Tomm Moore's 'Kindred Spirits' Selected for Cartoon Movie 2026

The upcoming animated film from the three-time Oscar nominee is among the projects chosen for the prestigious pitching and co-production event.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Kindred Spirits, an upcoming animated film from three-time Irish Oscar nominee Tomm Moore, has been selected as one of the projects to be featured at Cartoon Movie 2026, the two-day pitching and co-production event for animated feature films. Set in 1847 New York, the film follows an Irish refugee girl and a displaced Choctaw boy who form an unlikely bond. Kindred Spirits is currently in development and is being produced through Moore's Kilkenny-based studio, Cartoon Saloon.

Why it matters

Tomm Moore is a highly acclaimed animator whose previous films, including The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, and Wolfwalkers, have all been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. His selection for Cartoon Movie 2026 further cements his reputation as one of the leading voices in contemporary animation and highlights the continued growth and importance of the Cartoon Movie event as a platform for showcasing the best upcoming animated projects.

The details

Kindred Spirits is set in 1847 New York and follows an Irish refugee girl and a displaced Choctaw boy who form an unlikely bond. The film is currently in development and is being produced through Tomm Moore's Kilkenny-based studio, Cartoon Saloon. Kindred Spirits is one of 12 projects at the concept stage, 30 in development, seven in production, and one completed film that will be featured at Cartoon Movie 2026.

  • Kindred Spirits is currently in development.

The players

Tomm Moore

A three-time Irish Oscar nominee and acclaimed animator, whose previous films include The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, and Wolfwalkers.

Cartoon Saloon

Tomm Moore's Kilkenny-based animation studio, which is producing Kindred Spirits.

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The takeaway

Tomm Moore's selection for Cartoon Movie 2026 with his upcoming film Kindred Spirits further solidifies his reputation as one of the most innovative and acclaimed animators working today, and highlights the continued growth and importance of the Cartoon Movie event as a platform for showcasing the best upcoming animated projects from around the world.