The Coca-Cola Cinemagic Film and Television Festival for Young People welcomed film industry professionals and special guests to the gala awards ceremony in Belfast City Hall on Thursday night.
Young actress Saoirse Ronan, who has starred in films Atonement, The Lovely Bones and Hanna, received Cinemagic's annual award presented to an inspirational film industry professional, and she said she was "inspired tonight at the wealth of young filmmaking talent in the room".
She offered some advice to anyone starting off in their career.
She said: "If you've had a good head on your shoulders, and you have good people around you and you know who you can trust, if it does get to that stage where you're really part of the industry, and you see how things start to work, which I am starting to see now, you really have to have your wits about you, I think.
"But once you have that you can enjoy it."
The winning films of the festival were announced by a panel of 20 young people, who watched and reviewed the 'in competition' films over the festival period.
They were 'Babygirl', directed by Macdara Vallely won Best Feature Film judged by a panel of 15-18 year olds; 'Lessons of a Dream', directed by Sabastian Grobler won Best Feature Film judged by a panel of 12-14 year olds; and 'Alfie, the Little Werewolf', directed by Joram Lursen won Best Feature Film judged by a panel of 8-11 year olds.
Seven fledgling filmmakers were announced winners of the annual Cinemagic 'Young Filmmaker Competition', supported by Northern Irish Tourist Board.
Young people aged 16-25 were recognised for their achievements in talent masterclasses and a special award was presented to the Northern Ireland Film Club of the year, Carr's Glen Primary School, Belfast.
Others in attendance at the ceremony were Oscar winning costume designer Michael O'Connor and Armagh director Brian Kirk, who have both worked on HBO series Game of Thrones, as well as film production manager Brian Terry Bamber, Belfast actor Martin McCann and Coleraine actress Jayne Wisener.
If it is truly your dream and what you want to do, then to absolutely go for it and be prepared for knock backs, but don't let that put you off.
Jayne Wisener
Young people were treated to a unique musical piece from young vocalists mentored by highly acclaimed conductor Dominic Peckham and performances by former X-Factor duo, Jedward.
And the pair even offered their words of wisdom for young hopefuls.
"It's all about encouraging kids to like TV and film, cause it's a great platform to get your thoughts out there," Edward said.
"It's about motivating kids, like they can do what they want to do," added John.
"The advice that I'd give people is to just be a good person, and don't make things bigger than what they are, you should always think simple about things and you can do anything."
"It's not about being so crazy confident and going crazy like me and John, but just that you're confident in what you're saying and confident in what you believe in."
Joan Burney Keatings, Cinemagic Chief Executive said he was delighted at the success of this year's festival which "engaged with thousands of young people".
Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chair, Belfast City Council Development Committee added: "We have supported Cinemagic for many years now and have watched them grow, develop, win awards, and achieve international recognition.
"They are known to do great work within communities and have been inspirational to many young people, benefitting from connections with industry professionals, and appointing peer educators as young film consultants."