The 64th Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) ended on 16 August after 17 days screening 372 films over 524 sessions from 69 countries, including 28 world premieres and 165 Australian premieres; the Luxembourg Co-Production Song of the Sea received the accolade of #1 Feature Film in the People’s Choice Awards.
“MIFF 2015 was nothing short of remarkable and a testament to the exceptionally vibrant film culture that exists in our city. With enthusiastically received retrospectives on David Gulpilil, Sebastián Silva and the Safdie brothers, an abundance of sold-out screenings including Centrepiece Gala and Closing Night, and the Australian premiere of Vertical Cinema, MIFF 2015 was wholeheartedly embraced by Melbourne audiences,” said Artistic Director Michelle Carey.
The MIFF People’s Choice Awards, presented by Foxtel Movies, resulted in the Top 10 Feature Films and Documentaries; Song of the Sea topped the list of Top Features and Graceful Girls was voted the top documentary.
Song of the Sea was directed by Tomm Moore; Luxembourg's involvement was through Mélusine Productions and Studio 352 in Contern, with Stéphan Roelants as co-producer. Studio 352 was involved in the storyboard layout, the story background and the animation itself.
Inspired by Celtic legends and myths that captivate children worldwide, Song of the Sea recounts the journey of Ben and his younger sister Saoirse who possesses a special gift – she is a Selkie, a sea fairy. Both children travel through a magical world of ancient Irish legends, where only Saoirse and her “Song of the Sea” can keep these tales alive and save fairy creatures from a tragic ending at the hands of the witch, and make them rediscover their own powers. The 93-minute film features the voices of Brendan Gleeson, Fionnula Flanagan and Pat Shortt.
Apart from the involvement of Ireland and Luxembourg, Song of the Sea also has production partners in France, Denmark and Belgium. It had a production budget of €5 million. Song of the Sea was also screened in Luxembourgish ("Melodie D'vun Mier") and in French ("Le chant de la mer") at the Luxembourg City Film Festival in March.
