THE SECRET OF KELL’S
Magic, fantasy, and Celtic mythology come together in a riot of color and detail that dazzle the eyes, in this sweeping story about the power of imagination and faith to carry humanity through dark times. Young Brendan lives in the Abbey of Kells, a remote medieval outpost under siege from raiding barbarians. One day a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying an ancient but unfinished book, brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To help complete the magical book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a dangerous quest that takes him into the enchanted forest, where mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the fairy Aisling, a mysterious young wolf-girl, who helps him along the way. But with the barbarians closing in, will Brendan's determination and artistic vision illuminate the darkness and show that enlightenment is the best fortification against evil? THE SECRET OF KELLS is a France/Belgium/Ireland co-production of Les Armateurs, Vivi Film, Cartoon Saloon and France 2 Cinema and features the voices of Brendan Gleeson (Harry Potter, In Bruges), Evan McGuire and Christen Mooney
Tomm Moore is co-Founder and company 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 pre-production for his new animated feature film, The Song of the Sea. Tomm is a lifelong comic book and animation enthusiast.
awards: Directors Finders Award, Directors Finders Series, Ireland (2009), Audience Award, Annecy Int’l Animated FF (2009), Audience Award, Edinburgh IFF (2009), Roy E. Disney Award, Seattle’s 2D, Or Not 2D Film Festival (2009), Grand Prize Seoul Int’l Cartoon & Animation Festival (2010), Best Animation award, 7th Irish Film & Television Awards (2010), European Animated Feature, Award, British Animation Awards -2010
nominations: Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film (2010), Best Film in the Annecy International, Animated Film Festival (2009), Best Animated Film at the European Film Awards (2009), Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (2009), Irish Film and Television Awards for Best Film (2009)
production: Les Armateurs (FR), Vivifilm (BE), Cartoon Saloon (IR), Walking The Dog (BE)