The Ireland-Luxembourg co-production animated feature film Song of the Sea - which received a short-list Oscar nomination for Best Feature Animation earlier this year - received a standing ovation at its Ireland premier at this week's Galway Film Fleadh (festival) in the west of Ireland; in attendance was Film Fund Luxembourg's director Guy Daleiden.

Guy Daleiden is attending the Galway Film Fleadh to promote Luxembourg's film production industry and strengthen relations between the two countries. "It is important to remember that Luxembourg and Ireland have signed a co-production agreement 2011 and that since then 7 films (fiction and animation) have been co-produced ("The Runway", "Eternal Love", "Standby", "Robin Hood", "Two by Two / Ooops ... Noah has gone","Song of the Sea", and "Mammal") and 2 films are currently in production: "The Poisoners" (fiction) and "The Breadwinner" (animation). These figures testify to the success of this commitment and dynamism that emanates from the profession in our countries" he explained.

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.

The 27th annual Galway Film Fleadh is being held from 7 to 12 July 2015; among the strands included in this year's programming are animation, documentary, Irish-language, new Irish features, shorts and international films, with a focus on The Netherlands this year (two years ago the focus was on Luxembourg). In addition, and away from the screens, the event is also a hive of activity for film production and distribution, with scores of industry events also organised. This year's special guests are Pete Docter (director "Inside Out") John C. Reilly (actor: Guardians of the Galaxy, The Lobster, Life After Beth, We Need to Talk About Kevin).

Photo by Film Fund Luxembourg (L-R): Paul Young (producer), Tomm Moore (director), James Hickey (Irish Film Board), Guy Daleiden (Film Fund Luxembourg)