‘KPop’ Heads To Kilkenny: Directors Maggie Kang And Chris Applehans Headline This Year’s Irish Fest

Kilkenny Animated returns this autumn with an impressive roster of international animation talent, offering industry insiders and fans alike an intimate opportunity to engage with some of the most influential voices in the field.

Hosted by Cartoon Saloon, Lighthouse Studios, and Schweppe Curtis Nunn Events, the festival continues to solidify its reputation as a distinctive industry gathering for professionals from around the world. The festival takes place from October 3-5, 2025, across Kilkenny City, with its main program running from October 4-5 at the Ormonde Hotel.

This year’s special guests include K-Pop Demon Hunters directors Maggie Kang and Chris Applehans, Tuca & Bertie creator Lisa Hanawalt, Academy Award-winner Brenda Chapman (Brave), and Kevin Lima, marking the 30th anniversary of his debut feature, A Goofy Movie.

Program Highlights

• Maggie Kang and Chris Applehans – Discuss making Netflix’s historic hit K-Pop Demon Hunters.
• Lisa Hanawalt – In conversation with BAFTA-winner Gilly Fogg (Lighthouse Studios) about her new animated Netflix special, Long Story Short.
• Brenda Chapman – Reflects on her groundbreaking career – the first woman to direct an animated feature from a major studio, in a Q&A hosted by Cartoon Saloon co-founder and Oscar nominee Nora Twomey.
• Michael Rose and Martin Pope (Magic Light Pictures) – Discuss two decades of beloved adaptations from The Gruffalo to The Snail & the Whale.
• Kevin Lima – Presents Disney+ documentary Not Just A Goof, about the enduring and resurging love for A Goofy Movie.
• Chloé Farr and Adam Sillard – Explore their short Au Revoir Jerome with Cartoon Saloon’s Tomm Moore.

Alongside these panels, the festival will host practical sessions spotlighting women first-time directors, funding strategies for artists, and sustaining independent practices outside studio walls. Delphine Coudray, Colm Dowling, Giovanna Ferrari, Alan Holly, Clíodhna Lyons, and Paddy Lynch will participate in panels and discussions that explore the various paths of creative careers.

Kilkenny Animated will also continue its Pathways to Animation initiative, providing secondary and third-level students with a gateway into the industry. Workshops and public events will further engage audiences, while the popular Art Market at Kyteler’s Inn (Oct. 4–5) will showcase local artistic talent.

Throughout the festival weekend, visitors can browse and purchase unique works from local artists and animators. The much-loved Art Market will once again take place at Kyteler’s Inn on both Saturday and Sunday, offering attendees the chance to take home a piece of the festival spirit with them.

The festival is funded by Fáilte Ireland and Kilkenny County Council, with additional support from Coimisiún na Meán. Event sponsors include Animation Ireland, Screen Ireland, Cultural and Creative Industries Skillnet, RTÉ, and TG4. Brophy Gillespie and Gorilla Post Production support workshops.