ODEON Cinema Newbridge to Host Premiere of YouthInk’s Original Film Dance of the Cranes

ODEON Cinema Newbridge, located at Whitewater Shopping Centre, is excited to host the premiere of Dance of the Cranes, a powerful new short film produced by Kildare’s YouthINK, featuring and created by over fifty young people from across the county. The film launches Newbridge June Fest’s warm-up season, celebrating youth voice, creativity and collaboration.

The thirty-minute film celebrates the return of wild cranes to Ireland after centuries. Set in Kildare's boglands, it explores family struggles, climate change, rewilding and environmental resilience, blending myth with realism. Inspiring youth to get involved in climate action, the film stands as a testament to the power of collective effort and the crucial role young people play in shaping a sustainable future.

The project was made possible with funding from Kildare Climate Action Innovation Fund, Kildare County Council and support from the Cashman family and Kilkea Castle. YouthINK, a local creative arts organisation, offered participants aged thirteen to eighteen the chance to work on a professional film set alongside award-winning mentors including actor Alan Devine, cinematographer Alan Rogers and production designer Anika O’Hagan and Composer Fergus Foran. The production was led by Creative Directors Dr. Mary O’Connor and Pádraig J Dunne, with Executive Producer Christy Cashman, founder of YouthINK.

Speaking about the project, Director Pádraig J Dunne said, “What makes this film special is that it’s not just a product, it’s a process. These young people learned to write, act, film and collaborate at a professional level. It’s about expression, confidence, and creating something meaningful together. Some will go on to work in the creative industries, others have already started.”

Dr. Mary O’Connor added: "Creative script writing and filmmaking make ecological and climate issues relatable and inspire young people to take action."

Several young participants are using the film as part of their college applications or final degree portfolios. YouthINK alumni have worked with internationally renowned figures such as Jane Seymour OBE, tenor Ronan Tynan, and the Abbey Theatre.

The premiere includes red carpet photo opportunities at Whitewater Shopping Centre, with members of the public invited to stop by for pictures with the cast and crew. YouthINK is delighted to be sponsored by ODEON Events Ireland and Whitewater Shopping Centre Newbridge in making this gala event possible.

Javier Perez, Marketing Manager at ODEON Cinemas Ireland, said “We are delighted to host the premier of YoutInk’s Dance of the Cranes at ODEON Cinemas Newbridge. We love to see young people get involved in the film industry and want to support them in every way that we can”.

For more information, please visit www.youth-ink.com

Slán go fóill.