Cartoon Saloon’s JULIAN set for Cannes

Cartoon Saloon's JULIAN set for Cannes

Cartoon Saloon's JULIAN set for Cannes

In the shadow of Ireland’s medieval Kilkenny Castle, Cartoon Saloon has quietly built an animation empire that continues to expand its artistic boundaries. The acclaimed studio that brought us THE BREADWINNER, SONG OF THE SEA, and WOLFWALKERS has just reached another milestone with its latest project Julián earning a coveted spot at the prestigious Cannes Annecy Animation Showcase this May.

The showcase, serving as an appetizer to June’s main course at the Annecy Animation Festival, has selected only five promising animated projects for its 2025 edition, with Cartoon Saloon’s latest jewel among them. This isn’t merely a screening opportunity but a crucial bridge connecting animation’s artistic ambitions with industry partners who can bring these visions to global audiences. On May 18th, as part of Cannes’ Animation Day, creative teams will pitch their projects to potential sales agents, distributors, and festival programmers—a pivotal moment in any film’s journey from concept to screen.

JULIAN, adapted from Jessica Love’s picture book “Julián Is a Mermaid,” follows a wide-eyed boy through a transformative summer with his Abuela in New York City. Under Louise Bagnall’s direction (known for her Oscar-nominated LATE AFTERNOON, this coming-of-age tale promises to blend whimsy and depth as it explores identity, family bonds, and self-expression. The narrative will take viewers from Brooklyn streets to ocean depths in an intergenerational story that examines heritage and gender expression through the colorful chaos of Abuela’s world and the stories she shares with her grandson.

This selection reinforces Cartoon Saloon’s position at the forefront of animation innovation. Since their international breakthrough with WOLFWALKERS and continuing through their Oscar-nominated works, the studio has consistently delivered visually stunning films that marry folklore elements with contemporary themes. Their distinctive hand-drawn animation style stands in defiant contrast to the computer-generated dominance of larger studios, proving that traditional techniques can still captivate modern audiences when paired with powerful storytelling.

The Cannes showcase highlights why animation remains one of cinema’s most exciting mediums, embracing diverse voices from emerging talents to seasoned auteurs. For Cartoon Saloon, Julián represents both a continuation of their artistic legacy and an evolution as they explore new narrative territories while maintaining the visual poetry that has become their signature. As the studio’s profile continues to rise on the international stage, this latest recognition suggests their most impactful work may still lie ahead.

🎬 Magic happens when Irish storytelling meets world-class animation! 

Proud to see our very own @CartoonSaloon continuing to dominate with their stunning visual poetry. 

From the breathtaking WOLFWALKERS to the heartfelt SONG OF THE SEA, these Kilkenny wizards keep bringing Celtic magic to the global stage. 

Now with their new project JULIAN selected for Cannes, they're proving once again why Irish animation is unmatched!

More at irishfilmtv.com.

🎬 Magic happens when Irish storytelling meets world-class animation!

Proud to see our very own @CartoonSaloon continuing to dominate with their stunning visual poetry.

From the breathtaking WOLFWALKERS to the heartfelt SONG OF THE SEA, these Kilkenny wizards keep bringing Celtic magic to the global stage.

Now with their new project JULIAN selected for Cannes, they`re proving once again why Irish animation is unmatched!

More at irishfilmtv.com.
...

From FATHER TED to FRAN THE MAN, @ardalohanlon is comedy gold!

Now in Irish theatres, and also starring @amy_huberman and @peterjmcgann, Ireland's latest football mockumentary is a delightful slice of Irish football culture.

Get your movie times at irishfilmtv.com.

From FATHER TED to FRAN THE MAN, @ardalohanlon is comedy gold!

Now in Irish theatres, and also starring @amy_huberman and @peterjmcgann, Ireland`s latest football mockumentary is a delightful slice of Irish football culture.

Get your movie times at irishfilmtv.com.
...

Andrew Scott's mind-blowing one-man VANYA extended due to massive demand!

From stealing scenes in FLEABAG to breaking hearts in ALL OF US STRANGERS, Scott continues to prove he's one of the most versatile Irish performers of our generation. 

More at irishfilmtv.com.

Andrew Scott`s mind-blowing one-man VANYA extended due to massive demand!

From stealing scenes in FLEABAG to breaking hearts in ALL OF US STRANGERS, Scott continues to prove he`s one of the most versatile Irish performers of our generation.

More at irishfilmtv.com.
...

Ireland's own Graham Norton swaps his iconic red chair for a trip in the TARDIS! 

The Eurovision king is joining DOCTOR WHO for an intergalactic singing competition that's bound to be out of this world! 🌟

Mark your calendars for May 17th! 🗓️ More at irishfilmtv.com.

Ireland`s own Graham Norton swaps his iconic red chair for a trip in the TARDIS!

The Eurovision king is joining DOCTOR WHO for an intergalactic singing competition that`s bound to be out of this world! 🌟

Mark your calendars for May 17th! 🗓️ More at irishfilmtv.com.
...

Domhnall Gleeson continues his hot streak in Guy Ritchie's FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH! 

Our favorite redheaded Irishman keeps proving he's one of the most versatile actors working today. Cannot wait to see what he brings to this globe-trotting adventure when it hits Apple TV+ on May 23! 

More at irishflmtv.com.

Domhnall Gleeson continues his hot streak in Guy Ritchie`s FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH!

Our favorite redheaded Irishman keeps proving he`s one of the most versatile actors working today. Cannot wait to see what he brings to this globe-trotting adventure when it hits Apple TV+ on May 23!

More at irishflmtv.com.
...

📺 Don't miss the mesmerizing documentary STEPHEN REA: THE FIRE IN ME NOW.

The new doc takes us on an intimate journey with the man who captivated audiences in THE CRYING GAME and beyond. 

Premieres Apr 10 on RTÉ One!

📺 Don`t miss the mesmerizing documentary STEPHEN REA: THE FIRE IN ME NOW.

The new doc takes us on an intimate journey with the man who captivated audiences in THE CRYING GAME and beyond.

Premieres Apr 10 on RTÉ One!
...

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