'Kells' sets IFC Center box-office record

NEW YORK, March 10 (UPI) -- "The Secret of Kells" has broken the opening weekend box-office record at the IFC Center, the New York theater said.

The Celtic myth-themed movie was directed by Tomm Moore and released by GKIDS.

"With 'The Secret of Kells' selling out all but one of its weekend shows, IFC had its biggest Friday, Saturday, Sunday in the theater's history. Saturday was our single biggest day ever and we also had our biggest weekend ever," John Vanco, general manager of IFC Center, said in a statement Monday. "We're thrilled to be able to extend our mission of showcasing the best of independent film by presenting a wonderful picture like 'Kells,' which gloriously proves that kids and parents are just as starved for quality alternatives to Hollywood product as IFC Center's regular audiences are."

The film's weekend gross of $39,826 was the best per-screen average of any movie in the United States for the weekend of March 5-7, its producers said.

"We are just thrilled beyond words at the record-breaking reception New York audiences have given to 'The Secret of Kells,' as well as the love the film has received from NY critics," added Eric Beckman, president of GKIDS. "It has been an amazing ride so far, and we now look forward to expanding our release and giving audiences in other markets an opportunity to experience this amazing film."

The film about a young boy who helps illustrate Ireland's famous Book of Kells will next open in Boston and Philadelphia March 19.