This programme explores the full spectrum of human emotions through 8 captivating films that delve into themes of love, hate, jealousy, sensuality, melancholy, anxiety, confusion, fear, and doubt. Each film is powerful and moving, offering profound insights and striking visuals that resonate with contemporary issues.

Independent animation remains a dynamic and evolving art form, showcasing a stunning array of styles, materials, and techniques— from hand-drawn and paint-on-glass to collage, sculpture, cut-outs, puppetry, abstract forms, and innovative CGI. This year's LIAF highlights the most diverse and exciting developments within this vibrant medium.

After sorting through a huge pile of 2,400 entries, we’ve curated a selection of 77 outstanding new films from 30 countries. These films range from humorous and dramatic to bizarre, subtle, frightening, and autobiographical. What they all share is our belief that they represent the best of the best. These 8 international competition programmes showcase a variety of techniques, genres, and styles. This is your annual glimpse into the vibrant world of international indie animation.

Several filmmakers will be in attendance to introduce their films at the start of the screening.

Please visit https://liaf.org.uk/ for more details

I'm Not Sure

An insight into the filmmaker's stay in a hospital, where she repeatedly experiences absurd, funny moments between pain, homesickness, and disgust over her body.

Switzerland 2025  Dir: Luisa Zürcher 10’05

The Pool or Death of a Goldfish

A daughter, through unexpressed anger and rebellion against her mother, transforms into a goldfish. Her repressed childhood emotions are manifested in her harshness towards herself and others.

Poland 2025 Dir: Daria Kopiec 13’50

Hypersensitive

The turbulent, surrealistic journey of a young woman struggling to rebuild herself, in defiance of social norms that tell us to repress our emotions.

Canada 2025 Dir: Martine Frossard 6’40

Pear Garden

Six-year-old Lily visits her grandmother after she has a mastectomy. At night, Lily finds out that the shadow of grandma has breasts. Lily follows her and tries to get the breasts back for her grandma.

Germany, Iran 2024  Dir: Shadab Shayegan 7’00

Because Today is Saturday

It's Saturday, and a woman struggles with the difficulty of reconciling her home life and her need to escape to unleash her creative side.

Portugal, France, Spain 2025 Dir: Alice Eça Guimarães 12’25

Wish You Were Ear

After breakups, exes must exchange body parts. One person spots their old ear on another, sparking a quest for identity and acceptance in a bizarre society where physical pieces of ourselves live on in others.

Hungary 2025 Dir: Mirjana Balogh 10’15

Lost Touch

Amelia is the sole survivor on a damaged space ship. Trapped in the gravitational pull of a planet, she struggles with grief and isolation. When a mysterious presence appears, she is torn between the past and the future.

Switzerland 2025 Dir: Justine Klaiber 12’25

Stone of Destiny

The Stone of Destiny longs for freedom and wants to overcome its self-doubt. So it embarks on a journey and meets strange creatures in strange places.

Czech Republic 2025 Dir: Julie Cerna 10’20