The awards bash, held at the BFI Southbank in London and was hosted by stand-up comedian Caroline Mabey, saw ‘The Secret of Kells’ fight off competition from fellow nominees ‘Peurs du Noir’ (Fear of the Dark) from Prima Linea Productions; Folimages’ ‘Mia et le Migou’; Melusine Productions’ ‘Panique au Village’ (A Town Called Panic); ‘Dragon Hunters’ from Futurikon and Milimages SA’s ‘Lascars’ (Round da Way).
’The Secret of Kells’ is directed by Tomm Moore (The Three Wise Men) and produced by Paul Young (Skunk Fu). It is an animated retelling of the provenance of Ireland's cherished Artefact, the Book of Kells. With the Viking hordes approaching, the monks of Kells are forced to turn their attention from transcribing manuscripts to building barricades. The future of the precious book is in jeopardy and it falls to Brendan, young nephew of the abbot Cellach, to save the day. The film features the vocal talents of IFTA winner Brendan Gleeson (Into the Storm) and Mick Lally (Glenroe).
‘Kells’ director Tomm Moore tells IFTN the team are delighted with the win for more than one reason: “Its lovely to win something in the best European Animated Feature at the BAA and to be even nominated with quality films like Mia and the Migou and Lascars both big hits in France,” he tells us. “Paul [Young] was at the actual ceremony and he said there was a big cheer from the audience on the night. We are still hoping for a UK distribution deal and we hope this will help.”
For a full list of Brisit Animation Award winners visit www.britishanimationawards.com
