Dublin, [Date] – In a landmark achievement, the first-ever animated feature film crafted in the northern region has been introduced in an Irish language adaptation, capturing the essence of linguistic diversity. “Puffin Rock and the New Friends,” a cinematic masterpiece, made its debut earlier this month in the UK and subsequently graced Irish cinemas across both the northern and southern regions in July.
Now, to embrace the cultural richness of the Irish language, a version of this children’s cinematic gem has been unveiled, with a special screening held on Sunday at the prestigious Irish Film Institute Family Festival in Dublin.
The introduction of “Puffin Rock Agus Cairde Nua,” the Irish language iteration, paves the way for an expanded array of showings across Ireland, featuring the talents of performers such as Dónal Mac Giolla Chóill, Mary-Kate Page, Ava Campo, and Lorcán Mac Daibhéid, who lent their voices to bring this enchanting tale to life.
The endeavor to realize this transformation was underpinned by the expertise of Belfast-based production company Zoogon, which played a pivotal role in crafting the Irish version of the film. This new rendition has garnered accolades from critics, resonating with its audience through its artistry and compelling narrative.
The original English language rendition of the film featured acclaimed voice actors, including the renowned Chris O’Dowd from “The IT Crowd” and the illustrious Dublin actress Amy Huberman.
The cinematic endeavor was co-produced by the esteemed studio Dog Ears, headquartered in Derry, in collaboration with the distinguished and Oscar-nominated Cartoon Saloon, based in Kilkenny. The movie’s premiere screening was a significant occasion, hosted last month at Derry’s Brunswick Moviebowl, marking a milestone in animated storytelling.
The film draws inspiration from the award-winning animated TV series “Puffin Rock,” which achieved widespread acclaim during its two-season run in 2015 and 2016. The series introduces audiences to the world of whimsical puffin characters inhabiting an island nestled off the mesmerizing Irish coast.
Áine Walsh, the Head of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund (ILBF) at Northern Ireland Screen, expressed enthusiasm for this linguistic transformation, saying, “The ILBF is delighted to support the Irish language version of this beautiful, animated film. This is a wonderful opportunity for Irish speaking families to enjoy ‘Puffin Rock agus na Cairde Nua’ for the first time, and we look forward to further screenings which will extend this opportunity to Irish speaking children and families throughout the country.”
The introduction of “Puffin Rock Agus Cairde Nua” in the Irish language not only honors the cultural heritage but also elevates the accessibility of this heartwarming tale, nurturing a sense of connection and inclusivity among audiences across the nation.
