AN animated feature film which was co-funded by Isle of Man Film and CinemaNX has been nominated for a European Film Award.
Chico and Rita has been nominated in the European Film Academy's Animated Feature Film 2011 category.
Set in Havana in 1948 the film tells the story of Chico a young Cuban pianist who dreams of making a place for himself in the jazz world. Rita is a singer with an extraordinary voice which captivates everyone. Music brings them together and they embark on a passionate and tormented love affair.
10 young Manx artists worked on the film for 16 months as colourists alongside other studios based in Hungary, Spain and the Philippines.
Economic Development Minister Allan Bell said: "We are so very proud of this nomination and are totally delighted that Chico and Rita has been recognised as a work of art by its peers and colleagues.
"It really is the most exquisitely crafted piece of animation and all of the young local artists who worked on the film should be very proud of their contribution to the film."
The 2011 judging committee will consist of European Film Awards board members and representatives of the European Association of Animation Film.
Rita and Chico will go up against Le Chat Du Rabbin (The Rabbi’s Cat) from France and Une Vie De Chat (A Cat in Paris) from France/Belgium.
The European Film Academy awards will be held in Berlin on December 3. The public will be able to watch the ceremony live at www.europeanfilmawards.eu.
