Cinemagic: Local Voices on Screen: The Short Films of Macy Stewart + Panel Discussion
Showing: 11 October 2026
Join us for a special screening celebrating the power of local filmmaking. The event will feature two compelling Northern Ireland short films from Macy Stewart, Beatha and The Rhythm We Know, each offering a unique perspective on culture, community, and lived experience.
Beatha (Dir: Macy Stewart, Ireland, 2024, 3 mins)
‘Beatha’ means the sanctity of being, of all living things. In capturing the highs and lows of what it means to be young, to be creative, to be struggling to find your place, this loving snapshot of Belfast today finds that spiritual connection between as all.
The Rhythm We Know (Dir: Macy Stewart, Ireland, 2025, 2 mins)
In this short, poetic experimental film, Macy Stewart celebrates Black women and the beauty they learn to love while waiting for the rest of the world to catch up.
After the screenings, Macy will host a panel with the cast and crew to explore how film amplifies underrepresented voices and creates space for authentic storytelling. This is your chance to engage with powerful local work, hear directly from the creatives, and join the conversation about the future of inclusive filmmaking in Northern Ireland.
Total Event Running Time: 1hr 30mins
Content warning: This film presentation contains flashing images which may affect viewers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.
The 37th Cinemagic Film Festival runs throughout October-November in venues across Belfast, packed with new international films, workshops, education programmes, special events and Q&As to inspire young audiences. Visit cinemagic.org.uk for more details.
