Newport Beach Film Festival Selected Kilkenny Films
Three animated works with ties to Kilkenny, Ireland, have been selected for the Newport Beach Film Festival lineup.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Animation
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The Newport Beach Film Festival has officially selected three films with deep connections to the Irish city of Kilkenny for its current programme. These entries are part of a larger showcase featuring approximately 30 Irish films at the California event.
Why it matters
The inclusion of these works highlights the significant international reach and creative reputation of the Kilkenny animation scene. These selections serve as a major component of the broader Irish cinematic presence currently being celebrated at the festival.
The festival features approximately 30 Irish films in total, including three distinct projects with production ties to Kilkenny. One featured short, Addicted to It, involves voice work from Mel Brooks and an original score by composer Jeff Marx.
The players
Cartoon Saloon
This Kilkenny-based animation studio is globally recognized for producing acclaimed animated features and shorts.
Mel Brooks
He is an iconic filmmaker, actor, and comedian who provides voice work for the animated short Addicted to It.
Jeff Marx
He is an accomplished composer known for his work on stage and screen who created the original music for Addicted to It.
The details
The animated short Julián was produced at the renowned Cartoon Saloon studio located in Kilkenny. Another selection, Addicted to It, is an animated musical short directed by Nigel Tierney and Federico Heller that integrates original lyrics and music into its narrative.
Timeline
The Newport Beach Film Festival takes place in California throughout October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The prominence of Kilkenny-based projects reflects the broader shift in global animation where smaller, specialized regional studios are increasingly driving high-quality international content. This trend highlights a departure from centralized production hubs toward a more decentralized, globalized creative economy.
Attendees at the Newport Beach Film Festival can view these specific Irish films throughout the month of October. The selections provide local audiences with rare access to international animated shorts that are frequently showcased at major global festivals.
The takeaway
The recognition of these Kilkenny-linked films demonstrates the continued global demand for independent Irish animation. Viewers interested in the genre can look for these specific titles to support emerging trends in international musical animation.
Further reading
Explore more developments in the Animation sector to understand how independent studios are shaping film festivals.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kilkenny People.
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