Direct from the screening – guest post

First official guest post from Tom Donegan – CBI’s intrepid Programme Officer

I’ve Just been to see a preview of the new ‘Secret of Kells’ animated movie, written and directed by the Cartoon Saloon’s Tomm Moore. A small but select crowd was in attendance, including members of the band Kila (who provide much of the music in the film), representatives of Trinity College (who can expect a tourist boom when it hits the screens next March) and Disney who are handling the promotion/ distribution side of things.

Not going into full critical mode here but the in summary the film is absolutely breathtaking – really stretches the boundaries of what might be considered ‘conventional’ 2D animation techniques. The narrative is simple yet powerful and features some great moments of humour, whilst the exhilarating score completes the experience perfectly. This beautiful and affecting film is the combination of over 12 years hard graft across three countries (Belgian and Brazilian animation teams were also heavily involved) and deserves to be shouted about from the top of every round tower in the country – another Irish Oscar anybody?

NB. The O’Brien Press are due to publish two complimentary titles in the coming months – a picture book  and illustrated novelisation. Tomm is currently looking for a publisher for a Graphic Novel version as well – any takers?