kellsAmong the surprise contenders in this year’s list of Academy Award nominees is the wonderfully inventive, hand-drawn animated film based on the real-life Book of Kells. The film was produced by independent filmmakers in Ireland and despite receiving rave reviews on this side of the pond, it has yet to be widely released in the U.S.  The Secret of Kells follows the story of a twelve-year-old orphan living in the Abbey of Kells who fends off serpents and bloodthirsty Vikings in his quest to help the newly arrived master Illuminator, Brother Aidan, with an important task. The film’s official stateside release is scheduled for March, but in the meantime, you can click here to see a trailer.