European Film Academy

Press Release #22/2009

The European Film Academy proudly announces the three nominations in the category EUROPEAN FILM ACADEMY ANIMATED FEATURE FILM 2009.

The jury consisting of EFA Board Members Per Holst (producer, Denmark) and Antonio Saura (producer, Spain) as well as representatives of CARTOON, the European Association of Animation Film, Agnès Bizzaro (program consultant/ editor, France/Germany), Enzo d’Alo (director, Italy) and Joanna Quinn (director, UK) decided to nominate the following films:

MIA AND THE MIGOO (Mia et le Migou)
by Jacques-Rémy Girerd

NIKO & THE WAY TO THE STARS (Niko - Lentäjän poika)
by Kari Juusonen & Michael Hegner

THE SECRET OF KELLS (Brendan et le Secret de Kells)
by Tomm Moore

MIA AND THE MIGOO (France 2008) tells the story of a young girl’s journey in search of her father who is working at the building site of a luxury hotel in the middle of a hidden forest. Deep in the woods, she encounters the mysterious creature Migoo.

NIKO & THE WAY TO THE STARS (Finland/Germany/Denmark/Ireland 2008) is the adventure tale about the young reindeer Niko who is still learning how to fly. He sets out for a quest to find his father, a famous member of the legendary Santa Flying Forces.

In the 9th century, in the remote parts of Ireland, lies the fortified Kells Abbey, which is threatened by the Vikings. In THE SECRET OF KELLS (France 2009), twelve-year-old Brendan explores the art of illuminating the darkness and discovers the means of protection against the raids of the barbarians.

The nominated films will now be submitted to the EFA Members to elect the winner who will be presented at the European Film Awards Ceremony on Saturday, 12 December, in Bochum.

Berlin, 22 October 2009