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

"It was really exciting for us to remember these old stories that had almost died out, and it was also really nice for our international team of artists to rediscover the town where they live and work," says Moore, 44.

After about 80 animators gathered, Moore says they reviewed Irish history in the 1650s when the powerful English statesman Oliver Cromwell tried to bring Ireland under control in what was reckoned to be one of the most aggressive phases of tensions between England and Ireland that spanned 800 years.

"He (Cromwell) saw the country as wild, and he wanted to bring it under control to prove to the other people in England that he was a powerful leader," Moore says. "So he was quite ruthless with the local people (in Ireland), and also cut down a lot of the forests.

"He eliminated wolves from Ireland at this time. The extinction of the species really made a big impact on Irish people because we lost a connection that we had with the woods and the land. It was a very aggressive time in Irish history."

Despite taking place in the darkest of times, the film unfolds through a poetic perspective to showcase the lush woods of Ireland, accompanied by some lighthearted moments.

Another highlight of the film is the two heroines, Robyn personifying a civilized life restrained by secular doctrine, and Mebh, a wild spirit yearning for freedom.