Scots animated film starring Sir Sean Connery receives international premiere

An animated movie starring the voice of Sir Sean Connery is to premiere at a US film festival next month.

The former James Bond star came out of retirement to play a kilted, skateboarding pensioner in Billi the Vet.

Sir Sean, 81, is also an executive producer on the movie – his first voiceover role – which will debut at the Sonoma International Film Festival near San Francisco.

He plays a retired Highland vet racing to save the last beaver in Scotland.

Sir Billi has been more than six years in the making, starting out as a 20-minute short but now a full-length feature. The film is the brainchild of entrepreneur Tessa Hartmann, who wrote the screenplay, and her husband Sascha, who directed it.

Sir Sean said: “I’m excited to be a part of this incredible film.

“Sir Billi is truly a first-class film, with an exceptional cast and is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

“There’s an incredible amount of work that goes into animated productions and I am delighted that Sascha and his team have completed what has been a labour of love.

“I am thrilled with the final cut.”

Sascha said: “Sir Sean has been incredible. From day one, we knew he was perfect for the role of Sir Billi – being a true Scottish hero and also a grandfather himself.

“No matter how many times I hear his legendary voice on the film, it still gives me a thrill.”

Other stars lending their voices to the film include Alan Cumming, Alex Norton, Ford Kiernan, Greg Hemphill and Ruby Wax.

Welsh singer Dame Shirley Bassey performs the film’s title track Guardian of the Highlands.

The film will be shown at Sonoma on April 13. 

After the red carpet event, there will be VIP dinner with salmon, haggis, Tunnock’s tea cakes, Walkers shortbread and whisky.

Watch an interview and trailer at Daily Record