The Secret of Kells : An Exclusive Anniversary Screening

About this event 

When The Secret of Kells was nominated for an Oscar fifteen years ago, it marked the emergence of a extraordinarily talented and ambitious new animation company based in Kilkenny. Cartoon Saloon have since completed an acclaimed folklore trilogy which includes the films Song of the Sea and Wolfwalkers, both of which have also been nominated for Oscars. Cartoon Saloon are also the creators of Puffin Rock and My Father's Dragon.  

This screening offers an opportunity to experience the distinctive power and style of a classic and internationally beloved animated feature film, voiced by such greats as Mick Lally and Brendan Gleeson. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the ecological significance of The Secret of Kells, and the ways it explores the vision of biodiversity at the heart of the Book of Kells.  

In the evocative setting of Saint John's Theatre in the heart of Listowel, follow Brendan, a young monk, as he ventures into the enchanted forest in search of a deeper connection with the beauty and mystery of the natural world and in hope of finding a key to the ultimate artistic expression. His world is unstable, and the barbarians are fast approaching. Can Brendan’s imagination be a force against evil? Much more than a cartoon, this is a cinematic event for all the family, and a dynamic way to think about the most pressing environmental issues of our time.  

(Duration: 71 minutes) 

‘Absolutely luscious to behold’ - Variety 

More about Cartoon Saloon 

Cartoon Saloon, established in 1999 by Paul Young, Tomm Moore, and Nora Twomey, is a world renowned animation studio with five Academy Award and two Golden Globe nominations and many more honours including BAFTA and Emmy wins. Located in Kilkenny, the studio produces brave and beautiful shorts, feature films, and TV series. Cartoon Saloon is the founder and host of Kilkenny Animated, an annual festival of visual storytelling incorporating exhibitions, talks and performances celebrating the creativity of the animation craft. 

Listowel Writer's Week: where readers celebrate, and writers find their flow 

Listowel Writer's Week is Ireland's oldest literary festival, and one of its most prestigious. Famously hospitable, the beautiful North Kerry town of Listowel is internationally renowned as a wellspring of literary inspiration and heritage. The 2024 Listowel Writer's Week festival programme, exploring the theme Mother Nature, has been curated by the poet Martin Dyar.  

See writersweek.ie for more details and the full festival programme  

Please be aware that all events at Listowel Writers' Week will be recorded and photographed for promotional and archival purposes. Your presence constitutes consent to be filmed or photographed. Thank you.