IFTA-winning and Oscar nominated film ‘Song of the Sea’ will be screened as part of a gala premiere event at the Galway Film Fleadh on Thursday July 9th.
This screening is one day before the film gets released nationwide on Friday July 10th. In addition to being Oscar-nominated and winning the Best Film Award at this year’s IFTA Film & Drama Awards, the film has also been nominated for seven Annie Awards and a Cesar.
‘Song of the Sea’ tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse - the last Seal-child - who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. The film takes inspiration from the mythological Selkies of Irish folklore, who live as seals in the sea but become humans on land.
‘Song of the Sea's’ voice cast features Brendan Gleeson, Fionnula Flanagan and David Rawle. Joining them are singer/songwriter Lisa Hannigan and actor/comedians Pat Shortt and Jon Kenny. Music is by composer Bruno Coulais and Irish band Kíla.
‘Song of the Sea’ is the second Oscar nominated film from Cartoon Saloon and director Tomm Moore, who commented, “The Galway film Fleadh is one of my favourite events in the year and we attend on a regular basis so it's very exciting to be premiering our new animated feature there this year. The atmosphere and opportunity to meet other filmmakers and fans always make it a really special event.”
‘Song of the Sea’ is also the second feature to debut at the Film Fleadh from screenwriter Will Collins, whose first feature was borne from his successful pitch at the festival's annual Pitching Competition. Will Collins said: "I got my big break at the Galway Film Fleadh Pitching Award many moons ago. I've been fortunate enough to go from volunteer, to Pitching Award winner, to opening the Fleadh with my first feature. This year I'm delighted that ‘Song of the Sea' will have its Irish premiere at the Fleadh, the festival that feels most like home."
‘Song of the Sea's’ Gala Irish Premiere will take place on Thursday 9th July at the Town Hall Theatre at 6pm, with cast and crew in attendance and music provided by Kíla. For tickets and further information, visit www.galwayfilmfleadh.com.
‘Song of the Sea’ and the Irish language version of the film ‘Amhrán na Mara’ will be distributed to cinemas nationwide on Friday July 10th by StudioCanal.
‘Song of the Sea’ was produced by Cartoon Saloon in co-production with European partners Melusine Productions (Luxembourg), The Big Farm (Belgium), Nørlum (Denmark) and Superprod (France). In association with Irish Film Board with the support of Film Fund Luxembourg, Eurimages Fund of the Council of Europe, The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, The Film and Audiovisual Centre of Wallonia Brussels Federation and Voo & Wallonia, Inver Invest, Versus Production, Magellan Films, Tax Shelter Programme of the Federal Government of Belgium, Belgacom with the assistance of the Danish Film Institute & West Danish Film Fund, with the participation of OCS, Haut et Court Distribution, Studiocanal & TG4 international sales by West End Films.
