one film was in all of their top three.

Walk in My Shoes by Martin Ward and Shane Conaghan, a little glimpse into how Martin's life has been changed by his cochlear implant.

But the truth is all of us who got to see the hard work, imagination and creativity that the young people put in were the real winners.

Special thanks must go to Mr John Reilly the TY Coordinator who supervised all the films giving out advice and notes to everyone - and had to sit through many a first draft.

Thanks to Danielle Carty and Creative Ireland who helped organise the workshops for the young people and Caroline Harvey, Conor Flannery and Conor Conlon for their expert advice.

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Kudos too, to Patrick, Megan, Kerie, and all the staff at Eclipse Cinemas Bundoran who rolled out the red carpet for our young Magh Ene College film makers as well as Daryna Shevchenko for the photographs and social media videos.

But the big question is, will there be another event next year?

“100%” said Mr Reilly “The current third years all say the events and all they want to do is see the films and talk about what they will do next year.”

Even better, the opportunity may be open to even more students next year according to Collie.

“I’m delighted to say, we wrote to Screen Ireland and told them about our little idea,” he said. “They have agreed to give us a small amount of funding to keep the event going and to offer it too other schools in the area too – all free of charge.

“Young People are often looked down upon, but our experience has been nothing but positive and it shows that when they are given outlet for their energy and creativity, they are capable of reaching real heights. Spielberg started mucking about making films with his friends, Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal got the acting bug from doing drama in school. Why not see what our kids here in the north west can do if we give them the opportunity.

“We can't wait to see what they do next. And who knows, you might all be seeing more of their work on the silver screen in the future.”