My Father’s Dragon Released on Netflix
Cartoon Saloon’s latest feature film My Father’s Dragon, directed by Academy Award®-nominated Nora Twomey premiered on Netflix on November 11th.
Following a successful North American premiere, My Father’s Dragon picked up the Special Jury Prize at the Animation is Film Festival.
The film is inspired by the Newbery-honored children’s book from author Ruth Stiles Gannett. Struggling to cope after a move to the city with his mother, Elmer runs away in search of Wild Island and a young dragon who waits to be rescued. Elmer’s adventures introduce him to ferocious beasts, a mysterious island and the friendship of a lifetime. Available to watch now on Netflix.
Butler Gallery – My Father’s Dragon: The Exhibition & Talk Series
Butler Gallery continues its partnership with Cartoon Saloon, in an exhibition response to their new animated film My Father’s Dragon, directed by Nora Twomey.
The exhibition, which is running until January 29th 2023, is curated by Anna O’Sullivan, Butler Gallery Director, and designed by award winning exhibition designer Steven McNamara of Roji. The exhibition combines the expertise of Butler Gallery’s exhibition team with Cartoon Saloon’s worldwide reach and distinctive style to develop an immersive, sensory and child-centred exhibition experience that will captivate audiences of all ages.
As with previous collaborations with Cartoon Saloon, Butler Gallery will deliver an extensive programme of public engagement for children and adults that will include themes such as children’s resilience and problem solving, addressing mental health issues while coping with a crisis, and celebrating the films art and artists. Learning and Public Engagement events will include: tailored inclusive activities for children and young people; interactive visits for schools and groups that encourage creativity through hands-on making; a talk series and masterclasses with Cartoon Saloon animators, editors and directors; and an animator-in-residence programme.
Nora Twomey said: “Our animators and artists at Cartoon Saloon have worked together to craft My Father’s Dragon, inspired by Ruth Stiles Gannett’s amazing book and we are delighted to continue our partnership with Butler Gallery for this Exhibition. It is amazing to see how the gallery’s team have created an immersive experience for all ages. I can’t wait for visitors to partake in the world of My Father’s Dragon at Butler Gallery.”
All exhibition information can be found on The Butler Gallery website: https://www.butlergallery.ie/whats-on/my-fathers-dragon-cartoon-saloon
WolfWalkers wins at the BAFTAS
It had been three years since the BAFTA Children & Young People Awards were last held due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Kilkenny were well represented on the night. Cartoon Saloon’s WolfWalkers, directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, won in the Best Feature Film category. Tomm and scriptwriter Will Collins accepted the award on the night and had great fun carrying the award through the airports the following day!
Cartoon Saloon’s sister studio Lighthouse Studios also won for ‘El Deafo’ in the ‘Content for Change’ category.
The Ark reveals new ident by Cartoon Saloon
The Ark approached Cartoon Saloon earlier this year to produce their new ident. Tasked with capturing the joy of children’s creative experiences at The Ark, the Cartoon Saloon team consulted with The Ark Children’s Council to develop and deliver a colourful celebration of our work in this delightful thirty second animation.
Cartoon Saloon were delighted to sponsor the project and The Ark gave a “huge thank you to Giovanna Ferrari, Walter Giampaglia, Jason Tammemagi, Katja Schumann and Antonio Caamano for their stellar work on the ident. In particular, we would like to thank The Ark’s former board member and Cartoon Saloon co-founder, Tomm Moore, for his support in bringing this project to life.”
Take a look at the gorgeous animation at the link below and keep an eye out for it on the ‘Live from The Ark’ streamed productions.