Animated Christmas movie Nollaí to be aired in Irish and Welsh

An animated Christmas movie about a young deer on a journey of self-discovery is being released in Irish and Welsh next month.

Nollaí – a landmark commission from BBC Northern Ireland, TG4 and S4C – has been described as a “delightful tale of love and belonging”.

The film was produced by Belfast-based Taunt Studios and is due to premiere on 14 December.

An Irish language version will be shown on BBC iPlayer, TG4 and Cúla4, while the Welsh language version will air on S4C.

The movie follows Nollaí as he is found by a human family on one wintry night 10 years ago at the stone circle.

It is later revealed that he could be the last living Megaloceros giganteus, an extinct giant deer.

Máire Uí Choisdealbha, TG4’s commissioning editor said the collaboration had brought “together an extraordinary blend of creative talent and cultural storytelling from Ireland and Wales”.

She said the festive film “will enchant families for years to come”.

The Welsh language version features Osian Snelson as Nollaí (Nolig in Welsh), Marged Llwyd as Siân, Clare Hingott as Siriol, Dion Davies as Daid and Dafydd Emyr as Cawr-Garw.

Sioned Geraint, S4C’s content commissioner for children and learners, said she was “delighted” the channel had been involved in the festive film and described it as “beautiful” and “endearing”.

“Being able to launch this film in Irish and Welsh on the same day on both channels is perfect,” she said.

Karen Kirby, commissioning executive for BBC Northern Ireland, said that it was “a universal story which can be told in multiple languages and is brilliantly brought to life”.