Belfast-based independent producer Paper Owl Films has been given the greenlight to produce a second season of its fast-paced Celtic-inspired adventure anime series Lí Ban. Commissioned by Cúla4/TG4 in Ireland and S4C in the Welsh language, the series is being made with funding support from Coimisiún na Meán, as well as Northern Ireland Screen’s Screen Fund and Irish Language Broadcast Fund, and is being distributed internationally by Aardman.
“We are so thankful for the continued support from our partners which is enabling us to make a new series of Lí Ban, telling ancient Celtic stories that resonate with children worldwide,” said Gráinne McGuinness, Creative Director at Paper Owl Films. “The international popularity of anime and fantasy storytelling allows us to tell Lí Ban’s coming of age story for a modern audience and her struggle to find out who she is in the world is as real for today’s kids as it was for her centuries ago.”
The new 13 x 11′ episodes are aimed at children aged seven to nine and the whole family, as they follow Lí Ban’s quest for answers in an ancient world of gods and monsters. The series features Sadbh Breathnach as the voice of Lí Ban and Jude Petticrew as the voice of Con.
Season 2 finds Lí Ban and Con settled in Manannán’s kingdom, getting to know Morveren, Dylan, Manannán and Bíreog better but Lí Ban’s wish to regain the human side of herself is never far from the surface.
Lí Ban and Con overhear that Mídenn is still alive, imprisoned by the evil Balor on an island in otherworldly Annwn. Determined to save him from Balor’s clutches, they embark upon a quest to free the druid. But the way into Annwn is not a straightforward one. They seek help from the great Sorceress Ceridwen, and meet young Tali, her son, who befriends them and joins them in their mission.
Fantastical heroes, legendary villains and a reality that bends around Celtic magic remain at the heart of the new season. The tales are some of the wildest ever passed down the Celtic generations, with origins as old as the lands and shores that shaped it.
“The TG4 & Cúla4 teams are delighted that Series 2 of this wonderful series has now been greenlit,” said Siobhán Ní Bhrádaigh Commissioning Editor & Acquisitions Executive, Children’s Content TG4. “We look forward to working alongside the amazing creatives at Paper Owl, S4C and Aardman once again and to bringing more stories of Lí Ban and friends to life. We’re very grateful to the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, Northern Ireland Screen and to Coimisiún na Meán for supporting this project.”
Áine Walsh, Head of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund at Northern Ireland Screen, added, “Supporting kids’ content that puts the Ulster dialect of Irish to the fore is a key priority for the Fund and we’re delighted that there will be a second series of this original Irish language animation available for our young viewers. We look forward to following Lí Ban’s new adventures across the Celtic countries.”
paperowlfilms.com | aardman.com/distribution
