Official Press Release

WHAT:
To commemorate the DVD and digital release this week of his critically-acclaimed, Academy Award-nominated animated feature film, THE SECRET OF KELLS, director Tomm Moore will be participating in distributor New Video’s panel at the 2010 New York Comic Convention, the largest pop culture event on the East Coast. With the film’s creative director, Ross Stewart, Moore will share the creative process behind the visually-stunning animation of the film.

Also released this week is a new “The Secret of Kells” graphic novel for iPod and iPad available on the “Comics” by comiXology platform for iPod and iPad ($4.99 download). An accompanying free 22-page preview app features “Prequel 1: Brendan,” telling the origins of the main character, Brendan, and his rescue from barbarian attacks as a young child. In addition to the prequel story, the free preview app features additional sample pages from the full graphic novel, a link to download the film on iTunes, and four extended video clips from the movie.

THE SECRET OF KELLS is being released on DVD and Blu-ray October 5 by New Video’s Flatiron Film Company and will also be distributed day-and-date on video-on-demand (VOD) and on digital platforms via New Video’s partners.

WHEN:
Booth appearance and signing: Saturday, October 9, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Panel: Sunday, October 10, from 2:45 to 3:45 pm

WHERE:
The Jacob K. Javits Center, 655 West 34th Street, New York, New Video Booth #1665.

About THE SECRET OF KELLS
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 (Evan McGuire) lives under the care of his uncle Abbot Cellach (Brendan Gleeson), in a remote medieval outpost under siege from raiding barbarians. One day a celebrated master illuminator (Mick Lally) 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 into the enchanted forest, where mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the fairy Aisling (Christen Mooney), 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? The motion picture is a France/Belgium/Ireland co-production of Les Armateurs, Vivi Film, Cartoon Saloon and France 2 Cinema.