Programme 2010

Ireland, France, Belgium, 2009, 35 mm, colour, 75'
In English language with Slovenian subtitles, suitable for children above 8 (8+).

Directed by: Tomm Moore
Co-directed by: Nora Twomey
Screenplay: Fabrice Ziolkowski
Art direction by: Ross Stuart
Storyboard: Rémi Chayé
Editing: Fabienne Alvarez-Giro
Original Music by: Bruno Coualis
Music: Kila
Cast: Evan McGuire (Brendan), Mick Lally (Aiden), Christen Mooney (Aisling), Brendan Gleeson (Cellach), Liam Hourrican (Brat Tang in Leonardo), Paul Tylac (Brat Assoua), Michael M Grath (odrasli Brendan), Paul Young (Brat Square)
Produced by: Didier Brunner, Viviane Venfleteren in Paul Young
Studios: Cartoon Saloon, Les armatures, Vivi film, France 2 cinéma present
Distribution in Slovenia: Društvo za oživljanje zgodbe 2 koluta

Adventure, action and danger await Brendan who must fight Vikings and a serpent god to find a crystal and complete the legendary Book of Kells. Brendan is hard at work with his uncle, Abbott Cellach and the other monks, helping to strengthen the abbey walls as protection against the Viking raids. But a new life of adventure begins with the arrival of Brother Aidan and his cat, a celebrated master illuminator who initiates Brendan into the art of illumination, awakening his hidden, but extraordinary talents. In order to finish the magnificent book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a secret quest that will take him for the first time ever, beyond the abbeys walls into the enchanted forest where dangerous mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the fairy Aisling, a mysterious young white wolf/girl, who will become his closest friend and helper. But with the terrifying Viking Hordes closing in, will Brendan succeed in his quest to illuminate the darkness and prove that enlightenment is the best fortification against barbarians?

Tomm Moore is co-Founder and Creative director of Cartoon Saloon. Since founding the company in 1999 with Paul Young, Tomm has worked on almost every Cartoon Saloon production in various capacities including directing and designing commercials for clients including Cadburys and the Irish Independent, illustrating graphic novels and children’s books and working as animation artist on several tv series and feature film productions. Having completed his first feature film “The Secret of Kells” he is currently working on the graphic novels of the film and his new feature film “The Song of the Sea”. Tomm was also a member of the once Secret crime fighting group “The living shadows”, which lead to a lifelong love of comic books and animation.

Nora Twomey is a Creative Director at Cartoon Saloon. Born in Ireland, a surprisingly short time ago, Nora studied fine art in Cork for a year before moving to Dublin where she attended Ballyfermot College to study animation. Having graduated in 1997 she worked in the industry for a year before becoming one of the founder members of the Cartoon Saloon. She has directed three shorts with the company and as well as co directing on The Secret of Kells.

“An exquisitely etched riot of color that evokes the rapturous, gaudy abandon of Klimt. Flowery meadows, wafting dandelion clocks, packs of baying wolves — all are grist for the film’s palette of beauty.” – Village Voice

Accolades
Nominated Best Animated Feature Film at Academy Awards 2010
Won the Audience Award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2009
Special Jury Menetio at Animafest Zagreb World Animation Festival 2009
Nominated Best Animated Film at the European Film Awards 2009
Nominated Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2009
Berlinale official selection 2009
Nominated Best Film at Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA) for 2010
Won IFTA Best Animation award 2010
Won Dublic Film Critics Circle Award for Best Irish Film at JDIFF 2009
Won Audience Award at Dublin International Film Festival 2009
SDGI Directors Finders Series, recipient Tomm Moore
Won Audience Award at Kecskemet Animation Festival 2009
Won the Grand Prize at the SICAF Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival 2009
Won the Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2009
Won the Roy E. Disney Award at Seattle's 2D Or Not 2D Film Festival 2009