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At a time when mainstream animation has become increasingly homogenised through reliance on CGI, it’s a real treat to see old-school, hand-drawn 2D animation on the big screen. Jean-Loup Felicioli and Alain Gagnol’s A Cat in Paris, which was nominated for this year’s Best Animated Feature Oscar, is a charming reminder of just how expressive the medium can be.

Following the murder of her father by local crime boss Victor Costa, young Zoé has lost the power of speech. Her mother, a police detective, cannot give Zoé the attention or affection she needs, and so the girl seeks comfort in her cat, Dino. But while Dino is happy to be her companion by day, by night he leads a very different life, accompanying Nino, a petty burglar, on his rounds. Eventually, the cat’s two lives intersect, upping the stakes for all concerned. While the story may be aimed at younger viewers, adults will relish the detailed artistry on display. (Notes by Kevin Coyne.)

RECOMMENDED AGE 8+ 

See also details of our Irish Animation Day.