The UK’s largest celebration of animated storytelling, Manchester Animation Festival is a welcoming, world class event dedicated to the art, craft and the future of animated film. From bold short film and feature screenings to inspiring masterclasses, talks, panels and workshops, MAF is a place for all ages to discover, learn and be part of something special, whether you’re an industry insider or just want to see something you won’t see anywhere else.
GLOBAL FEATURES IN COMPETITION
Come and check out our International Features from all over the world, from coming-of-age tales to opera adaptations.
Lucy Lost + Q&A (PG)
We have the UK Premiere of Lucy Lost followed by a Q&A with director Olivier Clert and Screenwriter Helen Blakeman. On the edge of a quiet fishing village in a remote archipelago lives a family bound to the sea. Jim and Mary share their home with their son Alfie - and with Lucy, a mysterious eleven-year-old girl with striking white hair and visions no one else can see.
In Waves + Q&A (12A)
Direct from its acclaimed festival run at Annecy and Cannes Critics’ Week, In Waves adapts the beloved graphic novel into a breathtaking animated film about navigating grief and finding solace on the water. A must-see for fans of art-house animation and powerful true stories. We have director Phuong Mai Nguyen and illustrator of the graphic novel AJ Dungo here for a Q&A.
Blaise (15)
Fresh off its run at Cannes and Annecy, Blaise follows an introverted teenager whose sudden streak of rebellion sends shockwaves through his already dysfunctional family. Awarded Best Animated Feature at Fantasia Fest, this French dark comedy is a brilliantly funny slice of modern teenage chaos.
Viva Carmen (15)
We’re got the UK premiere of Viva Carmen. From the creator of previous MAF Award Winner Chicken for Linda!, Viva Carmen is a stunning animated reimagining of the opera. Packed with striking visuals, fiery passion, and an unforgettable score, this acclaimed French feature celebrates freedom, love, and living life on your own terms.
We Are Aliens (15)
Following its screening in competition at Cannes and having just won last night at Ottowa, We Are Aliens blends stunning visuals with a heartwarming story of summer, youth, and human connection. A must-see for lovers of fine Japanese animation and indie cinema.
Jim Queen (18)
Jim, sexy icon of the Parisian gay scene, sees his life turned upside down when he contracts Heterosis, a strange virus that transforms gay men... into heterosexuals!
FAMILY DAY - Sunday 8 November
From the BBC Family Boxset to a premiere of Mog's Bad Thing ahead of its festive TV broadcast, to a special screening of The Cat in the Hat before its cinema release, to talks from Aardman animator and director Gav Strange to curated short film screenings for kids and for teens, MAF’s Family Day has something for all ages.
TRY SOMETHING NEW - SHORTS MIXTAPES
Explore the next big thing in animation with our Animation Mixtape and World of Animation shorts screenings and hear from tomorrow’s talent in our Short Film Director’s Q&A.
TERRIFIC TALKS
Hear from the artists and minds behind Star Wars, Disney and more at Industrial Light & Magic; award-winning short films; and Guillermo del Toro’s stop-motion studio El Taller del Cucho; and Aardman celebrating 50 more years of clay.