current

The Oscars - and the Sligo Connection

There was joy in the Innovation Centre at IT Sligo and Boyle yesterday when it emerged from Hollywood that the Irish film industry had received five Oscar nominations.

Catherine Young, an administrative assistant at the IT's Innovation Centre was delighted that her brother, Paul Young, from Boyle, is one of the lucky nominees for his, and his company’s work on the hit animated film 'The Secret of Kells'.

The celebrations burst out in the offices of Paul's animation film company Cartoon Saloon, where he is CEO and Co-Founder, in Kilkenny when news came through that their film had been nominated in the best animated film slot. Director Tomm Moore said they were genuinely surprised, having deprived two Hollywood blockbusters – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Monsters v Aliens – of nomination.

Moore also added that the company had “no money for marketing”, but had secured a nomination through “friends in the US” who had quietly promoted the film.

Speaking to SLIGO TODAY an exhilarated Catherine said that "“Paul was the producer and co-creator of The Secret of Kells, in the animated movie the voices are those of Brendan Gleeson and Mick Lally of Glenroe. it was brilliant that they came on board as this was a very low-budget film."

Having attended the premiere of the film last March with her and Paul's family, who are ecstatic and so proud of his achievement, Catherine said that the film was 'fantastic and a  must-watch' for everybody.

There will be bigger interest in Boyle and IT Sligo when the Oscars take place 8 March which will be televised live. The ‘Secret of Kells’ will feature in the ‘Academy Award Nomination for Best Animated Feature‘ section. The film is due for release in the US on 19 March.

Left: Paul Young

The DVD is currently available in HMV and Xtravision stores nationwide.

The film has won acclaim across the world including the 2009 Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, the first animated film ever to do so, and the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland, Directors Series Award 2008 in association with the Directors Guild of America.

It also garnered the Audience award at the 20009 Annecy film festival, part of the 33rd Annecy Animation festival, and was named best Irish film at the 2009 Jameson Dublin International Film Festival.

The film combines stunning artwork influenced by Irish medieval illustrations with a sound track composed by award winning French composer Bruno Coulais (Coraline), as well as a special collaboration with and songs by Irish super group Kíla.

The release will also feature a host of exciting bonus material including a behind the scenes look at the making of the film, commentary from Tomm Moore and exclusive picture galleries.

The Secret of Kells follows twelve year old Brendan (Evan McGuire), a mischievous monk who lives with his uncle, Abbot Cellach (Brendan Gleeson). Brendan’s life is changed forever with the arrival of Brother Aiden (Mick Lally), a celebrated master illuminator who awakens Brendan’s hidden talent for illumination. With the terrifying Viking hordes closing in, the future of the precious Book of Kells is in jeopardy and it falls to Brendan to save the day.