Belfast’s Paper Owl Films Secures Second Season for Lí Ban

Belfast-based independent producer Paper Owl Films has received the green light to develop a second season of its dynamic, Celtic-inspired adventure anime series, Lí Ban. This project, commissioned by Cúla4/TG4 in Ireland and S4C in Welsh, is supported by funding from Coimisiún na Meán, along with contributions from Northern Ireland Screen’s Screen Fund and the Irish Language Broadcast Fund. The series will be distributed internationally by Aardman.

Creative Vision and Audience Connection

“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from our partners, which allows us to create a new season of Lí Ban, sharing ancient Celtic tales that resonate with children around the globe,” expressed Gráinne McGuinness, Creative Director at Paper Owl Films. “The global appeal of anime and fantasy storytelling empowers us to present Lí Ban’s coming-of-age journey to a contemporary audience, making her quest for identity just as relevant for today’s youth as it was centuries ago.”

New Adventures Await

The upcoming season will consist of 13 episodes, each lasting 11 minutes, targeting children aged seven to nine and their families. The narrative follows Lí Ban’s quest for answers in a mystical realm filled with gods and monsters. The series features Sadbh Breathnach voicing Lí Ban and Jude Petticrew as Con.

Plot Highlights

In Season 2, Lí Ban and Con find themselves settled in Manannán’s kingdom, deepening their relationships with Morveren, Dylan, Manannán, and Bíreog. However, Lí Ban’s desire to reclaim her human essence remains a constant theme.

When they discover that Mídenn is still alive, held captive by the malevolent Balor on an island in the otherworldly Annwn, they are determined to rescue him. Their journey to Annwn is fraught with challenges, prompting them to seek assistance from the powerful Sorceress Ceridwen and her son, Tali, who becomes their ally in this mission.

Celtic Magic and Timeless Tales

The new season promises a blend of fantastical heroes, legendary villains, and a reality shaped by Celtic magic. The stories are among the most captivating ever passed down through generations, rooted in the ancient lands that inspired them.

Industry Support and Future Prospects

“The teams at TG4 & Cúla4 are thrilled to announce that Series 2 of this remarkable show has been greenlit,” stated Siobhán Ní Bhrádaigh, Commissioning Editor & Acquisitions Executive for Children’s Content at TG4. “We eagerly anticipate collaborating once more with the talented creatives at Paper Owl, S4C, and Aardman to bring more of Lí Ban’s adventures to life. Our gratitude extends to the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, Northern Ireland Screen, and Coimisiún na Meán for their invaluable support.”

Áine Walsh, Head of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund at Northern Ireland Screen, added, “Supporting children’s content that highlights the Ulster dialect of Irish is a key priority for the Fund. We are excited to see a second series of this original Irish language animation available for our young audiences. We look forward to following Lí Ban’s new adventures across the Celtic nations.”

For more information, visit: paperowlfilms.com | aardman.com/distribution