born of the land, made of the stars

10 Sept

Ireland’s impact on the Hollywood Scene is one of vibrance and variety. From Hollywood to Kilkenny, the Cartoon Saloon has been breaking into the scenes from as early as the 2000s.

Created in 1999, by Tomm Moor, Paul Young and Nora Twomey, the company have seen multiple nominations come their way over the last few decades including five academy Awards.

Some of their works include The Breadwinner (2017) which involved Angelina Jolie, and The Secret of Kells (2010) which was followed up with a feature film in 2015.

Twomey has been vocal about her journey through secondary school and how she struggled to stick with it. Twomey is one of the many voices who seem to be affected by the constant emphasis on the importance of secondary school and how it is essential for a future career. Twomey later went on to work at a factory that dealt with food, giving her time to think about what was next for her.
Although her school life was tough and came to an end at the age of 15, Twomey and her family supported her wishes and aided her in creating portfolios and applications for colleges. Twomey would later go on to attend Ballyfermot College of Further Education where her love of animation and creativity would be exercised.
Twomey represents the possibilities and opportunities that come with further education institutions. While third level college institutions are considered ‘the norm’ in the country, it is important to bring awareness and attention to those attending further education institutions, with Twomey as living proof.

As it is notable to recognise the success of Cartoon Saloon and its multiple nomination success with the academy awards, it is not these awards that only establish the work of these three co-founders, especially Twomey who has laid out the grounds for Irish female animators.