Cartoon Saloon, the Irish studio that created The Secret of Kells, returns with its second animated feature, inspired by the Selkies, Celtic mythological creatures that can shapeshift between seal and human form by removing or putting on their sealskin. Selkies are often featured in folklore tales of human-selkie romantic relationships, in which the human hides the selkie’s skin, preventing them from returning to the sea.

The story follows Coner (Brendan Gleeson), his pregnant wife Bronach (Lisa Hannigan), and their son Ben (David Rawle), who live happily together on a small island with their English Sheepdog, Cú. Coner works at the lighthouse, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new member of their family. However, one night, Bronach mysteriously disappears, leaving behind her newborn daughter, Saoirse (Lucy O’Connell).

Bronach often told Ben the legend of Manannán mac Lir, the sea god who was cursed and turned to stone by Macha, the Owl Witch. On every Halloween night, Macha’s owls would hunt for the faeries to steal their emotions, transforming them into stone.

Coner’s mother, Granny (Fionnula Flanagan), arrives from the city to celebrate Saoirse’s birthday. Granny has never approved of Coner raising their grandchildren on the remote island, which she deems unsafe for children.

When Saoirse discovers a white sealskin coat and puts it on, she transforms into a seal and swims into the sea. Granny later finds Saoirse on the beach and insists on taking the children back to the city with her. Coner locks the coat in a chest, he tosses the chest and the key into the sea.

On Halloween, Ben and Saoirse encounter a faerie who reveals that Saoirse is a selkie who can free the petrified faeries. However, a selkie has no magical powers without her coat. As they plan to return to the lighthouse, Macha’s owls attack in an attempt to kidnap Saoirse.

The siblings flee the scene and board a country bus. As Saoirse’s illness worsens, they encounter a holy well, into which she dives. Ben follows her and meets the Great Seanachaí (Jon Kenny), who reveals that Macha has kidnapped Saoirse and she will die if she does not get her coat back. Ben must embark on a quest to rescue his sister.

SONG of the SEA is a storytelling masterclass, showcasing unique and exquisite hand-drawn animation and a captivating tale inspired by Celtic mythology. Each character possesses complex traits and undergoes significant development.SONG of the SEA is an instant classic.

SONG of the SEA premiered at Toronto International Film Festival on 6 September 2014. The film was theatrically released in France on 10 December. It was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 87th Academy Awards.

Awards

• Prix Spécial du Jury — Festival International des Voix du Cinéma d’Animation (2014)
• Best Animated or Mixed Media Feature — Satellite Awards (2015)
• Best Film — Irish Film & Television Awards (2015)
• Best Animated Feature Film — European Film Awards (2015)