The Secret of Kells200975 minutesBelgiumDirectors: Tomm Moore, Nora TwomeyWriters: Tomm Moore (original story), Fabrice Ziolkowski (screenplay)Starring: Evan McGuire, Brendan Gleeson and Mick Lally

For more information visit: www.frompagetoscreen.org.uk

The Book of Kells

The book of Kells is an Irish medieval manuscript containing the Four Gospels (the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) from the Bible. What makes the book special is its age and the illustrations that it contains. Started in a monastery on the Isle of Iona off the west coast of Scotland, to honour Saint Columba in the early 8th century, it was moved to a cathedral in Kells, in the county of Meath, Ireland after a Viking raid sometime in the 9th century. It remained in Kells until the mid 1500s. In the seventeenth century, Archbishop Ussher presented it to Trinity College in Dublin, where it sill resides today. The illuminated script is seen in Ireland as a nation treasure. The film of this story however is a work of fiction but based on the original manuscripts journey.

Adaptation of Book to Film

The transformation from book to screen is in line with the history of the ancient manuscript. The general plot hasn’t been changed. It’s true that the book was created in Iona and brought to Kells, and that the area was attacked but Vikings. To convey the history of the book the film had to relate to its Irish roots. From the humour to the animation, its uniquely Irish. The book of Kells was constantly used throughout the making of the film as the source of artistic material. What changed from the book are the characters the film introduced. The film is told from the perspective of Brendan, a young boy who wants to explore his creativity but is discouraged from doing so by his family.This adaptation takes on a religious text know

throughout Ireland. What could be seen as a risky move actually turns into a beautifully made film. Perfectly capturing the medieval aspects of Ireland whilst staying true to its Celtic values. The film is delicately animated and stunningly produced. The secret is out!

The Secret of Kells FilmThis charming tale follows a young boy named Brendan who lives in a remote medieval outpost under siege from barbarian raids. Due to these impending raids Brendan’s strict uncle, Abbot Cellach becomes obsessed with building a giant wall to keep marauding Viking raiders from destroying the Abbey of Kells and orders everyone to stay inside the walls parameters. One day a man arrives from foreign lands. It was brother Aiden. The celebrated master illuminator. Aiden had escaped from the Vikings that had destroyed his own monastery and bought with him the unfinishined book of Iona.Brendan realising Aiden needed his help to finish this sacred book has to break orders set by his strict uncle and head into the forest. Brendan is asked to fetch gall nuts which can be used as ink for the final pages of the book. But, will everything work out for the best?Join Brendan on his journey of discovery through the forest where he encounters wild beasts, roaming spirits

and magical natural beauty. Watch as his environments change around him in this epic, colorful and at times, sinister tale and see the enchanted world of Kells for yourself…

“Dazzling! Captivating! A magical adventure unlike

anything we’ve seen before.”

Claudia Puig, USA Today

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