Belfast glamour at City of Ember premiere
A LITTLE bit of Holywood came to Belfast as City of Ember made its European premiere in the Province.
Oscar-nominee Saoirse Ronan was the star attraction at the official launch of her latest movie which also stars Ulster twins who play her sisters.
Amy and Catherine Quinn dressed in matching outfits for the glitzy event, also attended by TV presenter Kate Smith.
The Londonderry pair got the part in the Hollywood production after their mother answered a newspaper advert for film extras.
Despite having no acting experience the girls were given the star treatment with their own trailer on set.
The movie is based on Jeanne duPrau's children's science fiction adventure.
A former paint hall in Belfast's Titanic Quarter was transformed into a post-apocalyptic city for the film.
Northern Ireland Arts Minister Gregory Campbell, who was at the red carpet event, said: "A decade ago it would have been hard to believe that a major Hollywood production company would choose Northern Ireland as the location for a film with a budget in excess of 50 million.
"No one would have dared to imagine a glamorous European premiere in Belfast complete with red carpet and bright lights.
"This is a celebration of what can be achieved and of how Northern Ireland can shine on the world stage."
The movie stars Hollywood actors Tim Robbins and Bill Murray and 14-year-old Saoirse.
Its plot surrounds a city which is the only light in the dark world which is slowly dying as supplies run low and the electrical system starts to fail.
The main characters are Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow, two 12-year-olds who watch as the light of Ember flickers and try to discover a way out.
The film was made by PlayTone, which is owned by Tom Hanks and Walden Media.
It also received funding from Northern Ireland Screen and its premiere is part of the Cinemagic Festival of young people's film.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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