GKIDS*, a distributor of independent films for family and art-house audiences, and the European sales agent Celluloid Dreams announced today that GKIDS has acquired US distribution rights to *THE SECRET OF KELLS*, the highly anticipated new animated film from Irish director Tomm Moore.
Press Release from GKIDS
New York, NY – Nov. 10, 2009 – GKIDS*, a distributor of independent films for family and art-house audiences, and the European sales agent Celluloid Dreams announced today that GKIDS has acquired US distribution rights to *THE SECRET OF KELLS*, the highly anticipated new animated film from Irish director Tomm Moore. The film was an official selection at Berlin, made its US premiere at NY Int’l Children’s Film Festival, won the Audience Award at Annecy, and was the first animated feature to win the Audience Award at Edinburgh. *THE SECRET OF KELLS* is a France/Belgium/Ireland co-production of Les Armateurs, Viva Film, Cartoon Saloon and France 2 Cinema and features the voices of Brendan Gleeson (Harry Potter, In Bruges), Evan McGuire and Christen Mooney. The
deal for *THE SECRET OF KELLS* was negotiated by Eric Beckman for GKIDS and Hengameh Panahi for Celluloid Dreams.
An Academy qualifying run is set for Dec 4-10 at the AMC Burbank 8 in Los Angeles. Showtimes are 7 PM on weekdays and 2 PM on weekends. The film will be released theatrically in the US in March 2010.
Eric Beckman, President of GKIDS Inc. said, "*THE SECRET OF KELLS* is a visually unique and exciting fantasy adventure that reinvigorates 2D animation as both a peerless art form and viable commercial medium. It is an absolutely stunning film with universal appeal for adults, families, animation fans, and anyone who loves beautiful, meaningful storytelling." GKIDS president Eric Beckman is also founder and director of New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival.
Hengameh Panahi, President of Celluloid Dreams said, "Like Celluloid Dreams, GKIDS brings passion, energy, and innovative thinking to promote a new vision of cinema for young people. We are happy to work with them to introduce high-quality independent and foreign film to American family audiences!"
SYNOPSIS:
Magic, fantasy, and Celtic mythology come together in a riot of color and detail that dazzle the eyes, in this sweeping story about the power of imagination and faith to carry humanity through dark times. Young Brendan lives in the Abbey of Kells, a remote medieval outpost, where he works to fortify the abbey walls against barbarian raids. One day a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying an ancient but unfinished book, brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To help complete the magical book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a dangerous quest that takes him beyond the abbey's walls and into the enchanted forest, where mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the fairy Aisling, a mysterious young wolf-girl, who helps him along the way. But with the barbarians closing in, will Brendan's determination and artistic vision illuminate the darkness and show that enlightenment is the best fortification against evil?
ABOUT GKIDS
GKIDS is a distributor of award-winning filmed entertainment specializing in titles that cross over between art-house and family audiences. Recent theatrical releases include Michel Ocelot’s acclaimed Azur & Asmar, in partnership with the Weinstein Company, and Nina Paley’s animated multiple-festival-winning animated feature, Sita Sings the Blues. Upcoming GKIDS releases include Tomm Moore’s animated Oscar contender The Secret of Kells, the animated Mia and the Migoo by Jacques-Remy Girerd, Tahaan from renowned director Santosh Sivan (The Terrorist, Before the Rains), and West of Pluto, a gripping and
uncensored portrait of teen life from Canadian first time directors Henry Bernadet and Myriam Verreault. GKIDS is also longtime producer of the New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival, North America’s largest festival of film for children and teens. NYICFF jury members include John Turturro, Susan Sarandon, Gus van Sant, Matthew Modine, James Schamus, Evan Shapiro, and Christine Vachon. The GKIDS.TV website is a place where children, teens, and adults can watch, rate, review, buy and share award-winning film and animation from around the world.
ABOUT CELLULOID DREAMS
Paris based CELLULOID DREAMS is an independent international sales, production and distribution company specializing in promoting and distributing award-winning films created by talented directors from all over the world.
