Wolfwalkers is a fantasy set in 17th-century Ireland. CHINA DAILY

"It's a very special way to tell a story like this. It (hand-drawn animation) makes it feel more ageless. It's an old-fashioned technique, but we have tried to keep pushing it into the 21st century by re-imagining it and reinventing it."

Because of the pandemic, Moore was unable to attend the Beijing premiere of the film this month, but he talks enthusiastically of a trip he made to Shanghai earlier, when a Chinese producer suggested that he tattoo the ancient Chinese characters representing inner freedom on one of his legs.

"We had great Chinese partners on this movie who helped fund the project and really supported us. I would really like to come back and work with them again, and see China in a little bit more detail."

Citing some of the Chinese animated films that impress him most, such as Big Fish and Begonia (2016) and Over the Moon (2020), Moore says the high quality was striking.

He wants to continue to work with Chinese partners, and he says they are now working on a movie based on the Irish Children's TV series Puffin Rock. The movie will add a new character, a golden bird called Phoenix, designed to give it a Chinese connection.

For Moore, the key to producing a successful animated film is teamwork.

"There's still so much to explore, and it's just a pleasant way to make a movie spending your day drawing."

Contact the writer at xufan@chinadaily.com.cn