Kindred Spirits: Tomm Moore’s New Film on Irish-Choctaw Bond

A Shared History, A Modern Story: Cartoon Saloon Unveils ‘Kindred Spirits’

Cartoon Saloon, the Irish animation studio behind critically acclaimed films like Wolfwalkers and The Secret of Kells, has revealed the first trailer for its upcoming feature, Kindred Spirits. The project, currently in development, is a deeply personal story rooted in a little-known historical connection: the aid provided by the Choctaw Nation to Ireland during the Great Famine of the 1840s. The trailer debuted at Cartoon Movie 2026, a major European animation event and offers a glimpse into a tale of displacement, resilience, and the search for belonging. You can view the trailer here.

Echoes of the Past, Inspiration in the Present

The genesis of Kindred Spirits came during the COVID-19 pandemic, as director and co-founder of Cartoon Saloon, Tomm Moore, reflected on the reciprocal aid given during times of crisis. “I knew about the bond between Irish and Choctaw nations, but I’d forgotten about it,” Moore explained, as reported by Cartoon Brew. He was struck by how the historical connection remained vivid in Irish collective memory, and further research revealed that other First Nations groups also offered support during the devastating famine. This discovery sparked the idea for a story exploring that shared history.

The Story Takes Shape: Two Worlds Collide

Kindred Spirits centers on Mara, an Irish child who finds herself alone in New York City in 1847, and Tushka, a young member of the Choctaw Nation separated from his family. Their paths cross, and together they embark on a journey across America, navigating hardship and seeking a place to call home. Adding a layer of emotional complexity, the story is framed by the presence of Mara’s brother, Dan, who exists as a spirit watching over her. The film promises a blend of adventure, magical realism, and poignant exploration of themes like family, identity, and cultural understanding.

A History of Suffering and Solidarity: The Great Famine and Choctaw Aid

The historical backdrop of Kindred Spirits is the Great Famine (1845-1852), a period of mass starvation and disease in Ireland caused by potato blight. As detailed by Wikipedia, the famine resulted in approximately one million deaths and forced millions more to emigrate. Remarkably, despite facing their own hardships, the Choctaw Nation, who themselves had recently endured forced removal from their ancestral lands during the Trail of Tears, collected $170 (equivalent to several thousand dollars today) and sent it to Ireland to aid the starving population. This act of compassion, born from a shared experience of suffering, forms the emotional core of the film.

Collaboration and Cultural Sensitivity

Cartoon Saloon is prioritizing authenticity and cultural sensitivity in the production of Kindred Spirits. The studio is collaborating with Native American artists, including Choctaw visual artist Waylon Whitedeer and Cherokee storyboard artist Morgan Thompson, to ensure accurate representation and incorporate visual elements from various nations and tribes. Moore emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting that the landscapes within the film will be influenced by the artwork of the regions the characters traverse. The soundtrack will also reflect this cross-cultural exchange, featuring both traditional Irish music from the band Kíla (who previously worked on Wolfwalkers) and contributions from Choctaw musicians, overseen by composer Bruno Coulais.

Production Details and Future Plans

Folivari, a French animation studio, is co-producing Kindred Spirits with Cartoon Saloon, building on a long-standing partnership. Thibaut Ruby of Folivari highlighted the studio’s affinity for stories about outcasts and finding family, noting that the characters of Mara and Tushka fit perfectly within that theme. The studios are aiming for a 50/50 work split, with animation work being divided between Paris and Kilkenny, Ireland. Currently, the team is seeking European co-producers, international sales agents, and distribution partners to finalize the financing and production schedule. Anthony Leo, the new CEO of Cartoon Saloon, joined Moore and Ruby at the Cartoon Movie presentation to discuss the project’s progress.

Beyond Ireland: A Story of the Global Immigrant Experience

Ruby believes the film’s themes will resonate with a broad audience, particularly in America. “I think for a lot of kids today, most migrants aren’t white, but it’s good to display them that it could be anybody,” he stated in Cartoon Brew. “You can be a young white European girl in the U.S. And still be an immigrant. To be on the immigrant side, to be the one that doesn’t matter, is a powerful aspect of this story.” Moore echoed this sentiment, adding that Kindred Spirits marks a new direction for him, focusing on the Irish diaspora and untold stories of Irish emigration around the world. He sees the film as a starting point for exploring these narratives further.

Looking Ahead: Development and Financing

The development of Kindred Spirits is ongoing, with the team focused on refining the story and securing the necessary funding. The project’s presentation at Cartoon Movie 2026 is a key step in attracting potential partners and moving the film closer to production. Although a firm release date has not yet been announced, the studios are actively working to bring this poignant and timely story to audiences worldwide.