This is an Irish animated film by Cartoon Saloon, the makers of Skunk Fu, Old Fangs and CúIlín Dúalach. It screened at the Berlin International Film Festival in February this year. Soon after it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Film.

The story takes place in the XIX century. Abbot Cellach is raising with firm hand his nephew Brendan. After Brendan meets brother Aidan, the monastery’s illustrator, he discover the beauty of art and creativity. Having discovered fantasy, Brendan decides that instead of following his uncle’s steps, he will follow his on dream, he decides to complete the book of Kells, which takes him on a magical adventure.

Director Tomm Moore said “The nomination for The Secret of Kells in the animated feature category of the Academy Awards is a huge surprise and honour. It’s a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the entire crew and all our partners in the production”.

I have only seen the trailers and can not wait to get the DVD. The character design is astonishing and the whole look of the film seems to be promising textures and spaces only possible in 2D, it has a je-ne-sais-quoi that comes as refreshing and necessary in these times of CG surplus.