The 13-year star of the much-anticipated Matilda the Musical movie officially opened the 2022 Into Film Festival in South Belfast today. (Nov 8,2022)
Dublin actress Alisha Weir launched the UK’s largest free film festival for schools and educators at the special ‘pupil premiere’ of the film at Queen’s Film Theatre.
Alisha said: “It feels amazing to open the biggest free festival for children. I just feel so grateful. It’s like a dream come true.”
The film is a brand-new take on the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical and boasts a stellar cast, including Emma Thompson as the villainous Mrs Trunchbull, Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey, Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough as Matilda’s parents. The movie opens in cinemas only on 25th November followed by a release on Netflix next year.
“Matilda the Musical is a heart-warming film for all ages and you can bring the whole family to see it. The message is that even if you’re young, you can do as much as an adult can do and you have to stand up for yourself no matter what,” she said.
Alisha greeted the young audience and their teachers at this special pupil premiere screening of Roald Dahl’s iconic story. .
Cliftonville Integrated Primary School Teacher Michelle McAlonan, who attended the event, said: “This was such an exciting surprise for our pupils. Meeting Alisha and hearing her story really inspired the children. We use film as an educational tool in the classroom and today’s premiere has really brought it all to life for them.”
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical is an inspirational musical tale of an extraordinary girl who discovers her superpower and summons the remarkable courage, against all odds, to help others change their stories, whilst also taking charge of her own destiny. Standing up for what’s right, she’s met with miraculous results.
But Matilda is just one of the films on offer during the Into Film Festival, which is run by leading film education charity Into Film. There are 57 screenings and events in 13 towns and cities in Northern Ireland until November 25.
In total there are 8,500 free seats on offer throughout the festival to help educators bring learning to life and inspire their pupils aged 5-19. Into Film has also created many curriculum-linked, teaching resources and film guides to support teachers and their pupils attending the Festival.
Into Film’s Northern Ireland Delivery Manager Sean Kelly said: “We are delighted that Alisha has officially launched the festival here in Belfast. At Into Film we use film to inspire children and bring out their creativity not only during the 17 days of this fabulous free festival but all year round through our work in classrooms across Northern Ireland.”
Education charity, Into Film, is supported by the BFI using National Lottery funding, thanks to National Lottery players, and the UK film industry through Cinema First. The National Lottery raises £36 million each week for good causes across the UK.
Discover more from LoveBelfast
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
