Town to bestow honours on 'The Secret Of Kells' movie-makers

The producers of the Oscar-nominated 'The Secret Of Kells' are to be honoured by the local town council, according to cathaoirleach, Cllr Brian Curran, who predicted the film's success would prove a major boost to the town. While there was disappointment in Kells this week that 'The Secret Of Kells' missed out on an Academy Award, it is widely accepted in the town that the publicity generated for Kells by the Oscar-nominated film could mean a major tousim boost. Cllr Curran pointed out that there had been huge international television coverage about the film. "It is very positive for Kells and it will bring people to the town," he said. Cllr Curran said he would be inviting the producers to Kells to honour them for their achievements. Produced by Paul Young of Cartoon Saloon and directed by Tomm Moore, 'The Secret of Kells' features the voices of well-known irish actors Brendan Gleeson and Mick Lally. The film follows 12-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. While it may not have won the Oscar, the film was named Best Irish Film by the Dublin Film Critics' Circle at the Dublin Film Festival and received a special mention at the Zagreb Film Festival in Croatia. It also won the Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Audience Award at the 33rd Annecy Festival of Animation in France.