Brown Bag Preps Animated Special Angela’s Christmas

9 Story Media Group’s Brown Bag Films is producing the animated holiday special Angela’s Christmas, based on a children’s book penned by Angela’s Ashes author Frank McCourt.

Inspired by a story that McCourt’s mother told him when he was young, Angela’s Christmas is set in Ireland during the early 1900s and centers on a child’s desire for her family to feel safe, warm and loved during the holidays. The 30-minute CGI film stars Ruth Negga (Preacher) and Lucy O’Connell (Song of the Sea). It is written by Will Collins (Song of the Sea) and Damien O’Connor (Doc McStuffins), who is also directing.

Production on Angela’s Christmas is currently underway, with the special slated for completion in early November. 9 Story Distribution International will manage the film’s sales around the globe.

“I am so thrilled to see this beloved story come to life as an animated film,” said Ellen McCourt, Frank McCourt’s widow, who serves as an executive producer on the project. “Brown Bag Films’ unparalleled artistry in animation, combined with their Irish roots, make them the perfect partner to tell Frank’s children’s classic in a new way.”

“Angela’s Christmas is such a special story,” added Darragh O’Connell, the creative director of Brown Bag Films. “McCourt has a way of capturing the mind of young Angela that will have you laughing and crying. The story lends itself beautifully to animation and we are so excited to share this with audiences around the world.”