Get ready for an emotional journey as Cartoon Saloon unveils its latest masterpiece, 'Kindred Spirits'! This heartwarming tale will leave you questioning the power of connections across time and space.
In a time of great hardship, an incredible bond formed between Ireland and the First Nations of North America. During the Great Famine, the First Nations' generosity knew no bounds, offering aid to the Irish people. Fast forward to the pandemic, and this connection still resonates deeply, bridging the Atlantic through the spirits of those benevolent ancestors.
Tomm Moore, co-founder of Cartoon Saloon and an Academy Award nominee, was inspired by this enduring bond. He shared his vision with a packed audience at Cartoon Movie, joined by key collaborators including Anthony Leo, the new CEO of Cartoon Saloon, and Shelley Dennis, a Choctaw artist and scriptwriter. An exclusive extended trailer was also unveiled, giving us a glimpse into this extraordinary project.
'Kindred Spirits' tells the story of two unlikely friends, Mara and Tushka, who find each other in the midst of adversity. Mara, an Irish refugee in New York, and Tushka, a Choctaw Nation boy far from home, embark on a journey across America. Guided by Mara's brother Dan, who refuses to let go, they search for a sense of family and belonging. It's a tale of resilience and the power of human connection.
Moore admits, "I had forgotten about the bond between the Irish and Choctaw nations, but the pandemic reminded me. As we researched, we discovered that other First Nations also offered help during the Great Famine. It was the beginning of our journey."
As both co-producer and director, Moore feels blessed to wear these hats. He believes his input as a producer enhances his direction, and he's surrounded by talented producers who support him.
For Folivari, co-producing with Cartoon Saloon since the beginning, this project felt like a natural progression. Thibaut Ruby, a longtime co-producer, explains, "We've always been drawn to stories about outcasts, like 'Ernest & Celestine' and 'The Big Bad Fox'. Meeting Mara and Tushka, two characters finding their way to becoming a family, is right up our alley."
The collaboration between the two studios aims for a 50/50 work split. Ruby recalls, "Maya, who lives in Paris, and Tomm worked together for two weeks in Paris. Many of the backgrounds were done by Maya, while the rest was handled by the incredible Cartoon Saloon team in Kilkenny."
But it's not just about the existing teams. Cartoon Saloon has brought on board Native American artists, incorporating visuals from various nations and tribes. Moore explains, "As the characters travel across America, the landscape reflects the artworks of that region. Working with artists like Waylon Whitedeer, a Choctaw visual artist, and Morgan Thompson, a Cherokee storyboard artist, was important and interesting. Adapting to a different style and incorporating Native American influences was a new challenge."
The team aims to include Choctaw musicians and Native American sounds, creating a unique blend of cultures. Bruno Coulais, the longtime composer for Cartoon Saloon, is at the helm of the soundtrack, joined by the traditional Irish music band Kíla.
As Cartoon Saloon and Folivari continue developing 'Kindred Spirits', they're seeking European co-producers, international sales agents, broadcasters, and regional distributors. Ruby is curious about how the story will resonate, especially in America, where migrants are often not white. He believes it's important to show that anyone can be an immigrant, even a young white European girl in the U.S.
Moore concludes, "This movie marks a departure for me. It's the start of a new cycle where I explore the Irish diaspora worldwide and uncover untold stories. This tale, connected to Ireland's recent history, is a powerful one to tell today."
What do you think? Will 'Kindred Spirits' capture the hearts of audiences worldwide? Join the discussion and share your thoughts!
