Academy Award-nominated director Tomm Moore has unveiled the first images from his new animated feature “Kindred Spirits” at Cartoon Movie 2026, revealing a project inspired by the historical bond between Ireland and Native American nations during the Great Famine. The Cartoon Saloon co-founder presented the film in development alongside new CEO Anthony Leo, Choctaw artist and scriptwriter Shelley Dennis, and Folivari co-producer Thibaut Ruby. The announcement marks a significant new direction for the acclaimed Irish animation studio behind films like “Wolfwalkers” and “The Secret of Kells.”
According to Moore, the idea for the animated feature emerged during the pandemic when he witnessed renewed support between Irish and First Nations communities. This connection traces back more than 160 years to when the Choctaw Nation and other First Nations donated money to help Ireland during the Great Famine of the 1840s.
Historical Bond Inspires Kindred Spirits Narrative
The film tells the story of Mara, an Irish refugee child alone in 1847 New York, who meets Tushka, a Choctaw Nation boy separated from his family. Together they embark on a journey across America, accompanied by Mara’s brother Dan, a spirit unable to accept his own death. The narrative explores themes of displacement, family, and finding home during one of history’s most challenging migration periods.
Moore explained that while he knew about the Irish-Choctaw connection, the pandemic reminded him how deeply this historical relationship remained in Irish folk memory. “As we researched the film, we discovered that not only the Choctaw but also other First Nations sent help during the Great Famine back then,” the director said. This discovery became the foundation for the “Kindred Spirits” concept.
Cultural Collaboration Shapes Visual Identity
Cartoon Saloon has brought Native American artists onto the project to ensure authentic cultural representation. The production team includes Choctaw visual artist Waylon Whitedeer and Cherokee storyboard artist Morgan Thompson, alongside veteran collaborators like Maya Merigeau. Additionally, the studio plans to incorporate Choctaw musicians and Native American sounds into the soundtrack.
Moore indicated that the film’s visual style will evolve as the characters travel across America, with each region’s artwork influencing the landscape presentation. “It was very important for us, and very interesting, to work with artists from different nations and tribes,” he noted. Bruno Coulais, the longtime Cartoon Saloon composer, will helm the soundtrack, with traditional Irish band Kíla returning after their work on “Wolfwalkers.”
Production Partnership Between Irish and French Studios
Folivari, which has co-produced with Cartoon Saloon from the beginning, joined the “Kindred Spirits” project as a natural extension of their partnership. Ruby emphasized that the French studio has always championed stories about outcasts and unconventional families, citing previous projects like “Ernest & Celestine” and “The Big Bad Fox.” The production aims for a 50/50 work split between the Paris and Kilkenny-based teams.
However, Moore acknowledged this film represents a departure from his previous work focused exclusively on Irish settings. “It’s the start of a new cycle where I’m looking at the Irish diaspora elsewhere in the world and trying to find other stories that are yet to be told,” he stated. The director also mentioned he finds it beneficial to serve as both director and co-producer on the project.
Contemporary Relevance of Immigration Story
Ruby highlighted the story’s relevance to modern audiences, particularly in showing that European children could also be immigrants facing marginalization. “I think for a lot of kids today, most migrants aren’t white, but it’s good to show them that it could be anybody,” the producer said. In contrast to common contemporary perceptions, the narrative demonstrates how immigration experiences transcend racial and ethnic boundaries.
Meanwhile, the production teams are working to balance historical accuracy with magical storytelling elements that have become a Cartoon Saloon trademark. The film incorporates both realistic historical settings from 1847 America and spiritual realm sequences involving Mara’s deceased brother.
The production is currently seeking European co-producers, international sales agents, broadcasters, and regional distributors to complete its financing structure. Cartoon Saloon and Folivari continue developing the script and refining production plans, though specific release dates have not been confirmed.