John Kelly, originally from Newry, is in Los Angeles for the Oscar ceremony. His animated short film Retirement Plan is nominated in the best animated short category. Kelly spoke from Los Angeles on Monday about a dinner at the Academy Museum attended by animation nominees.

The film features narration by Domhnall Gleeson. Kelly created and directed it, co-writing with Tara Lawall. It centres on a man listing retirement goals. Kelly drew the scene designs and collaborated with animators Eamonn O'Neill and Marah Curran from Wicklow.

Production lasted over a year for the seven-minute film with 100 shots. Kelly described the inspiration as reflections on time and priorities during a flight, influenced by ageing relatives and growing children. Gleeson joined after reviewing sketches sent via his agent. They recorded a three-hour session with improvised elements included.

Retirement Plan won awards at the Irish Film and Television Academy Awards and the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas. Kelly attended a nominees lunch where names were called for group photos.

Kelly's late father was Professor John Kelly from Newry's Dublin Road. His aunt Patricia, who lives in Newry, expressed pride in her nephew. Kelly studied graphic design at DIT Dublin and completed a masters at the Royal College of Art in London. The film is available on RTE Player and Disney+.