(ages 7 and up) Join us for this exquisitely animated story about the famed Book of Kells. The setting is Ireland in the ninth century, where the old Kells Abbey in a remote woodland area is home to twelve-year-old Brendan. He and the monks have been instructed by Brendan’s authoritarian uncle to strengthen the fortifications in order to protect the abbey from a Viking invasion. Brendan's life changes forever when Brother Aidan comes to the abbey. A master illustrator, Aidan has more faith in the power of the written word than in walls. Brendan learns the art of illumination and is given the task of ornamenting the final pages of Aidan's very special book. But this assignment is not an easy one—Brendan must first survive a journey through forests inhabited by strange mythical beasts! (Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey, Ireland/France/Belgium, 2009, 75 minutes)

(ages 7 and up) Hundreds of years ago in a remote village in Lapland, a little boy named Nikolas loses his family in an accident. The villagers decide to look after the orphaned boy together. Once a year, at Christmas, Nikolas moves to a new home. To show his gratitude, Nikolas decides to make toys for the children of the families. Over the years, Nikolas' former adoptive families become many, and soon almost every house has presents on its doorstep on Christmas morning. At thirteen, Nikolas is sent to live and work with Iisakki, a grumpy old carpenter, who forbids Nikolas to continue making presents for Christmas. Gradually, however, Nikolas wins Iisakki's trust and together they look after the Christmas tradition. When the aged Iisakki has to leave Nikolas and move away, the tradition of Christmas presents is once again at risk. Thankfully, Nikolas comes up with a solution that brings children joy every Christmas, even until today. English language version. (Juha Wuolijoki, Finland, 2007, 80 minutes)