Bar Shorts returns to The Garden Cinema for a very special night with one of the most poetic voices in animation: Michael Dudok de Wit.

A rare, intimate evening with a master of the form — and a chance to see the inspirations behind some of the most quietly profound animated films ever made.

The Oscar‑winning filmmaker behind Father and Daughter and the acclaimed Studio Ghibli co‑production The Red Turtle joins us to share a hand‑picked selection of his favourite short films — works that have shaped his sensibility, inspired his craft, and continue to influence his approach to visual storytelling. Expect a rare glimpse into the artistic lineage of a director celebrated for his emotional clarity, painterly elegance, and meditative pacing.

Following the screenings, Michael will be in conversation with Chris Shepherd, exploring the creative impulses behind his work, the films that shaped him, and the enduring power of simplicity in animation. The night is curated with Dog&Rabbit.