Kilkenny Animated 2025 - Meet the Makers of KPop Demon Hunters

Julia Labedz
Oct 1
2 min read

Kilkenny Animated returns from 3–5 October 2025. Now firmly established as one of Ireland’s most exciting cultural festivals, it celebrates storytelling in all its forms - animation, illustration, design, and the many voices that bring images to life.

This year’s line-up is packed with international names and homegrown talent, with screenings, workshops, masterclasses and panel discussions spread across the city. And for fans of big-screen spectacle, there’s one highlight that promises to be unmissable: “Meet the Makers: KPop Demon Hunters.”

KPop Meets Kilkenny

Fresh from breaking streaming records on Netflix, KPop Demon Hunters has become a global phenomenon. The animated musical follows Huntr/x - a fictional girl group who balance pop stardom with saving the world from demonic forces. The film is full of dazzling visuals, mythology and a soundtrack that has topped charts worldwide.

At Kilkenny Animated, audiences will get the chance to go behind the scenes with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Applehans, who will share the creative journey of bringing KPop Demon Hunters to life. Following the talk, the festival will host a special screening at the Ormonde Hotel Mainstage on Sunday evening.

Beyond Demon Hunting

The programme doesn’t stop there. Across the weekend, festivalgoers can look forward to:

Masterclasses with international creators including Lisa Hanawalt, Brenda Chapman and Kevin Lima.
Workshops and panels for students, professionals and curious newcomers, covering everything from character design to industry insights.
Screenings of new and classic animated works, giving audiences a taste of the diversity and innovation in the field.

Plan Your Visit

When: 3–5 October 2025
Where: Kilkenny City, with main events at the Ormonde Hotel Mainstage
Tickets: Weekend passes and individual event tickets are now available at kilkennyanimated.com